Workshop
Ask a question

The Bunnings Workshop community can help with your home improvement projects.

How to prepare wall for tiled splashback?

alireno
Finding My Feet

How to prepare wall for tiled splashback?

E38A0675-8ED2-4985-A476-C84B8592A280.jpeg

I’m going to attempt to tile this splashback with KitKat mosaic tiles. When removing the old tiles, some of the plaster has come off and the surface is lumpy.

what’s the best way to prepare the surface for tiling? 
should I sand it and then use a compound? 
thanks in advance! 

MitchellMc
Bunnings Team Member
Bunnings Team Member

Re: how to prepare wall for tiled splashback?

It's great to hear about your project @alireno.

 

Everything proud on the surface of the wall needs to be removed. So, any lumps of the previous adhesive or stuck grout need to come off. Anything proud of the surface will push the tiles up and be quite noticeable.

 

Any minor dents or diverts are not so much of an issue as your tile adhesive will fill them to a certain degree. Any significant damage or large sunken areas should be returned to a flat surface and skim-coated with filler. You can then sand the area until flat with plaster sandpaper and a float.

 

Once you've prepped the area and have a reasonably flat surface, you can follow these helpful step-by-step guides: How to lay mosaic tiles and How to tile a splashback.

 

Please let me know if you have questions or need further assistance.

 

Mitchell

 

See something interesting? Give it the thumbs up!

Why join the Bunnings Workshop community?

Workshop is a friendly place to learn, get ideas and find inspiration for your home improvement projects