Concrete walls

[dollyponduk]

Having had a 1950's bathroom and separate toilet knocked into one we set about removing the top tiles revealing more tiles underneath. These tiles pretty much dropped off like dominoes revealing the pictured concrete wall.
http://s1059.photobucket.com/albums/t421/dollyponduk/?action=view&current=lumix093_zps24451100.jpg

and close up at the edge
http://s1059.photobucket.com/albums/t421/dollyponduk/?action=view&current=lumix094_zps70b18c67.jpg

The concrete seems really solid and it has what seems like a single brick wall behind it backing onto the bedroom.
Could you please advise me how to retile this wall please? I am loathe to try and remove the concrete as the wall might get damaged, but then if plasterboard were attached it would be ok, apart from the window area which only has a tile width between the concrete and narrow metal window frame.
Thank you in advance!
Angela

 

[tpt]

as long as its solid and not damp you can use a good quality bucket adhesive on it. you'd be advised to prime it with acrylic primer first.

what does matter is the size of tile your using though, if your using a tile thats over 30x300mm use a cement based powdered adhesive instead

 

[dollyponduk]

Thank you so much for the prompt reply
I will definitely do as you advise and hopefully post a good picture afterwards!!
Thanks
Angela

 

[Richard C]

 

[Richard C]

 

[tpt]

testing?

 

[Karis]

If what you have is a render base (impossible to tell from pics) then, as long as it’s sound & well fixed, it’s one of the best tile bases you can get & the last thing you want to be doing is to stick any sort of plaster or plasterboard over it.

But, on the other hand, if it's a base plaster then it's completely unsuitable for tiling over & maybe why the old tiles came off so easily. How hard is the “concrete”? Does it have a course sandy texture?

As far as prep goes, follow your chosen adhesive manufacturer’s instructions. As for the type of adhesive you need, most manufacturers say tub mix is OK up to 300mm but initial adhesion & setting time can get marginal at that size so I tend to go to cement powder once tile size goes above 250mm or over 8mm thick.

Only use quality trade tiling products, own brand & DIY stuff is generally inferior so post back if you need additional help on how to prep & what to use.