Tile adhesion confidence

[blakes]

Hi folks,

I'm very untrusting when it comes to DIY. For example - is the connection secure? Will the pipe leak? Is this going to last? etc. In this case I'm wondering - Will the tile stick?

The other day I stuck one tile on to the wall (plastered wall - not fresh) of what will soon be my shower cubicle. This would be the first tile I'd put on. The wall has been PVA'd as per tile adhesive instructions. I'd laid 3mm of adhesive as per instructions. Adhesive was fresh and had not been subjected to frost. After the tile had been on the wall for 36 hours or so I decided that it was 5mm out and would have to come off. Now although I couldn't get it off with my fingers, I simply pushed the metal part of a set square behind it and eased it off. I'm wondering if this is normal or should it have been harder to remove? One thing that may be worth noting is that the bathroom has been really cold lately - could that have played a part?

I just want to try and get more confidence in this before I tile the lot.

Thanks for your time.

[darrenba]

What sort of tiles and what size? What adhesive were you using?

[blakes]

Sorry should have mentioned.

Ever Build Super Plus non slip tile adhesive. 25 x 33cm ceramic tiles.

[wine~o]

Wall has been PVA'D???? sure that's a no-no...

[blakes]

Just going off the adhesive instructions...

[darrenba]

As that is a ready mixed tub adhesive it sounds like the tiles are too large for it. For large tiles like that you really need a bagged adhesive.

[marc1106]

so you PVAd the wall then used a tubbed addy on large format tiles! well if your lucky theyll stick i spose

[blakes]

Oh. Wish me luck then!

[marc1106]

look on those size tiles as Darrenba said you should be using a bagged adhesive that you mix yourself as it sets by chemical reaction as opposed to air drying like the tubs do! if youve only fixed a few wip em off the walls clean em in water then start again using an acrylic primer and bagged addy! then you wont need luck!

ps did the addy stay on the tile when you prised it off the wall?

[blakes]

Ok, thanks for that. The adhesive stayed on the tile. What does that suggest?

[wine~o]

Ok, thanks for that. The adhesive stayed on the tile. What does that suggest?

Suggests the pva on the wall is stopping the addy "Grabbing"...did it say to use PVA or to use a "Suitable primer"

[blakes]

If you would be so kind could you please link me some examples of acrylic primer and bagged adhesive so I know what I'm looking for? Thanks

[darrenba]

Ok, thanks for that. The adhesive stayed on the tile. What does that suggest?

Suggests the pva on the wall is stopping the addy "Grabbing"...did it say to use PVA or to use a "Suitable primer"

I looked at the technical spec earlier and it does state diluted PVA.

[wine~o]

Try this calculator from Topps Tiles...not suggesting you use topps but might give you an idea....



http://www.toppstiles.co.uk/so_grout_an ... lector.asp

Stick "Toppstiles.co.uk/ in the gap.....

Oh one more time...Topps tiles. co .uk/ remove the gaps....


.......Darren...first time I've heard of any addy manufacturer recommend pva as a primer??

[darrenba]

Surface Preparation
PLASTER
New plaster must be a minimum of 4 weeks old before tiling. Tile onto finishing coat only. Prime with EVERBUILD PVA diluted 1:3 with water.

I think some of the Unibond adhesives state PVA too