How level does plaster need to be? - TilersForums.co.uk | Tile Forums

berlumberley · 13-04-2008

Hi all.
My first post and first tiling job. Have read loads on this site and got lots to ask but firstly wondered if I can tile on unven surface? When I pulled the old bathroom tiles off, chunks of the plaster skim layer came off as well. Most of area is fine and I've primed with bal primer ready to start. Just thought I'd post a last minute query as I assumed the tile adhesive would "fill in" the hollows but am having last minute nerves!!. The worst hollows are about 1or 2mm deep and no bigger than my hand! and are all in one area.
For info I'm doing 14 sq meters full height rounnd bath (with shower over taps) and half height rest of room. Thanks. Great forum. I've learned so much over the last couple of weeks.

**grumpygrouter** · 13-04-2008

Hi mate, just try skimming over the missing bits of plaster with some rapid set adhesive and let it dry - about 2-3hrs.

You would probably get away with 2mm dips but it makes trowelling tiresome when it gets caught in the lips of the plaster. Tiling on to a smooth surface is much nicer.

faithhealer · 13-04-2008

Good luck on your first job, watch out for flatness around windows, plasterers blindspot methinks!

**Sir Ramic** · 13-04-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by faithhealer

Good luck on your first job, watch out for flatness around windows, plasterers blindspot methinks!

Aint that the truth

berlumberley · 13-04-2008

Thanks all. Thought I'd be waiting for ages foir reply's what with hangovers and things.

**Dave** · 13-04-2008

hangovers...who's that like................

use you level and if no gaps exceed 3mm then you will be ok to tile.....maybe step up on the trowel size and use cement based adhesive to cope with the extra bed........

good luck.............

berlumberley · 13-04-2008

Thanks. This is a very helpful forum. Funny how I would never have even known it existed til I typed "tiling help" into google about 2 weeks ago! The power of t'internet eh. I still haven't laid a tile yet. Spent all day measuring and umming and arring. Wife came back and thought I would have finnished! If I hadn't found this forum I'd have used a plastic notch "spatula thing" that was my dads, I'd have used wickes adhesive at £12 for a massive tub and would have finished the job about a week ago. I rekon it would have been a total disaster! One day I'll open that bucket of adhesive (Bal from Topps at £28 a bucket x3!!!!). Are they just a total rip off?

eyebeetiling · 13-04-2008

Simply, the flatter, the better.
When things start to wobble it can be hard to stop them wibblewobbling!

**Dave** · 13-04-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by berlumberley

Thanks. This is a very helpful forum. Funny how I would never have even known it existed til I typed "tiling help" into google about 2 weeks ago! The power of t'internet eh. I still haven't laid a tile yet. Spent all day measuring and umming and arring. Wife came back and thought I would have finnished! If I hadn't found this forum I'd have used a plastic notch "spatula thing" that was my dads, I'd have used wickes adhesive at £12 for a massive tub and would have finished the job about a week ago. I rekon it would have been a total disaster! One day I'll open that bucket of adhesive (Bal from Topps at £28 a bucket x3!!!!). Are they just a total rip off?

£28...what for gold dust...........

mz30 · 13-04-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by berlumberley

Thanks. This is a very helpful forum. Funny how I would never have even known it existed til I typed "tiling help" into google about 2 weeks ago! The power of t'internet eh. I still haven't laid a tile yet. Spent all day measuring and umming and arring. Wife came back and thought I would have finnished! If I hadn't found this forum I'd have used a plastic notch "spatula thing" that was my dads, I'd have used wickes adhesive at £12 for a massive tub and would have finished the job about a week ago. I rekon it would have been a total disaster! One day I'll open that bucket of adhesive (Bal from Topps at £28 a bucket x3!!!!). Are they just a total rip off?

£28 a bucket,must be white star ,great stuff but you need a good tiler's arm to put it on the wall ,2mm is nothing to get over the problemyou may have using the bal adhesive is (or any adhesive for that matter)you may end up pulling more plaster off when you are serrating the wall .

And yes topps do charge a little over the topp

berlumberley · 13-04-2008

Not white star I don't think. Says Bal "grip" on the tub. 15kg for £28 is nearly £2 a Kg. And they charged me £36 for a bag of grout (10Kg). He said I'd need that ammount for 14 sq meters. Checked internet prices for same when I got home and realised I'd payed way too much. Must have seen "mug" written all over me. So £136 for 3 tubs, a bag of grout a grout float, new cutting wheel and some blades for my jig saw! I don't know why I paid it. Just didn't want to delay any more. I knew I should have got someone in!! But then I'd never learn and if it looks good I'll feel great! On the other hand..........

**whitebeam** · 13-04-2008

Topps mean their prices, Bal is good stuff but other suppliers seem to be cheaper