Tiling a bathroom

**Purak** · 23-01-2011

Hi all,

I have undertaken the task of tiling my mother's bathroom. Having removed some old wood/cardboard panel boards from around the bath, I found old damaged tiles underneath, which must have been done by the previous owners. I have now removed all tiles as well, and some of the plaster came off with the tiles as the plaster was obviously old, and quite moist in some parts.

Having had limited time and no real expert advice, I have chipped away all the damaged plaster, applied some plaster repair solution and left for 48 hours.

I am now about to start fixing the tiles, but would like some advice to make sure I am not making total mistake with this. We are using (not my decision, I'm just carrying out the job) 30 cm x 60 cm (8mm) matt porcelain tiles with 30 cm x 40 cm (9mm) glossy ceramic tiles. I have bought a bag of 20 kg CFTA Flexible GranFix adhesive. I'm just wondering if this is good adhesive to use for the job or should I change before I start the job in the morning.

Also, even though on the bag it says this is suitable to even use for swimming pools, I would like to know if I need to add anything to the adhesive mixture before using it as this will be for a bathroom.

Any tips, feedback, advice would be highly appreciated.

Many thanks

Purak

**beanz** · 23-01-2011

I'm not sure where you're coming from with the different tiles, is one for the walls, the other for the floor? Or are they all going on the wall? I'm having a little trouble visualizing what you're trying to do!?!?!
As for the adhesive, it should be fine (Granfix aren't a bad make), although i've only used their rapid set and grouts. No need to add anything to the addy. ;-)

**nybor62** · 23-01-2011

as above

**Mike** · 23-01-2011

you could think about tanking the shower walls if there will be one fitted. also you need to make sure the walls are ready to tile on. i.e. the repair solution you used has cured properly.

**timeless john** · 23-01-2011

To the forum - as you have only mentioned plaster repaired walls that may be damp, I'd suggest that the 30x60 tiles you have will be too much weight for your substrate to take.
Remove all the plaster and replace with mechanical fixed waterproof boards before undertaking any tiling.

**Purak** · 24-01-2011

thank you all for your responses. I appreciate all the advice.

Unfortuately there is little I can do with regard to tanking the walls or using plasterboards as I'm leaving the country in 4 days time. I sincerely hope the walls hold the tiles as I can see a possible disaster happening

I removed any plaster that seemed moist and the remaining plaster seems pretty sturdy (not that I know what I'm talking about). I left the plaster repair to dry for almost 36 hours, so I hope they are strong enough. time will tell

**Scott** · 24-01-2011

How thick did you put your patching plaster? Read the adhesive instructions and see what that recommends for drying time!

**devonmark** · 24-01-2011

Originally Posted by Purak

thank you all for your responses. I appreciate all the advice.
Unfortuately there is little I can do with regard to tanking the walls or using plasterboards as I'm leaving the country in 4 days time. I sincerely hope the walls hold the tiles as I can see a possible disaster happening

I removed any plaster that seemed moist and the remaining plaster seems pretty sturdy (not that I know what I'm talking about). I left the plaster repair to dry for almost 36 hours, so I hope they are strong enough. time will tell

A bit drastic isn't it, your tiling can't be that bad...