Tiling onto fresh plaster / priming

Andrew · Post by **Andrew** » Tue Jun 24, 2008 10:15 am

Hi, just plastered my bathroom. All dry now!

The parts where I am going to tile, do they need priming or preparing? For instance, do they need to be rubbed down, scratched, etc?

Also, if you can't use PVA as a primer, why is it that on the back of Wickes' and Unibond's tile adhesive does it say to use PVA to prime the area?

If I was going to use PVA, should it be the waterproof one or the normal one?

I'm sure this is going to cause a row...

Many thanks!

Tryanything · Post by **Tryanything** » Tue Jun 24, 2008 12:25 pm

Hi Andrew
Read the sticky about PVA at the top of the tiling forum

Andrew · Post by **Andrew** » Tue Jun 24, 2008 12:44 pm

I have, that's why I know about it. It says on it to refer to the manufacturer's instructions, but they say use PVA.

So what's up with that?

Tryanything · Post by **Tryanything** » Tue Jun 24, 2008 1:43 pm

If your happy with the manufacturers instructions then go with them

I'm not saying there right or wrong, PVA is known as a general purpose sealer

But l never use it the same as a lot of professional tilers dont

My own personal reason for not using it is if pva becomes live again when
moisture is introduced that turns on a red light for me

Good luck with your decision

Andrew · Post by **Andrew** » Tue Jun 24, 2008 2:22 pm

So what would you use if you were using a Unibond or Wickes tile adhesive?

Post by **ultimatehandyman** » Tue Jun 24, 2008 4:48 pm

If it is in a kitchen use normal PVA as it won't get wet like it will in a bathroom.

If it is in a shower area, then use waterproof PVA.

Tryanything · Post by **Tryanything** » Tue Jun 24, 2008 5:39 pm

Don't do much ceramic tiling or use the ready mixed products you mention

Fixing mostly natural stones and use powder adhesive from tile merchants

Primers used are Bal-prime APD, Ardex 51, Howtex Universal Primer depending
on the adhesive and surface to be tiled

So if your asking me what primer to use with the products you mention l would
use one of the the above as personally l would'nt like to use PVA

Most adhesive manufacturers recomend to leave new plaster for 4 weeks before tiling

Only-Me · Post by **Only-Me** » Tue Jun 24, 2008 7:11 pm

Get to Topps tiles and get Acrylic primer

And Don't use adhesive/grout all in one kind of shite.

Have a word in topps

Andrew · Post by **Andrew** » Thu Jun 26, 2008 1:41 pm

The last time I went into Topps, i went expecting really big savings but only to find they were more expensive than the same tiles at B&Q!

Still, I will pop in there and ask. They were helpful to say the least and so I might get the adhesive and primer from them (and the tiles from B&Q!).

Many thanks.

Andrew · Post by **Andrew** » Fri Jun 27, 2008 9:17 am

I went into Topps Tiles and the man there said I didn't need a primer on fresh plaster, just a big ol' tub of BAL Grip.

Then he said all grout is porous and so I'll be needing to paint it with a grout sealer.

Did I have mug on my forehead or was he right?

By the way, I didn't buy anything.

However, ScrewFix have some sort of acrylic primer "for dusty walls" or something. Will this do to seal new plaster?

God, why is everything so complicated?! I think it's all designed to put DIYer's off, you know...it's a conspiracy!

Jaeger_S2k · Post by **Jaeger_S2k** » Sat Jun 28, 2008 7:59 am

I used a Bal primer on new plaster board to seal the board and stop it drawing the adhesive to fast.

His comment 'all group is porous' is a little general, swimming pool grout?