Help!!!! Tiles falling off wall! - TilersForums.com

[Lily Swizzle]

Hi Guys

I'm new to this forum so hope someone here has the knowledge to tell me what I'm doing wrong!

Started tiling around the bath a few days ago. All seemed to be going well till a couple of tiles fell off the wall in the middle of the night - didn't half give me a fright. I've used Unibond Tile Adhesive & Grout with anti-mould; and ceramic brick shaped tiles. House is over 100 years old and I'm tiling onto a wall with a few layers of paint on. (Did the kitchen a few years ago and had no problems at all - put adhesive onto tile rather than wall). Anyway, I've now had about 20 tiles fall off - the adhesive is on the back of the tiles and still a bit powdery..... think this could mean that it's the wall I have a problem with... should I have painted it with something? I've attached some piccies...... All help greatfully appreciated as I don't like to be defeated!! Thanks.
Fallen tiles

My poor wall.....

I've still got to do behind the sink....

 

[doug boardley]

it's the paint Lily, you should've removed it first. Us pro tilers never use the tubbed adhesive/grout stuff either.

 

[Lily Swizzle]

Thanks for your advice Doug, I'll start again... will try another sort of adhesive & grout stuff too - I presume the mix it up yourself stuff is what you experts use is it? Hopefully I'll have learned something by the end of this nightmare!!

 

[The Legend; Phil Hobson RIP]

As Doug above, that particular adhesive is rubbish, as Doug says remove the paint, prime the wall with SBR, use a cement based adhesive, (not ready mixed)

 

[chrisprendy]

spot on phil,you should be able to save most of the tiles by scrapping of the addy SOONER THE BETTER ,not a nice job but easy enough with a bit of sweat.good luck

 

[Lily Swizzle]

Thanks Phil...I'm on the case!!

 

[Lily Swizzle]

Thanks Chris - Have started removing the rest of the tiles already before I lose anymore in the bath.... trusty scraper is out too.... will have to do some sort of a 'map' so I can see where the cut ones go when I'm fixing them on again...... so much to do!!

 

[AJPlumbing]

Good luck Lily. I think you've got an admirable attitude, I like your style when faced with a set-back.Also, your tiling looked really, really good, and they are a classy choice of tile, so when it's re-done with paint removed, wall primed, and better adhesive, I'm sure it will look superb and last for many, many years. Best of luck!

 

[Lily Swizzle]

Thanks for your encouragement! Just stopped for a cuppa and a 'surf' for suitable reasonably priced tile adhesive....not had my tea yet as I burnt it to a cinder.... oh dear..... am getting carried away with all this DIY malarkey and all you lovely people out there helping me!

 

[White Room]

Hi and welcome Lily....