Hi,
I have just posted my first post on the UFH section so here is my second post........
I have been told never to tile on top of MDF as basically the tiles won't stick around longer than the time it takes a FIAT to rust at the seaside!? (sorry FIAT drivers!)
Is there any way at all that MDF can be preped/primed to accept tiles on a good quality Flexible Rapid Set Adhesive?
If the answer is definately NO then what is the best method for covering this particular MDF stud wall prior to tiling?
More silly questions in due course.....

fix some plasterboard to the wall.

Thanks Brian,
This would be a real pain as the door frame/architrave is set.
is there some form of primer that could be used instead or is this deffo a no go?

Or backer-board,

Mdf if out of the question, sorry if we can't give the answer you want

Sorry I missed the last. Can you put thicker arcs or a plant on.

can i ask who put the mdf up and why in a toilet?Definately dont try and tile on this as it will turn to mush.Backer board or plasterboard m8.

Ok Fellas,
I will just rip the MDF out and use plasterboard - real pain but I guess the right way to do things!
Should I be applying acrylic primer to the new plasterboard and old panted plasterboard?
I understand the need to rub the paint down with sandpaper.
Cheers.

Originally Posted by Scholester

Ok Fellas,
I will just rip the MDF out and use plasterboard - real pain but I guess the right way to do things!
Should I be applying acrylic primer to the new plasterboard and old panted plasterboard?
I understand the need to rub the paint down with sandpaper.
Cheers.

only use primer if recommended to do so by manufacturer..see back of bag or tub.

I tiled on MDF some time ago in a couple of applications.

1 was on the kitchen worktops which I tiled with 100mm x 100mm ceramic tiles onto 35mm MDF. The other was on a wall and I had some 22mm MDF left over from another job so used it instead of plasterboard to overboard a studding.

As they say - you learn from your mistakes.........both applications were absolutely fine for ages assuming you discount the fact that the tiles kept falling off.....

Don't worry, I wont be making the same mistake!
Thanks for all your replies guys

sorry guys - but i must disagree. although you wouldn't choose to tile over mdf, it can be done succesfully so long as it is clean & well bonded & in a dry area.

1/. prime with Mapeprim s.p.

2/. adhere tiles with kerabond/isolastic 50

have recomended this to hundreds of clients ( mostly shop fitters ) never had a prob.

cheers

never in a million years should you tile onto MDF.

Originally Posted by TrumpersUnited

never in a million years should you tile onto MDF.

and the reason for that would be ?

There are a lot of Adhesive manufacturers that claim you can tile onto MDF with their adhesive.

Originally Posted by nudge

and the reason for that would be ?

because the moisture swells it, and then it shrinks and pops the tiles off

I don't understand why you would recommend using MDF? surely a backer board or plasterboard would be better nudge?

especially in a wet area.

Originally Posted by doug boardley

because the moisture swells it, and then it shrinks and pops the tiles off

which is why i said i must be in a dry area. i believe it was a w.c. and so will be fine for say the next 100 or so years until the mdf breaks down.

Originally Posted by TrumpersUnited

I don't understand why you would recommend using MDF? surely a backer board or plasterboard would be better nudge?

especially in a wet area.

i dont "recomend it" - but if the guy is stuck because it has already been done with mdf then - with care it can be done in a DRY AREA only & is no worse than gyprock really - as a substrate in this case.

I am getting up early in the morning to replace all traces of MDF with plasterboard so you can all go to bed content!

Originally Posted by nudge

which is why i said i must be in a dry area. i believe it was a w.c. and so will be fine for say the next 100 or so years until the mdf breaks down.

I didn't realise primer and adhesive didn't contain moisture

Originally Posted by TrumpersUnited

I don't understand why you would recommend using MDF? surely a backer board or plasterboard would be better nudge?

especially in a wet area.

off topic sorry trumpers im sure iv seen u in edinburgh are you based here mate?

I'm based in the East Midlands, my cousin works in Edinburgh though!

Originally Posted by TrumpersUnited

I'm based in the East Midlands, my cousin works in Edinburgh though!

ahhhh i was thinking i was losing my mind there lol,,saw the van in pic a few times and its parked outside ctd edinburgh in the pic

We have matching Vivaros! give him a punch from me next time you see him! LOL

I beleive BAL Mosaic Fix can be used to tile over MDF,
Not ideal for a Bathroom though

i know a builder who bloody uses it regular(mdf)one job i done for him he wouldn't change it so what i done was paste a good flexi adhesive lightly onto it with the flat edge of trowel and let sit overnight.Tiled it the next day and no probs at all luckily enough.

personally i wouldnt risk it.

Originally Posted by doug boardley

I didn't realise primer and adhesive didn't contain moisture

we're talking - "wet area" - i.e. subject to regular moisture and i repeat,
i didn't say it should be done, i said it could be done !

don't shoot me - i'm only the messenger

won't nudge me nudge