How to Install bathroom wall tiles over existing tiles
First we need to agree that not every tub surround already tiled is suitable to be tiled over. Here is a list of things to look for to find out the possibility of tiling over your existing tiles.
Inspect the walls: Before installing new tiles, it’s important to ensure that the walls are solid and free of any damage. Check for any cracks, holes, or other signs of damage. If you find any, repair them before proceeding.
You also need to make sure you have enough room around the edges of the tub where the tiles will sit, the new tiles can't hang in the air, they need support until they are dry, and it doesn't look good for the bottom edge of the tile to exceed the tub edges.
Make sure with your plumber that your fixtures will fit the new thickness of the finished wall.
Remove any loose tiles: If there are any loose tiles on the wall, remove them and repair the area underneath.
Clean the surface: Clean the surface of the existing tiles thoroughly to remove any dirt, grime, or grease. This will help the new tiles adhere better.
Sand the surface: To make the surface of the existing tiles more porous, sand them making deep scratches with a diamond blade floor grinder. This will make the adhesive bond better with the surface.
Apply waterproofing membrane: Apply waterproofing membrane to the substrates area that are not water resistant.
Apply adhesive: Apply a layer of tile adhesive on the wall and to the back of each tile and press it firmly onto the wall. Use tile spacers to ensure that each tile is evenly spaced.
Grout the tiles: Once all the tiles are in place, apply grout between them using a rubber float. Wipe away any excess grout with a damp sponge.
Seal the grout: After the grout has dried completely, apply a sealer to protect it from moisture and stains.
If you find any damaged areas on your walls during this process, it’s important to replace them before proceeding with installing new tiles.
I hope this helps! Let me know if you have any other questions.
