Hi there, I'm wondering if someone could possibly help me out. I'm about to tile my bathroom myself in a bid to try and save some money. I have plaster walls (not plasterboard and skim), 300 x 450 tiles. What would be the best adhesive to use - preferably ready mixed? I also have an electric shower over the bath if this makes a difference. Thanks.

Hi macstar welcome to the forums, I have moved your post to it's own thread. You may find your answers get all mixed up with the other ones otherwise.

For the size of tiles you are using, you will need to use a powder adhesive, not ready mixed. You will be much advicsed to "tank" the walls (waterproof) using a membrane system which our friends at Wetdecs can adise you on. A good quality Single Part Flexible adhesive will be required and you will also need to prime your walls first using an acrylic based primer NOT PVA!!

Check out Mapei Adisilex P9 adhesive and prime with something like Mapei primer G or BAL APD.

Grumpy is right you will have to use a powder on this size tile just remember that plaster will only carry 20kg pr Mt sq so check weight before starting

Thanks grumpygrouter. If the walls have been previously tiled, would they need priming again? I am assuming the previous owner would've primed before they tiled.

Originally Posted by macstar

Thanks grumpygrouter. If the walls have been previously tiled, would they need priming again? I am assuming the previous owner would've primed before they tiled.

You can never assume something in tiling, you must always make sure. Priming is essential for what you are doing so it is best to make sure it is done properly...the cement based adhesive can react with the gypsum in the plaster which can lead to crystalisation and push your tiles off. I generally use BAL APD primer and you will need 2 coats. The first one will dry quite quickly as it gets absorbed into the plaster, the second coat - applied at 90deg to the first- will take longer to dry. Once dry, tile away!!