Tiling bathroom walls should they be waterproofed first?

[fintan]

Hi

We are about to tile our bathroom which was previously painted and the areas around the bath an sink edged with sealent

Should we waterproof the walls prior to tiling? Our walls are solid block walls that have been plastered.

thanks

 

[Mudster]

Tiling onto paint isn't a great idea, Always remove it if you can as effectively a layer of paint is holding all the tiles , adhesive and grout to the walls.

If the paint is so well adhered that it can't be removed then you'll probably be ok if it's just a bath and basin splashback.

If it's shower then you need to sort it all out properly and tank the walls.

 

[fintan]

Thank you

That's exactly what I was wondering and you've answered my second question ref. the paint as we are about to change from painted walls to tiling floor to ceiling on the three walls with the bath toilet and sink

So I need to remove the paint first (shouldn't be a massive problem, just a pain) then tank, and leave that for how long before tiling?

Where can I buy a sealant for tanking the walls?

Thanks again

 

[Mudster]

The easiest one to use is BAL WP1 tanking kit.

You only need this in the area that will get wet, i.e. the shower.

Once you've strpped the paint then prime the walls with a specialist primer such as BAL APD.

All of these products are available at good tile distributors, your Local Topps Tiles will have them, but tey to find elsewhere first as Topps are a little pricey.

 

[fintan]

Thanks very much again, I'm in Ireland we don't have topps, but there are a fair few tile shops around.

I'm actually getting a tiler in to do the tiles (I made a bit of a pigs ear of the one and only tiling job I tried) but I wanted to check about waterproofing as none of the two who gave us quotes so far have mentioned it

We'll do the stripping and waterproofing ourselves then get a pro in.