Massive Help Needed with old Plaster and Primer (Please, I'm begging someone) - TilersForums.com

[Mgakk93]

Hello All,

I would just like to start off by saying that I've been in the construction industry for roughly 7 years as a Cladding Site Manager and Facade Engineer, but apologetically, I have zero expertise in Tiling and I am attempting a DIY Re-Tiling job on a very small budget for my Mother-in-law's bathroom. I would be so grateful for any advice, please.

So, the steps I have taken so far, are as follows:

I have chiseled away and stripped off the old tiles. Unfortunately, the previous Tiles have been dip-dabbed in some areas (where the tiles have come off easily). Other areas, the old dried adhesive remained in notches.

The old adhesive and tiles were extremely stubborn to remove, and even the ones that were easily removed bought a layer skim of plaster with them.

In areas where the skim has come off/that I have removed, I must note that the plaster behind is solid - I believe the brick has been rendered plastered, and only a last layer of skim is coming off.

I have patched cracks and holes with mesh reinforcement and ready plaster. I have sanded down all the walls and there is no old plaster or skim cracking/coming off at the knock of a hammer.

Ultimately, I believe I am left with a solid old layer of Render/Plaster, and solid Skim in some areas - this has created somewhat of an uneven surface (layered) on some areas of the walls.

I have no intention to bring in a plasterer, to skim the walls because it'll be out of budget. I would also like to note that I also do not intend to use tile backer.

My question is:

I have 2 products I intend to use, Mapei Plaster Primer and Blue Grit. Could I Blue Grit the old plaster walls, apply Mapei Plaster Primer above that (not Primer G). Then use Mapei cement based rapid-set adhesive (Mapeker) to Tile.

OR, would I apply the Mapei Plaster Primer first, and then the Blue Grit on top? Then use the tile adhesive.

I would be ever so grateful for any advice, because my wife is now doing my head in for not getting her mothers bathroom sorted - ''You've worked in construction for how long, why do you need to write an essay on a forum'' - After how many years I still cannot explain that not all construction is the same )

Thank you all ever so much.

Best Regards,

MG

 

[Edd The Tiler]

[email protected] will be able to answer your question if nobody here can mate. I'd drop them a line and see what they say. I personally would either board or skim the walls, dependant on the tile size / weight. I realise that's not within budget though, so maybe Mapei will be able to confirm whether or not your approach is acceptable.
Cheers
Edd

 

[Mgakk93]

[email protected] will be able to answer your question if nobody here can mate. I'd drop them a line and see what they say. I personally would either board or skim the walls, dependant on the tile size / weight. I realise that's not within budget though, so maybe Mapei will be able to confirm whether or not your approach is acceptable.
Cheers
Edd

Hello Edd,

Thank you so much for your response, seems tough to get a response on here. I've emailed MAPEI, and also attached some photos for your advice.

Tile size is 60 x 60, 7KG a piece. 17sqm2 Wall space.

 

[Dave]

Personally I would be knocking all that loose off and drylining it. Most isn’t suitable to tile directly too as it looks unstable

 

[eddcottee]

As Dave has said above. It needs sorting properly mate. I realise that might be out of budget, but given your construction background, I'm sure you understand the prep work must be right. You should advise your mother in law of this and get it done properly, especially with tiles of that size. One of those pops off the wall and clouts mother in law in the head and you might not be too popular! On a serious note, sticking 600 x 600s onto that substrate is asking for quite a serious accident potentially