tiles on top of tiles...

M

Mr T

What is the easiest route?... Plaster board walls with solid mosaic looking tiles... My common sense is telling me to score the tiles with my trowel... Prime and then tile? Is this the best way? Thanks
 
I'm not sure what your trying to do here mrT, you want to tile on top of tiles. Ok, let's assume you have checked suitability and its ok, what to is, wash the face of the original tiles with sugar soap, then score the tiles using anything really that will score them, grinder with cupped wheel, fein, or a brick. Once at this stage, prime then tile. Note: things to consider: weight, are walls flat, what tile your installing, have you checked current tiles are solid.
 
for the time it will take you prep the existing tiles and tile, you will be better off and quicker to strip them out matey.

you also have to bear in mind that the existing tiles may cause a issue further down the line... come back on OLD gear or substandard adhesion...

for peace of mind I always strip back to original substrate to also get a proper gauge of the actual original substrate
 
The customer (friends mom)... Doesnt want the old tiles removed.. It is a plaster board wall behind the tiles but the tiles seem solid.im not too confident I would be able to re-prep the plasterboards correctly Im just thinking about leaving this one as im not experienced enough
 
You will need to learn, when it comes to prep and how the job is done, all decisions are down to the tiler. Only input I want from customer is, portrait or landscape, grout colour, metal or plastic!
 
The customer (friends mom)... Doesnt want the old tiles removed.. It is a plaster board wall behind the tiles but the tiles seem solid.im not too confident I would be able to re-prep the plasterboards correctly Im just thinking about leaving this one as im not experienced enough

I'd say there's your answer right there. If you're doubting your own ability to provide the adequate prep work then say no and be happy you did the right thing, but don't be discouraged, it will come ;-)
 
...but... And I'm sure mrT will concede... He is not YET a tiler. I'd hazard a guess your mates mum knows you have limited experience? And that's why she is hesitant at letting you rip walls down. The ball is in your court mrT, take the bull by the horns and nail this one, tell her what your gonna do and do it! Re plaster boarding the wall is the least of your worries
 
Is this a bathroom? if so you should hardi board it.

its down to you buddy, but you should be telling her what needs to be done. YOUR the professional, Your the tradesman.

He's not though that's why he is asking.
Its always best to take old tiles off and only you can assess how well fixed they are! The weight issue you have with plasterboard is the fact that skimmed boards are only meant to take 21kg of weight and so the size of the tiles that are at present fixed and the size of your new tiles is a very important factor. If you can satisfy yourself then the walls must be clean and dry to receive new tiles.
Even though this job can provide you with valuable experience only consider it if you are happy with the preparation needed.
 
Yeh mate its half a bathroom above the bath and sink... No shower just a bath... So will be minimal water up the walls just around the bath. I want to do it propperly and if tiling on tiles is a big no im not gonna do it.
 
I think its all about knowing your capabilities john... And if the job consists of taking the tiles down and re-boarding on to timber frames... I cant do it or at least am not confident enough to go at it.
 
Get a mentor! See if there is a tiler on here who could look at your job and run through it with you ( I know the Sir has had you out but there should be someone else that can help!) She wants the job done and you want to do it correctly so don't give up on it over a bit of preparation.
 
Ars you charging this customer? If not then take this as an opportunity to learn how to re board and learn what consists of prepping a bathroom. If you dont take jobs on you will find it difficult to learn. :thumbup:
 
Only problem is Mr T if you want to tile, alot off work goes into the prep before you can stick the tiles up. If someone else is doing the prep fine, but you will find out that most customers will want you to do it.
 
I'm having technical difficulties replying with quote but that's very good advice TJ. I didn't know you where previously out with ramie, did you enjoy the experience mrT?
 
Yes sm I am charging but its pennies mate honestly only so I get a drink once the hard works done lol...saltire if I take it il do all the work that needs doing I know exactly what needs to be done to do the job propperly its just I dont have the confidense I would cut the boards to a nice fit and tbh thats all im worried about... Charlie yes mate done a week with him was hoping for more experience with him but I landed some paid work with a builder so had to take it. Hes sound matey
 
Yeh thanks tj but im not askin anyone to give up there time giving me the answers to my questions on here is more than I can ask.
 
Id still go for it. As long as the boards are the same thickness you shouldn't have any problems. Make sure you have all materials ready before you do the rip out
 
Ya win some ya loose some ive told her I wont do it unless she. Has it re-boarded... If she wants it done il have a bash and if not no worries
 
Fair play mate. Your asking for trouble tiling over tiles in my opinion. Especially as you're just starting out. Don't want your first problem this early on.
 
legally if anything went wrong its down to you, as a tiler by tiling the wall you are accepting that the substrate is adequate even if the customer insisted and signed saying you advised and she made the decision not to do it properly it would not hold up in court so the buck stops with you , Do it properly, do it once !
 
i've had to rip down tiles that were on tiles and they were on well..very well !...I also rent a house that the landlords builder...rubbish at that, tiled straight over the existing tiles..and they are solid...it can be done..but depends on a lot of factors that you may not know.
 
Yeh I mean im just not gonna tile on tile and if I mess up the prep il pay for it to be fixed and then il tile... Its a close mate so there wont be a problem only thing is.. The whole bathroom is tiled and she only wants above the bath tiling and shes wallpapering the rest... Can I nock off the area nedds tiling and Re-board or does the whole roon need to be done? Thanks guys
 

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tiles on top of tiles...
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