Thanks for the feedback and ideas. The varnish idea is intriguing; I think I've seen similar applications and they end up looking very shiny and not a match for the paint. This is not so terrible, but would be a bit of a different look. Are there any varnish-type products which would have a more neutral finish? Also do you think I'd need to varnish the ceiling as well to protect from condensation, or only on the walls which would be receiving direct 'splashes'? We are leaning towards keeping the tub, and retrofitting it with a shower. The idea of a hand-held European-style shower is very appealing; we're wondering if maybe a ceiling-mounted curtain ring would be sufficient to prevent splashes if the shower hardware were somehow mounted inside the curtain, maybe from a bar mounted to the ceiling? We did something similar to a clawfoot tub in our previous house - link added to show what that may look like. It would be a tricky install since the curtain ring would probably need to be mounted at the same angle as the slope of the ceiling. We would probably just leave the current tub faucet set in place and add another faucet set that operates just the shower. There's not really an economical way to create space for a separate shower, changing the footprint of the room is off-the-table for us at this point. Here is a link that might be useful: clawfoot shower system

hey lester: I missed your post. Yes indeed he removed all of the old crumbling mortar back to the sound stuff. He has repointed almost half as of this AM with a type of mortar to prevent any damage to the old brick. I will then seal it. He has done this kind of restoration work for almost 20 years and I have seen how perfect the brick still looks so I am excited to get mine taken care of. fc: I feel the same way. I just sent you an email about the color. prill. About 2 months. It depends on a lot of things. The first part to Maine will be done by late June. If the one guy and gal in our group of 9 want to go on as they have indicated then I will be gone till mid July. Just have to play it by ear. We ride approx 50 miles a day and take off one day a week , Of course stuff happens. LOL. Some of it good and some not so much. We did the 3300 mi from St A to San Diego last yr in 62 days. This is only 2600 mi and then if I add on more. I met so many wonderful people last year. I sent weekly updates to the Conversation side. They have all fallen off though. it was fun to get all the responses. I wish I had printed them out. oceanna: Good to hear from you !!! It will be gorgeous. Now I will HAVE to do something about new cushions for the furniture too...sigh. Always something. Yes the bike ride will be great. We camp the whole way. Thanks for the compliments...I have my good days :) c

PL polyurethane caulk would be best, but they need to tape it off and be very careful or it will be a big mess. Otherwise they can use Big Stretch if they want something with water cleanup. The bigger question is whether the beadboard is PVC or some sort of wood product. PVC will be indestructible... MDF may require more care. Billy

There is actually something called a baseboard buddy? or something like that sold at BBB. Im not giving deign advice but to clear some things up. Most bead board or ship lap is made from cheap pine which is probably the lowest on the hardness scale in regards to wood In other words it dents and scratches very easily. Sheetrock is very easily repaired so if damages are your worry I would pic sheetrock any day of the week. Repairing wood isn't as easily repaired. Us a satin or above sheen such as SW Cashmere and it can be repaired or spotted in very easily. That said the higher the gloss as used on trim becomes harder to blend in. You can use every product on the planet if you use wood you will get bleed through and it might show up a year later. I am a wood worker and love working with wood and also like seeing the defects as that is the look i prefer. That said if you do not like that look use MDF. It is more stable and you won't get all the shrinking in between the boards and no bleeding through. Do not let anyone caulk in between the boards. This will make shrinkage show 10xs as much when the caulk fails. Anything used in moderation is acceptable. Pic an accent wall or two and use either. They have both been around for a 100 years. The problem comes when you have headboard in every room or shiplap everywhere. Pick and accent wall and in three years you will be glad you did!!!