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Can You Put Plaster Over Tile? (How To)

When you wish to plaster over tiles, there are various options you can use to change the look of your wall.

However, you have to consider the condition of your tiles and whether or not they can hold up the additional weight of a substrate or plaster.

On occasion, you might desire to plaster bathroom walls over already-installed tiles. To produce a consistent, smooth surface in this instance, you should fill the spaces between the tiles. To achieve this, cover the tiled wall with an adhesive substrate plaster that won’t shrink.

Tiles are usually used on walls that are subject to water or moisture and, as such, the quantity of water is a consideration when choosing a wall finish.

Preparing a sturdy yet flexible plaster base is essential before applying finished plaster to tiled walls. The plaster won’t crack as a result of this base coat.

You also have the option of using a mechanical bond to attach a wire lath to the tiles. To do this, you can attach the wire lath through the tile joints for a solid and waterproof wall.

Once the lath is in place you can proceed with the first layer of plaster. It may also be an idea to use an angle grinder or other suitable tool to take the glaze off the tiles for a better bond.

Should You Put Plaster Over Tile?

The biggest problem you’ll have is a tiled wall that cannot support the weight of the added plaster.

You may also have damp problems that you are not aware of and you should check the wall by tapping the tile to see that there are no hollow-sounding areas behind the tile.

The rule of thumb is to steer clear of plastering over tiles whenever possible. This is because tiles often have a flat, smooth surface, which prevents the plaster from creating a strong bond with the tile. Therefore, it is advised that you totally remove the tiles.

However, there are a variety of options that you can try if you really want to plaster your tiled walls.

Firstly, you must check to see that the wall and tiles are secure and able to hold the weight of the additional plaster.

You can do this by tapping the tiles to locate hollow areas where the tiles are not adhering to the wall properly.

You can use a sander or other machine to knock the glaze off the tiles before you start preparing them for the first coat of plaster.

Using a bonding adhesive will help the plaster adhere to the tiles but attaching metal lath is the preferred method to avoid the plaster from coming loose.

You’ll also need to pay careful attention to the areas around the plumbing fittings as they apply a strong force to the wall to keep them in place.

You’re advised to use some form of reinforcing around the faucets to avoid plaster cracking.

What Tools Do You Need To Put Plaster Over Tile?

The tools you need to plaster over your tiles will vary depending on the finish you are looking for.

If you plan on plastering your tiles, then you’ll need an angle grinder to remove the glaze from the tiles. A suitable squeegee or towel is needed to spread the adhesive substrate on the wall. If you plan on attaching metal laths, then you may need a drill to make holes or a power driver for screws.

You need to make a key for the plaster before you skim over the current tiles. It will then be able to adhere to the tiles firmly.

Verify that the tiles are still securely adhered to the wall before beginning any work. Applying a bonding agent is thus possible as long as the tiles are stable.

Blue Grit or Thistle Bond-it are two excellent choices for this. When dry, the aggregate in these products produces a rough surface that is excellent for plastering over.

Should you use a product like pre-grit, you’ll need a thick, fluffy roller to apply the pre-grit to the tiles. Once the pre-grit is dry, you can apply your first layer of bonding undercoat plaster.

Once it is dry, you are ready to trowel on your topcoat or skim layer.

Don’t forget to cover the toilet, basin, and bath or shower pan with plastic to avoid them getting damaged during the plastering.

What Preparations Do You Need To Put Plaster Over Tile? 

Preparing the surface of your tiles is vital for the longevity and waterproofness of your plastered wall.

You need to make a key for the plaster before you skim over the current tiles. It will then be able to adhere to the tiles firmly. Check that the tiles are securely attached to the wall and then knock the glaze off the tiles for the best surface to adhere to.

Plastering over tiles is a challenge because of their propensity for having a smooth, glossy surface. Plaster cannot be applied to certain surfaces.

The surface needs to have a key for the plaster to grip well. Its rough texture will enable the plaster to cure and adhere to the subsurface since it has a rough texture.

Copyright article owner is ReadyToDiy.com for this article. This post was first published on November 30, 2022.

Having said that, there may be a technique to skim over tiles if you absolutely need to. However, to create a good key, you must perform the proper preparation. Below, we’ll look at how to go about doing this.

How To Put Plaster Over Tile 

To successfully apply plaster over tile, surface preparation is the key to a long-lasting solution.

If you are using a product such as pre-grit, then all you need to do is wipe off the tiles so that they are clean and dry. Then roll on the pre-grit with a thick, fluffy roller and wait for it to dry. Once dry, apply your bonding undercoat plaster followed by your skim.

The quality of the final finish will depend on how well the plaster bonds to the tiles. If you find that the undercoat is not bonding properly, you may have to attach a metal lath.

In this case, you’ll attach it through the gap between the tiles and then apply your undercoat once the lath is in place.

ReadyToDIY is the owner of this article. This post was published on November 30, 2022.

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