Tiles over wallpaper

[robbieraven]

Just removed some tiles in a 1970s property, found last tiling job was done straight ontop of old wallpaper, although they came off relatively easily I was still amazed that after 10 years they were still pretty much attached well and truly. This was on plasterboard in a shower area too. Makes you think that with all the prep work we do these days how long they will last

 

[kimboslash]

I have never known tiles to actually fall off a wall, no matter how bad the prep and installation was from the previous 'tiler'. The grout alone can keep an entire tiled wall in tact even if they have blown from the substrate.

This is one reason cowboys can get away with doing a poor job, they are long gone before the problems start to arise.

 

[Time's Ran Out]

Done a few displays in showrooms onto wallpaper and always wondered how long they would stay intact - usually years!
Had an Uncle who worked for Polycell and asked him how to get the wallpaper off and he replied 'elbow grease' - to which I asked where can I get some ( 40 years ago) still as daft !

 

[mma]

I've removed tiles before that were well and truly stuck to some blown vinyl wall paper!? Had been up for years in a bathroom!

 

[John Benton]

Sounds like we need to revisit wall preparation.

1. Size the wall
2. Paper with lining paper or blown vinyl
3. Tile walls in selected tile