Priming bathroom walls

[wolfwiser]

I'm in the process of re-configuring my bathroom. Part of this project involves replacing tiles on a wall that 'only' has the wash basin on, and the back of the bath width.

A couple of questions:

- Should I tank the bath area? (I will the shower area, which is in a different location)
- Any tanking solution recommendations?
- If I replace the plasterboard, as aqua panel would be pricey for non 'wet' areas, what mm plasterboard thickness should I use? (tiles approx 33cm by 25cm)?

- Can I 'simply' add acrylic tiling primer (NOT PVA!) to plasterboard and tile on top of the plasterboard?
- Any primer recommendations?

Sorry wasn't sure if this is a building or tiling related topic!

Many thanks in advance for any advise!

 

[Richard C]

It should really be in Tiling.

Only use Moisture Resistant plasterboard in bath/shower rooms. In wet areas plasterboard must be tanked http://www.bal-adhesives.co.uk/products/waterproofing-kit but a much better solution is to use a quality waterproof tile backer board; use only 12.5mm boards in each case.

Do not plaster before tiling it reduces maximum tile weight, tile straight onto the PB; if you want to plaster any ½ tiled areas, Moisture Resistant PB must be primed first.

Use a quality flexible cement powder adhesive http://www.bal-adhesives.co.uk/products/rapidset-flexible or http://www.bal-adhesives.co.uk/products/single-part-flexible tile size is borderline for tub ready mix & you may have [problems with setting time. Plaster & plasterboard must be acrylic primed http://www.bal-adhesives.co.uk/products/prime-apd to avoid possible reaction between the cement in the adhesive & gypsum in the plaster. Never use standard PVA as a tile primer.

Tiling isn’t rocket science but there are still many things that can catch you out, particularly if you intend tiling a suspended timber floor. I would advise you read the Tiling Sticky & Forum Archive posts before doing any work or buying materials, it could prevent you making disastrous & potentially expensive mistakes. It’s important to use only quality trade tilling materials of the correct type for your tiles & tile base; cheapo own brand & DIY stuff is mostly crap.

 

[wolfwiser]

Thanks for the reply Richard, I very much appreciate your time and advice

I was aware that BAL products are well thought of, and I shall thoroughly research the recommended areas of the forums.

Many thanks again!