Coasters As Tiles

[Geefunk]

Hi all, first post and have a question I think I know the answer to, but really need some expert advice.
Been trying to find the perfect tiles for the kitchen splash back and my wife has now found these beautiful tiles which are ceramic coasters.
They are quite thin, have a smooth back so the question is, can these be used on the wall? My worry is they aren't made as tiles specifically but as coasters, so won't be as strong or waterproof, plus having a smooth back are they unlikely to stick properly? Any thoughts most welcome!
Cheers

 

[Andy Allen]

If there ceramic and glazed then I can't see a problem..
Are you sure there coasters? Most tile coasters I've seen have Cork or felt on the back to stop it marking your table..

 

[Geefunk]

Thanks Andy, they're definitely coasters as they have 4 little pads in each corner. They are glazed, so guessing the glaze should be waterproof? Is the smooth back not a problem? I thought tiles needed some kind of ridge to help them stick?
Cheers

 

[Tile Shop]

I would have thought tiles made for coasters would be made stronger the standard ceramic wall tiles, due to mugs and tankards being thumped down on them.

The wall isn't really going to come under any abnormal wear and tear so should be ok with a good polymer modified adhesive (in case they're porcelain) after any preparation they may need (cleaning/de-corking). But if you have a picture of the tiles (front and back) and the brand/name, we can dig a little deeper for you just to be sure.

 

[Geefunk]

Thanks Paul, will upload some pics. No brand name I'm afraid.

 

[Tile Shop]

Looks straight forward enough. Pop the pads off, give 'em a quick clean..... and stick 'em.

The look to have a pretty hefty glaze so would be more than suitable for walls. The back looks like standard ceramic, but I'd still go for a cement based single part flexible to be on the safe side (and if its plaster you're tiling onto, prime it first).

 

[Geefunk]

Paul, you're a star! My wife is gonna love you for that info . It will be onto painted plaster, so same rules?

Thanks again, most appreciated

 

[Tile Shop]

Strip the paint off if you can. Wouldn't like to guarantee any tiling working on a painted surface as you never can tell how well the paint is bonded.

But having said that one technique one of our old local guys used on emulsion was to score and give it 3 heavily diluted coats of an acrylic primer, (1:20 for the first, 1:10 for the second then 1:2 for the 3rd coat) applying each coat before the previous one dries, then leave it for 24 hours before tiling. His theory behind it was that it would soak through the paint and into plaster strengthening the bond between the two. That would be ok for small light tiles like that.......... unless one of the more hands on guys on have have tried and tested other ways?

 

[Geefunk]

Brilliant. Nice one Paul, really appreciate your time

Cheers

 

[CJ]

When they are on the wall, ya coffee will fall out.

I'll get me coat.

 

[Rich Midge]

No need to worry about the tiles being smooth. There's adhesives out there strong enough to stick glass. The ridges or rough back edge of tiles is there so they grip to conveyer belts in the factory. As an apprentice many years back I presumed it was to help them bond with the adhesive. Only after a factory tour did I realise it wasn't for our benefit at all.

 

[Geefunk]

Well you learn something new everyday!
Thanks, that makes sense and I'd not even thought about glass,etc.

Really appreciate your time and advice