Tile Over Tile?

[D45]

Is it possible to effectively install new tile backsplash over old tile backsplash?

 

[a91syncro]

You can. There is a special primer that you need to use. You will need new screws for outlets also. I have been in the tile trade 22 years.

 

[Bucko]

I would not want to do it but it is possible to do so. Do all of the ends run into walls or end mid-wall which will make it interesting to hide the old tile. In addition to longer outlet screws they make little extensions to put in-between the outlet and the box so you are not leaving the outlet loose and relying on the plate to keep tension. They are little strips that stack like Legos and are usually in the electrical department by the wire nuts.

 

[FredWanaker]

so the first question is what is the wall like behind the tile.

 

[Miss the Pontiacs]

What would your reason be for wanting to, to begin with?

 

[D45]

so the first question is what is the wall like behind the tile.

I'm not sure.....that's my concern as well and the reason for the question

 

[D45]

What would your reason be for wanting to, to begin with?

Speed up the process for when I want new backsplash

 

[Bucko]

Speed up the process for when I want new backsplash

I would just bust out the tiles at the top and bottom and cut the drywall at the bottom of the cabinets and above the counter and rip the remaining tile out while attached to the drywall. Then replace with durock and you have a proper base for your new backslash. Also a good opportunity to add any outlets you might want.

 

[Showkey]

Chances are drywall is behind the current tile……….the tile will come off easily……….compound the rough spots and retile. If the dry is trashed as in all the paper stuck to the old tile mastic……..as mentioned drywall is easy to replace vs compound sanding etc.

 

[Miss the Pontiacs]

I would just bust out the tiles at the top and bottom and cut the drywall at the bottom of the cabinets and above the counter and rip the remaining tile out while attached to the drywall. Then replace with durock and you have a proper base for your new backslash. Also a good opportunity to add any outlets you might want.

Chances are drywall is behind the current tile……….the tile will come off easily……….compound the rough spots and retile. If the dry is trashed as in all the paper stuck to the old tile mastic……..as mentioned drywall is easy to replace vs compound sanding etc.

Like Bucko and Showkey said demo the old tile.
I did this on my my entire kitchen backsplash. Scrapped off the tile and carefully scraped off the old bonding material. Got my bucket of mud and did a rough fill in of any cracks or voids. Didn’t sand or even have to replace any drywall.
Didn’t even think of taking the chance of covering the old tile. A buddy of mine did the cover the old tile in a shower and it wasn’t pretty but may have been water tight.

 

[andyvh1959]

I would never tile over tile. Too many chances for uneven tile lines, mortar and grout not bonding adequately, tiles coming loose.

I recently did three walls and floor in my bathroom remodel. The house was built in 1973, and the tile used was 1.5" square. Once I got into removing the old tile I found some I could peel off with my fingers, others barely took any effort with a trowel edge. After removing the tile I found tile had been set onto standard drywall even in areas around the sinks and tub. The tile was barely adhered and the backer drywall was compromised. I ended up tearing out all the drywall to replace with proper backer board.

 

[onewheat]

I would never do tile over tile - especially on something as easy as a backsplash. I ripped out 600+ ft of tile and underlayment on the floor to re-do it. I wouldn't even consider not doing that on a small kitchen wall project.