DIY Related: Advice Needed On Surface Preparation For Tiling

[K73]

Hi,

I've stated renovating my bathroom and it's kind of turning into a big and daunting job for a DIY-er like me.

I've attached some photos to show you the current state of the bathroom. All the walls are solid, concrete blocks, plastered (or partially in the case of where the bath once was). I've also knocked out a wall which was once a so-called 'airing cupboard' so I need to block that up too. My question is what is the best way to proceed to get a good surface for tiling? I think I'm going to have to get a chipping hammer to remove the old plaster and get back to the concrete clocks but would it then be better to bond plasterboard/backerboard to the blocks?

Thanks for your advice

[charlie1]

Yes, dot dab walls with plaster board, backerboard after you knock off the old plaster, this is an ideal surface too!

[K73]

Yes, dot dab walls with plaster board, backerboard after you knock off the old plaster, this is an ideal surface too!

Hi charlie1,

Thanks for your fast reply! Could you elaborate a bit further (for a novice like me!) what you mean. Chip all the old plaster off, plaster board and then backerboard on top of the plaster board? Thanks

[charlie1]

No probs, what type of tile are you gonna retile with?

If just ceramic, then you would be able to dot dap plaster board over the existing plaster if its strong. To test this, tap a few areas if you get a dull sound then its ok, if you hear a tapping sound then the old plaster will need removing!

You will re dot dab aqua pannel for the wet areas and plaster board the dry areas by placing blobs of plaster board adhesive every 6 inch on the wall, then using a straight edge, tap the boards in the the adhesive! untill you have perfectly flat area!

IMO you should hire a tiler tbh!

Hope this helps

[K73]

No probs, what type of tile are you gonna retile with?

If just ceramic, then you would be able to dot dap plaster board over the existing plaster if its strong. To test this, tap a few areas if you get a dull sound then its ok, if you hear a tapping sound then the old plaster will need removing!

You will re dot dab aqua pannel for the wet areas and plaster board the dry areas by placing blobs of plaster board adhesive every 6 inch on the wall, then using a straight edge, tap the boards in the the adhesive! untill you have perfectly flat area!

IMO you should hire a tiler tbh!

Hope this helps

I'm most likely to use ceramic tiles. The current plaster is ROCK solid my only concern is that if I plasterboard over the old plaster and tile adhesive that I can get the boards plumb, hence my inclination to put in the extra work to and get the old stuff off and start from bare concrete blocks.

I've looked into the dot and dab technique a bit further. A book I have goes into detailed method of marking plumb lines on the wall, spaced at board width and then marking horizontal lines around the room. At the intersections of the horizonal and vertical lines you check for the highest point and stick a bonding pad to it and build all other bonding pads to it's height with adhesive! Now I've just watched an online video and the chap clarted loads of adhesive straight onto the wall, stuck the board on and plumbed as he went, board by board! (just as you suggested!)

Anyway thanks for your advice. It's most useful and I think I'll go along your lines. I'll have a go at seeing if the old plaster comes off with a chipping hammer and then dot and bad as you say.

[charlie1]

Most important tip when dot dabbing: Never be tempted to pad the boards in with your fists!!!, the only thing that should be touching the face of the boards is a long straight edge or feather edge!

Good luck