Pre-tiling preparation

John You can get specialist products to apply to the wall prior to tiling. This is more to give the tile adhesive a good suction and stop it drying out prematurely. If the grout is applied properly it should not fail, though be sure to use a grout suitable for showers. It is worth investing in a rubber tool for applying the grout as this ensures that you push it right into the joints. If you need any more specific advise on the tiling then just ask. Calum Sabey (Newark Traditional Kitchens 01556 690544)

What's on the wall now?

IME, if it's water resistant, it's tile adhesive resistant too! - seriously, if you want good adhesion, either leave the bare plaster(?) alone or apply two coats of PVA and allow to dry prior to tiling.

Just traces of old paint - it had previously been papered. One wall into the corner is lath and plaster.

I agree with what Phil wrote with regards to PVA, although be sure to dilute it well before applying. Calum Sabey (Newark Traditional Kitchens 01556 690544)

So you can't tile on to tiles then?

- seriously,

Tile adhesive sticks to just about anything that isn't flaking off

"John" wrote

Whatever advice you take about preparation, use quality tile adhesive or it's not worth bothering! Recommend you talk to BAL adhesives. They'll instruct on preparation and recommend their most suitable product. Not cheap, but why spoil the ship........

Phil

Anyone worth their salt would take the tiles off, personally I would never tile over tiles although it is possible, but I think the adhesive makes more use of the underlying grout than the glazed face of the tiles.

I agree, which is why I told him not to paint the wall.

Tiles is one of the best surfaces to tile onto, though a wee sandpaper to the glaze never does any harm. As a rule of thum so long as its neither flaking nor too porous then its ok. Bal are one of the best around. I used them for my floor gorut as they are one of the only people who do a good fully waterproof grout for extra wide gaps (I layed randon Slate tiles). Sovereign, who do all sorts of products such as damp proof chemicals etc are also excellent. If yuo have a local independant tile merchant the go with their recomendation. They are not going to sell you rubish. You can get 2 equally good types, one which is adhesive other, the other does for grout too, both types come in a tub. I prefer to use the adhesive only and then mix up my own grout from powder, but thats a personal preference. Calum Sabey (Newark Traditional Kitchen 01556 690544)

Wouldn't be much of a bond then. I can assure you the pre-mixed stuff in tubs sticks to the glaze very well. Not something I do very often but useful for packing out.