rookie needs a little advice

[trevor ford]

hi
ive a kitchen splashback to re-tile, it has to be done over existing tiles. some of the bottom row have been removed nearest the worktop. included in the tiling is a window. all in all 7 sq mts. the question is do i need to fit tiles that are missing or can i just butter up a bit thicker. can i grout the next day(will the adhesive be dry enough). i have to start in the morning at 8 so any help would be extremely welcome many thanks trev ford

[Alan.P]

Hi Trev, lots of ifs and buts in a case like this, example, what if the rest of the tiles aren't fixed soundly, what if you have future problems. If it were me, I would insist that the tiles come off, as well as the fixing side, you also have to take into acount finishing trim etc.

Much much better to take the lot off.

[chris.tiling]

Agreed - the finished edge at the top will be two tiles plus adhesive thick, so would have issues giving a good finish and you would need to ensure all existing tiles are securely bonded to the wall.

if you have to tile on tile, I would fill in the bottom (where the old tiles have been removed) with a rapid set adhesive and then tile over after that had set. Make sure they are all clean (use sugar soap) and level

[david campbell]

have a look through here before you go any further-http://www.thetilesource.co.uk/wall-tiling-preparation/tiles-and-adhesive-per-square-metre/
also as the guys say! you will probably struggle to get a good finish and how well are the existing tiles bonded to the wall!
if you decide you are going ahead with tile over tile then i would use some cheap tiles to level out the surface,if you are using tubbed adhesive for the job(only white star by bal or mapegrip from mapei)even then i would advise against that and opt for a good cement based adhesive,if it's rapid set then you can grout after 3 hrs if not then grouting the next day will do

[trevor ford]

HI , thankyou to all that offered advice, i removed the tiles made good the rough plaster. did the job all ok .in future i will insist that the tiles are removed. CHEERS TO ALL ITS GOOD TO KNOW HELP IS AT HAND. TREV