DIY Guide: How to Tile over Tiles
You can tile over tiles that are already there. This is a good way to save money because it can be done quickly and easily.
Check out our step-by-step guide on how to tile over tiles the right way.
Is it possible to tile over tiles?
Tile over tiles is possible, but there are some things you should think about before you start.
You can’t tile straight over tiles that are broken, loose, or hollow. A knife and a hammer will be needed to take out the broken tiles, and the old grout will need to be scraped out.
Before you put new glue in the gaps, you will need to clean the whole area.
Once the holes and cracks are fixed, you can use a tie glue bond to put down new tiles on top of the old ones.
Learn How to Replace Tiles Yourself
No matter why you want to change how you look, you can update your old bathroom tiles without taking them out.
It is possible to tile over tiles, and it’s easy to do yourself. Taking off old tiles can be a messy and time-consuming task, so this lets you avoid the mess if you’d like to.
If you think tiling over tile sounds like a great job for you, please follow our step-by-step guide and use our tiling tips to make sure you get the best results.
Step 1 – Check wall
First, you should look at how your wall is right now. Use a spirit level to see if the wall is level to begin.
Check the tiles too. Using a wooden mallet is a quick way to make sure of this. Lightly tap the tiles with a mallet. If you hear a hollow sound, it could mean that a tile is free.
Step 2 – Remove broken tiles
A chisel and a hammer should be used to remove any broken tiles. Make sure you wear safety masks and gloves to protect your eyes from any sharp pieces of tile.
Once the tile is off, scrape off any grout and sealant that is still there. Once that’s done, you’ll need to clean up the room and the area around it.
Step 3 – Apply fast drying primer
Then, use a paintbrush to cover the area with a primer that dries quickly. Before you put it on the area, don’t forget to stir it.
Step 4 – Fill the gap
Now you can use repair mortar to close up the hole. Spread the mortar evenly over the gap with a trowel. Once it’s on, use a big float to smooth and level the top.
Using a cloth and a product made especially for tile dirt removal, you should clean the tile surface thoroughly after letting it dry according to the manufacturer’s directions. This will get rid of any oil or dirt that is still there.
Step 5 – Apply primer
After it has dried, use a big paintbrush to put the primer straight on the walls. Do this again and again until the tile area is covered.
You can now start covering over the tiles that are already on the wall. A tile glue that sets quickly will work. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on the package to make the glue.
Using a notched shovel, put the glue right on the wall. Then put the tile on the wall and press down on it to keep it in place.
Step 6 – Apply tiles
Keep putting the mortar straight on the wall in small pieces. The glue will dry out if you try to cover the whole area at once.
After that, keep putting the tiles on the wall. Make sure there is a fair space between the tiles.
Step 7 – Apply adhesive
If you want to tile over floor tiles, you should use a multi-purpose glue mortar on the tiles that are already there.
Apply the glue equally over the tiles you already have, then put the new tiles in place. Because this glue dries quickly, you should be able to walk on it as soon as two to three hours after putting it down.
Again, make sure that the space between the tiles is the same, and use a spirit level to keep making sure that the floor is level.
Step 8 – Grouting
As soon as the tiles and mortar are dry, you can start filling. You will need to use grout that is made for the type of tile you have.
Follow the manufacturer’s mixing instructions, and remember to use the right ratio of mixture to water.
Use an adhesive spreader to apply the grout over the tiles and into the gaps to fill them completely all the joints.
Step 9 – Remove excess
Use your finger to make sure the glue is dry. With a little warm water and a sponge, you can start to remove any extra grout from the surface if the grout is dry. Move the area around in circles to mix it up.
Step 10 – Clean tiles
Now you should use clean water and a new sponge to clean the tiles. To get rid of any dust from the grouting, wipe the area in diagonal lines.
Step 11 – Seal any areas
Now you should seal any gaps, like the washbasin or bathtub side. Using glue gun and silicone. Get the sealer ready and put it in place. When you put on the sealant, you should do it in a smooth, steady manner.
Mix one part water to one part soap in an empty spray bottle to make the joint smooth. Spray the joints with water, and then use your finger to smudge and get rid of any extra sealer.
Step 12 – Grout protector
Protect your grout with grout protection now. This will help keep the grout in good shape and make it last longer.
Step 13 – Wipe any dust
Now wipe down your walls and clean them. Before you use any product, you should make sure it works with the tile material. Water and a sponge are all you need to clean.
You can now use your new bathroom with tiles.
Equipments To Tile Over Tiles
You want to get the best results possible. You will need to get all the right tiling tools for this job. This will not only give you a professional look, but it will also help you stay organised and make the job easy.
You will need the following:
· Adhesive spreader
· Bucket
· Caulk gun
· Cloth
· Grout finishing tool (shaper)
· Grout spreader/floater
· Large paint brushes
· Metal ruler
· Spirit level
· Sponge
· Trowel
· Vacuum
· Wooden mallet
It should be easy to get or rent the tools mentioned above from nearby local stores.
Tile Over Tiles Safety Gear
The use of many tools and the handling of dense materials makes tiling over tiles a potentially messy task. Prior to beginning your new endeavour, ensure that you have all of the necessary safety gear.
· Eye goggles
· Protective dust mask
· Protective gloves
Wearing protective gear is an absolute must if you plan on removing damaged tiles and old grout. Wear safety goggles, gloves, and a dust mask to prevent dust inhalation; old tile shards can break and shatter.
Be careful not to breathe in any adhesive dust while you mix it; instead, protect your face and eyes with a dust mask and goggles.
Tile Over Tile Materials
There will be a huge selection of tiles to choose from, so make sure you do your homework and look around to find the best one for your room.
You will also need the following things to make your tiled bathroom look like it was done by a professional:
· Degreasing cleaner
· Grout
· Grout protector
· Silicone sealant
· Tile adhesive
· Wall tiles
· Water
Please make sure to check the expiration dates on grout and glue that you are using from a previous DIY project before you use them.
Advice on How to Get Ready to Tile Over Tiles
It is very important to properly prepare the surface before tiling over tiles if you have chosen to do so.
First, take a look at how the tiles on the walls are right now. You need to make sure they are all solid and firmly connected to the wall. If the walls have any holes or cracks, fill them with cement and let them dry.
It is very important to remember to check the base level. If there are any high spots, you should use a grinder to file them down.
Please use a hoover to clean the wall surface and get rid of any grit and dust. After that, use a cloth and warm water to clean the tiles.
Now you can paint the wall with primer. Follow the manufacturer’s directions and cover the right area. The primer will help the paint stick well.
One more thing you should have done to get ready is figure out how many tiles you will need before you start tiling your wall. To do this, you need to measure both the wall and the tile you want to use in the bathroom.
To figure out how many tiles you need, divide the wall’s surface area by the square footage of each tile. Please add 10% to this total to account for any accidents or broken tiles.
Also, don’t forget that you will need to leave 2 to 3 mm of space between the tiles so that you can add grout later. Please include this in your estimates.
Types of Tile
It can be hard to choose your tiles because there are so many to choose from. You can pick from lots of different types, such as stone, ceramic, glass, patterned, and textured. So let’s look at some of the choices you have.
Let’s start by looking at the most common tile materials:
· Ceramic
· Glass
· Metal
· Natural stone
· Porcelain
Tiles composed of natural stone or manmade stone are usually rather popular. If you want your tiles to stand out a little more, go with natural stone. Even though it has its drawbacks—namely, its tendency to shatter readily and its relative porosity—granite has remained a popular option for many years.
Additionally, its surface is very scratchable. These tiles require more regular cleaning and maintenance than ceramic tiles, so be prepared to do both more frequently.
One advantage of going with real stone tiles is that they are impossible to imitate with ceramic ones. It is recommended to use natural stone if you want to make a room feel more spacious and unique.
Affordable and low-maintenance, man-made tiles like ceramic and porcelain are a great choice for a kitchen or bathroom remodel if you’re on a tight budget.
There is a wide range of styles, colours, and sizes available in these tiles, so they may accommodate any design scheme. The glaze on these tiles not only makes them easier to clean, but it also prevents them from absorbing water.
Because of the high levels of moisture in bathrooms, porcelain tiles are the best option for tiling over existing tiles in that space.
If you’re shopping for new tiles with the intention of making a bold style statement, glass tiles could be an excellent option.
You can typically attach square feet of glass tiles at a time using web-like attachments that come in mosaic form.
FAQs
What is the best tile glue for placing down new tiles over old ones?
You can tile on top of tiles with any pre-mixed glue. We suggest getting 701 NON SLIP TILE ADHESIVE.
If you tile over tiles, the tiles on top of them will already be water-resistant and waterproof, so you don’t have to worry about water getting behind the tiles.
Which is the best tile primer for putting down new tiles over old ones?
We think you should try MAPEI Eco Prim Grip. This filler is made of synthetic materials and resins, and it works great on very smooth surfaces like tiles. It makes a surface that is sticky, which is great for putting tile adhesive on.
How many tiles do I actually need?
Measure the length and width of your wall and the tile you want to use to figure out how many you need. Calculation: wall area ÷ area of each tile = number of tiles you will need. Don’t forget to add an extra 10% to this amount to pay for any accidents or broken tiles.
Can you tile over tile if the base is plasterboard?
If the base is plywood, you might want to think about tiling over the tiles.
This is because plasterboard can only hold so much weight per square cm. Adding more tiles and glue on top of the ones that are already there could damage the structure of your walls if you go over the weight limit.
Should you sand your existing tiles before applying adhesive?
Before you put down your new tiles and glue, make sure the surface is level. It is very important to make sure the floor is level.
Even if you used a spirit level to check the levelness of the surface you already have, you might still want to roughen it up with sandpaper. The rough surface will help the glue spread better, and the surface will be stronger and more stable.