Pricklypear, the backsplash will be the same 4"x4' honed calacatta gold tiles I'm having installed above the black absolute granite and the stove. h-w-m, the pulls I think I've finally settled on are oil rubbed bronze pulls from the Restoration Hardware Outlet (they're Asbury 3" pulls). I wanted something that went with the stove's black knobs and would somewhat tie in the black absolute with the calacatta marble top on the wall unit. Thanks to everyone else. It's crazy what you can find when you look hard for it.

There are downsides to painting the tile, even if it comes out well initially and you don't use the super cheap rustoleum kit. One thing is you have to stay up on the cleaning - using it more frequently but not as abrasively. For example, I wouldn't be able to scrub the grout except for gently, maybe with a toothbrush. Also, this is not a very long term solution, maybe 3-5 years if taken care of. By then I will most likely be ready for something else anyway. To do the shower and tub together (black + white) costs less than $200 plus a weekend or so of my time, which I usually have very little of but I have plenty right now. I am not trying to argue my way of you guy's good logic, but providing more information just in case some comments were directed at cheaper products / perception of long term use (10-15 years). Also, I know a lot of you are professionals or otherwise experienced in these areas so I am still seeking and valuing your input.

^ isn't good advice. Asbestos isn't harmful unless it friable or airborne. Abatement will be expensive, risky, and unnecessary. Cut wet, no risk, no expense, no airborne asbestos, no test, no danger.

Quite the thread. Unfortunately some important basic information seems to have been overlooked. I) Gypsum board has not been allowed in wet areas since 2006. 2) Schluter Kerdi membrane is not recommended over moisture resistant dry wall due to the waxy finish. They are ok with regular drywall. 3) Adhering membrane to taping compound and paint. Big no no. 4) Most Important - Drywall manufacturers do not want their products in a wet area period. USG makes drywall and a waterproof membrane far superior to Schluter Kerdi and they will not allow it installed over drywall in a wet area. Schluter and others say it's Ok. (Actually they are only saying they can adhere to it.) Funny how they think they can over ride what another product manufacturer states their products limitations are and consider it a acceptable substrate. What is getting overlooked here is possible condensation in the wall cavity itself. This can destroy the gypsum board from behind where cement board or a foam panel would not be affected. Perhaps a drip in the control valve, poor seal on the gasket or elsewhere will break that gypsum board down. Now you have no recourse as Schluter and others will say the shower system worked fine it's the wall which it is attached to that failed. mca330 I do hope none of these issues will occur on your project and all goes well. There are some such as myself that would have walked away or insisted all manufacturer instructions and proper methods involved in the shower assembly were followed. Best