Mounting large tiles on a brick fireplace

[erniepaul21]

I am in the process of mounting 12"x36" tiles to an existing brick fireplace. I was thinking the best route would be to apply bonding agent to the bricks, let dry then apply standard thinset using a large square notched trowel to mount the tiles. Also back butter each tile for adhesion. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

 

[White Room]

Is the brickwork flat and what bonding agent do you have....

 

[erniepaul21]

The brickwork is fairly flat...Seems ok to just skim the recesses with a trowel then notch. I was thinking about using a standard concrete bonding agent.

 

[White Room]

I would use some sbr thinned down 4-1 to kill some suction, avoid pva....use the flat side of the trowel to get a surface on the brickwork then use the notched side and as you state back skim the tile.

 

[erniepaul21]

What is sbr? and what does avoid pva mean?

 

[White Room]

Moisture from the adhesive will soften up, sbr (

Styrene Butadiene rubber) and will not be effected..​

 

[erniepaul21]

Im not sure I understand. Are you suggesting using a rubber type adhesive? I was thinking about using a standard versabond or possibly kerabond.

 

[White Room]

No mate, the item I mentioned (sbr) was to go on your brickwork as a primer not an adhesive....some bricks are very absorbant and may take the moisture from your adhesive very quickly....

 

[Peter]

SBR is a liquid similar in principle to PVA. Apply that diluted before spreading adhesive as a primer or sealer.

 

[erniepaul21]

ahhhh...gotcha. thanks for the very insightful hint! Makes perfect sense.:smilewinkgrin: