How To Install Tile Over Tile On Shower Walls

For our shower we chose a running bond pattern.

How to install tile over tile on shower walls.

Roughen the tile with 80 grit sandpaper. Determine how much tile you ll need. Working in small sections spread the thinset over the existing tile using a notched trowel. Contrary to popular belief ceramic tile and grout by themselves are not waterproof.

Spread thin set along the first section of your tile row. Use a small amount of the excess mortar and spread it onto the back of a tile with the notched side of the trowel. Apply a bead of sealant onto the panel keeping it about 1 inch in from the foam tape around the perimeter. Add up the wall areas and add 10 so you have extra tile for mistakes or future repairs.

Rub your hand across the panel up and down to press it firmly against the tile. Grind them down with a grinder. In our project one wall is 31 inches and the other is 36 inches. Set the tile panels on the side walls with thinset the same way as for the back wall using the starter board.

Measure each wall area calculating the width times height. Run a damp sponge over the backer board in the area you intend to tile. Using a modified mortar with latex or polymer additives creates a stronger bond between the existing tile floor and your new tiles. The basic tiling process is the same as any tile installation.

Turn over the trowel to the notched side and comb over in one direction. Peel the paper backing off of the foam tape on the back of the panel and position the panel over the tile. To prevent water damage you must install a waterproof membrane just below the tile bonding mortar as close to the tile as possible. Mix degreasing cleaner with water in a bucket using a dilution recommended.

You ll need a design plan before you start attaching the tile. Position your tiles according to the layout you choose. Measure the width of the shower walls on either side of the door. Water can penetrate through cement based grout and work its way through the substrate.

Insert the supplied sealant tube into a caulk gun. Epoxy tile adhesive bonds with existing tiles making it one of the best options for tiling over an existing tiled wall.