Need help and advice - TilersForums.co.uk | Tile Forums

Dabigshow · 12-03-2007

Hi,

I am about to start tiling my bathroom this coming weekend. I would like advice on whether to tile over the existing wall tiles, or to remove the existing tiles and start from scratch. The tiles that are already on the wall are in good condition, although they are a very bad colour

What are the pro's and cons of tiling over existing tiles? Any advice on this?? I have never done any tiling before and would really appreciate some help on this.

Many Thanks

**Dan** · 12-03-2007

Seach the forum for tile on tile and you'll get some info but just to say again what i've said in the past.....

Pro's
- nice flat surface to tile

Cons
- Not knowing what the background condition is like behind the existing tiles (it could be too heavy once tiled again)

Tap the tiles that are on, if they sound solid (you'll have to learn how to spot that one by tapping them all, you'll see some not so solid fixed ones I guess that tap funny) then you might be safe to tile. Plaster can carry 20kg's per meter and plasterboard 32kg's, so if it's plaster, take them off, if they don't sound fixed to well, take them off.

I'd take them off anyway to be honest. It could save you some hassle in the future.

Dabigshow · 13-03-2007

Hi Dan,

Thanks for the advice. I have tried to search for "Tile on Tile" but cannot seem to find anything.

Do you have any hints or tips on how to prepare the existing tiles? I also need to buy grout and adhesive, any suggestions on brand?

Thanks

**Dan** · 13-03-2007

You have to make sure that the tiles are free from dust and dirt. You need to check they are fixed right by using the 'tap method' (tapping htem with something solid to listen out for a hollow sound, if you find a hollow patch, pull them off). You then score the surface of them to enable the adhesive to get a good bond to the surface and the biscuit of the tile (assuming they're ceramics). Use BAL poducts if possible or something just as good (BAL isn't the cheapest around to be honest). Just doing a search for similar threads for you.

**Dan** · 13-03-2007

http://www.tilersforums.co.uk/tile-f...ing-tiles.html

Dabigshow · 13-03-2007

Hi Dan,

Thanks for all your help. I'm gonna need it

**Dan** · 13-03-2007

No problem mate.

13-03-2007

DaBigShow - your not Steve Wright in the afternoon (Radio 2) are you by any chance? lol

Dabigshow · 14-03-2007

I could well be.

**Dan** · 14-03-2007

Give us a shout out on ya show Steve!

Dabigshow · 14-03-2007

I dont suppose anybody knows anything about electrics at all?

My girlfriend has just phoned me and she has just got home and noticed that the refirdgerator and freezer are not working. The are both next to each other and are situated underneath the hob. They are separate appliances. Any idea's?

14-03-2007

Check the fuse in your plug....