Tile Over Painted Concrete Block Wall

How to install ceramic tile over painted block walls for a shower step 1.

Tile over painted concrete block wall.

Inspect the concrete surface. With a notched trowel apply the adhesive at the bottom of the cinder block wall. Mortar cannot be installed directly over painted concrete itself. Mark the wall in the middle with a chalk line to create a guide for the tiles.

This surface is called a scratch coat. First a surface more textured and solid must be applied over the painted concrete. Before beginning a tile installation over a concrete wall perform an inspection to look. While you can install tile directly on concrete problems erupt when the concrete cracks or shifts.

You should either strip or bead blast the concrete and thoroughly clean it. Nail 3 4 expanded metal lath to the blocks with 1 1 2 to 2 inch concrete nails. Answer answer it is possible to bond porcelain tile to a painted surface but it isn t recommended because the overall tile attachment is limited to the strength of the bond of the paint to the concrete. Tile cannot be attached directly to painted concrete as the thin set will not adhere well to the paint.

Apply just enough of the adhesive to attach a few tiles at a time so that the adhesive stays moist and ready to receive the tiles. For application over an uneven concrete surface a lightweight waterproof construction board. Continue placing the first course of tiles in the same manner using spacers. If the paint comes loose so does the tile.

Clean the surface of any dirt or debris with a ph neutral cleanser and a sponge or scrub brush. Place strips of blue painter s tape over the tile face sticking each end to the wall to prevent the tiles from sliding. A scratch coat will give the mortar something to hold on to instead of the layer of paint over concrete. Can i put tiles over painted concrete walls.