Ceramic tiles on painted drywall

[EpsilonRho]

I am planning to install ceramic tiles in the bathroom glued to the drywall. The drywall is painted with a couple of coats of "bathroom" latex paint (w/ fungicide) and it is in good shape. Any problem with the bonding of the tiles to the latex paint? TIA, Gene

[Newfie]

This is one of those questions where there really is no exact answer. The adhesive will stick to the paint. But there is no way to determine the long-term results of a new tile finish over a painted surface. The paint can peel, break down or otherwise come loose from the substrate and the tiles may will also come loose.

A few things I take into consideration when tiling any area are:

1. Weight of tiles on the drywall - I personally will not go moe than 3 feet high on drywall with any tile. If more than 3 feet, replace drywall with cement board.

1. Wet areas - if tile is being installed in an area where water is frequent - I use backerboard with a waterproof membrane (Kerdi system is great).

[dadiOH]

They will bond fine either with thinset or mastic if the paint is non-glossy. The bond will be as strong as is the attachment of the paint to the drywall.