How to Install Ceramic Wall Tiles On a Ceramic Tile Base
There are pros and cons to installing tiles over existing tiles. One of the major things to take into consideration is that there will be a visual change in the proportions of the room. For instance, if you install a new tile floor on top of an existing one, the space under the overhang of the counters will be narrower. A new threshold will have to be milled. In the bathroom, tiling over tile walls will require that window and door trims be built up. On the other hand, the positive side to installing tile on tile is that you don't have to go through a major demolition. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Tile
- Soap
- Water
- Pail
- Sponge
- Towels
- Safety goggles
- Dust mask
- Ear protectors
- Power sander
- Carborundum disk or belt
- Trowel
- Portland cement mortar
- Tile spacers
- Grout
- Silicon sealer
Instructions
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1
Clean the existing tile of all dirt, grease and wax with soap and warm water. Rinse and dry the tile. This is done so that when the new tile is set there will be a good bond between the old and new tiles.
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2
Rough up the face of all the tiles using a power sander with a carborundum disk or belt. Wipe down the tiles well when finished to remove all dust caught in the abrasions on the surface of the tiles.
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3
Trowel on Portland cement mortar and comb through it with the 1/4-inch notched edge of the trowel. Add mortar to the back of each individual tile and comb through it as well. Set the tiles in place and press. Use tile spacers--little plastic tabs--to keep each tile evenly spaced from any tiles adjoining it.
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4
Wait for the mortar to dry at least overnight. Pull out all of the tile spacers, and grout the tile. Seal the grout with a silicone sealer to waterproof it and for easy cleaning.
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Tips & Warnings
If you fear your first horizontal row of tiles might sag while the mortar is setting up, nail up a 1" x 2" strip of wood right below the bottom of the first row of tiles to be set. Make sure it's level. Set the first row, let the mortar cure overnight, and then remove the wood strip.
When roughing up the surface of the tiles with the power sander, wear a dust mask, ear protectors and safety goggles to protect your eyes, ears and lungs.
