am i wrong - TilersForums.co.uk | Tile Forums

smokey1234x · 22-11-2007

i've beeen readin alot in this forum things about tanking and primers etc
i have to say i have been tiling for a 5 years now and i have never used tanking systems or primers. i never have any come backs and do work for a contactor now for 2 years if there was a problem he would know. i guess what i am asking is most of these things really nessesary.
is there any1 else who would b the same as me and not use these things let me know what you's think
thanks paul

**brian c** · 22-11-2007

Use primer on most jobs as this rids the substrate of dust etc and gives tiles a better bond to the wall/floor.Only use tanking system if the customer wants it as they normally dont because of the cost,but the tanking system acts as a protective system against any water which may get through the grout and onto walls or floors.

**Dan** · 22-11-2007

Primer more so than tanking. But about 70 - 80% (complete guess) of bathroom makeovers are due to tiles falling off or at the least, a bit of rotten plasterboard or lath n plaster or mouldy grout. All can be corrected with a good repair job and tanking.

It's becoming more and more common now too, as the spurt of houses that have been built over thast couple of decades are starting to get a bit tatty (as they're all built with studdied walls which are more prone to the rotting and stuff).

I'm young and have been introduced into the trade with all these products. I sold them before using them too, so I sort of had a feel for what to use and was never shocked by the additional prices etc. Something I think "time served" tilers get shocked by.

Primer though.... you should have used that?!?!? Do you PVA anything instead?

brummie tiler · 22-11-2007

i have never used tanking in all my time either, thats not to say i dont believe its a good product its just that i have never really tried to sell it to the customer. Never had any comebacks in 5 years. occasionally use a primer on floors, hardly ever on walls.

ndwyrain · 22-11-2007

i know some extra costs worry us, as we might be getting too expensive. but surely this is a way to show the customer that we are not some fly by nights. and that we do the job properly? i see it as an opportunity to create a gap between what honest pro tilers do, and the botchers.
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mind you, i`ve never used tanking, but you got to go with a primer tho.

woodie · 22-11-2007

i've never used a tanking system as yet although it was already in place on one job which was a wet room which one place i think it's necessary, primers i use more often than not. Mike

**enduro** · 22-11-2007

I always prime walls it puts minimal cost on the job, and i have just started to use the Homelux matting for wet rooms from topps tiles, i have a wet room to do in a couple of weeks i will keep you all posted as how good it is. I got the job because i was the only tiler to explain to the customer about tanking, the wet room is on the first floor, the other tiles said waterproof adhesive and silicone would be fine...umm leak like a sieve me thinks

GazTech · 22-11-2007

[quote=enduro;38126]I always prime walls it puts minimal cost on the job, and i have just started to use the Homelux matting for wet rooms from topps tiles, i have a wet room to do in a couple of weeks i will keep you all posted as how good it is. I got the job because i was the only tiler to explain to the customer about tanking, the wet room is on the first floor, the other tiles said waterproof adhesive and silicone would be fine...umm leak like a sieve me thinks:stupid:[/quote]hmmmmmm Homelux tanking kit ??? matting...I have it but need to really know how it performs...homelux do not recommend an adhesive for it.....Andy plz give me feedback on this one....Gaz

**enduro** · 22-11-2007

On the brochure they recommend bal products to use with it..

smokey1234x · 23-11-2007

thanks for the reply.glad to hear that other tilers hav not used these tanking systems as yet.
the only time i would prime would b on a painted wall if it looked a bit shinny

**Fekin** · 23-11-2007

Tanking isn't something I think the standard domestic bathroom needs.

As long as the propper adhesives have been used and a good grouting job then I see no reason to have to tank a domestic bathroom.

Showers in places like sports centers then yeah I'd be tanking as they can be used all day long, but other than that I wouldn't bother.

Just again, as long as you do a propper grouting job you should always be fine.