Tile on Tile

[tjsmiler]

can i tile over tiles if they are fixed firmly to a plasterboard wall, the person is having a new kitchen fitted and wants me to just tile over the existing tiles.

I have not seen what it looks like but if someone could let me when not to use this method or any other info it would be great

Thanks

Toby

 

[Concept PHT]

Ah, I see Toby....

MAke sure the tiles are clean firmly fixed and grease free. Then score them using a tile scorer to give them a 'key'. Then PVA them 3 parts water to 1 part PVA. Let dry. Then use a good sticky adhesive. Before you grout, you are supposed to let the adhesive dry for a day or so - but its up to you.

Dont run any beading across the top of the tiles - it will look daft. Just grout them up nicely. And try to tile from the worktop upwards to the bottom of the cupboards so that the extra 6mm protrusion is hidden under the cupboard. You will then not know the difference if they have 1 layer or 2 layers of tiles.

Hope this helps
Anthony

 

[tjsmiler]

Anthony

Thats a big help mate, thank you very much.... any recomendations on the best sort of adhesive for this type of job?

Toby

 

[trevortine]

bal white star m8

 

[discoduster]

I was always taught a tile is possibly the best surface to fix a new tile to.

Don't quote if I'm wrong though.

 

[tjsmiler]

White star you reckon Trevortine,

Nice one mate im gonna have loads of that spare from the job im on now.....touch

Cheers pal

Toby

Can anyone confirm what discoduster has been told?

 

[trevortine]

Wouldnt say the best surface but if you are 100 per cent sure they are properly fixed then its do able. I personally dont like tiling over tile cause of the thickness issue, always think its better to start a fresh but with some customers it can be down to cost. I use white star for all wall tiling whether its a wet area or not purely cause of its sticking capability and flexibility, maybe a bit more pricey than others but why compromise on adhesive when the punters maybe payin a grand or two for tiles. Only issue you have over tiles is a longer setting period as the tile surfarce isnt as porous as plasterboard or plaster etc.

 

[Concept PHT]

Trevortine,

You are right about the setting time. Thats the only major downfall.

Toby - You cant go wrong with BAL grip. Personally, I would mix some rapidset flexi for this one (in white) and then mix some flexi grout.

Good luck pal

 

[trevortine]

hope you are quick then m8, rapidset has pot life of less than 45mins

 

[Concept PHT]

Mix what you need, and bang them on!! But if your a snail, then just the normal flexi will do.

Thanks for pointing out my error!! lol

 

[trevortine]

how long does your average 4 m2 kitchen splash back take you apm

 

[Concept PHT]

Less than a day - thats grouted and cleaned up, supping a brew in the van before I drive off.

I did 6.5m2 last week, with 6x6 tiles. Started tiling at 0945 (after running round to collect unexpected bits, normally 0830), finished by 1700. And that included collecting and dot/dabbing 9.5mm plasterboard to the window sill to level it.

What about you?

 

[trevortine]

I was doin a load of them recently for a builder, 4.5 m2 with chrome trim all round both sides and window, 4 inch tiles, first one took bout 4 hours but after a few got that down to just over 3! They are basically all the same so you get to remember all the measurements and cuts, only awkward bit is the cuts up round the hob extractor, diagonals on both sides, same company just started another 450 houses so better get the ts 30 out again!

 

[Concept PHT]

Let me know if you need a couple of decent guys there with you to get it cracked. Where abouts are you? Sounds like there is plenty of work there.

 

[trevortine]

Just outside glasgow m8, i try to work on my own though, its difficult to get people you can rely on and to do the job to your own standards. How long you been tilin for?