---
title: "Prep Set Go! Tiling Over Tiles Ep.6"
description: "Tiling over existing tiles is a very common practice - especially in renovation settings. Learn abut how to prepare the surface for new tiles, to ensure a perfect finish that stands the test of time."
url: "https://www.rlapolymers.com.au/docs/prep-set-go-tiling-over-tiles-ep-6/"
updated: "2023-10-18"
category: "Prep-Set-Go Videos"
---

# Prep Set Go! Tiling Over Tiles Ep.6

[YouTube video player](https://www.youtube.com/embed/XWzoOHXokH8?si=hwPYgDz-lbJQQpAJ)

     Description   Transcript

## Description

Tiling over existing tiles is a very common practice - especially in renovation settings. Learn abut how to prepare the surface for new tiles, to ensure a perfect finish that stands the test of time.

## Transcript

0:00
 [Music]
 0:04
 Hello and welcome back to Prep Set Go. Thanks once again for joining us it's great to have you here.
 0:09
 In this video we'll be looking at tiling over existing tiles and covering the preparation and
 0:14
 general considerations that go with it - so let's get started. Tiling over existing tiles is very
 0:19
 common practice, particularly in the renovation space. It's a practical solution when you want to
 0:25
 maintain the function of a space while giving the area an update or a refresh. The practice can save
 0:31
 both time and money, eliminating the need to rip up the old tiles which can be both labour and time
 0:36
 intensive. It's far less invasive and noisy and doesn't create dust and the added inconvenience
 0:42
 of extra waste that needs to be disposed. Now, although this is far more convenient than the
 0:47
 alternative, there's still a number of things to consider when determining if it's even feasible.
 0:53
 So let's explore some of these. What would the impact be on floor heights? An obvious impact of
 0:59
 tiling directly over existing tiles is the raising of floor heights on horizontal surfaces. Will this
 1:05
 become a trip hazard - particularly at doorways. Will transition strips be needed or even practical
 1:11
 to bridge and ramp the transition. Do doors and architraves need to be shaved down? Does
 1:17
 skirting need to be raised and retrofitted? Is there sufficient set down in wet areas and
 1:21
 showers to accommodate the elevated finish? Will the substrate be capable of accepting the weight
 1:26
 of a whole new tile layer? This is particularly important for vertical applications on lightweight
 1:31
 wall sheeting, and timber floors where the added weight will increase stresses on the structure
 1:35
 that may lead to increased flexing, deflection, and movement. So after these initial conditions,
 1:41
 you've determined that it is feasible. Let's move on to the practical steps of preparing
 1:46
 the existing tiles. First off, tiles need to be sound, stable, and well bonded, as
 1:52
 we've spoken about in previous videos on surface preparation - finishes are only as good as the
 1:56
 surface they're bonded to. The existing tiled surface must be well bonded to the substrate,
 2:01
 and not loose or drummy - and drummyness is that hollow sound when you tap a surface, indicating
 2:06
 that there's separation of the tile or adhesive from the substrate. So a thorough inspection of
 2:11
 the entire surface should be conducted and any loose, cracked or drummy tiles should be removed
 2:16
 and patched with a suitable repair or levelling compound, and you can refer to the extensive
 2:21
 range of RLA surface preparation products for details. Extensive cracking and delamination of
 2:26
 tiles could indicate a defect in the substrate, or an underlying issue and may require complete
 2:32
 removal of the tiles and inspection and repairs of the underlying substrate. So we've done our
 2:39
 inspection and made some repairs, now we need to ensure the surface is thoroughly
 2:43
 clean to enable a good bond to the surface - and again please refer to previous episodes
 2:48
 on the importance of good surface preparation. Tiled surfaces should be free of all dirt, dust,
 2:54
 grease, soap, detergent, chemical residues, and any other surface contaminants that could
 3:00
 affect the adhesion of our new tile layer. The type of cleaning will be based on the process
 3:05
 we'll be using to bond the new tiles, so this can either be directly with suitable tile adhesives,
 3:11
 or through the use of special primers such as the RLA Universal Primer which is designed to allow
 3:16
 finishes to bond to smooth or non-porous surfaces like ceramics, metals, and plastics. Tiling
 3:22
 directly to the existing tiles will often require the removal of the tile glaze, and roughening of
 3:27
 the surface to promote good adhesion - and please remember when roughening the tiles don't forget
 3:32
 to use appropriate protective gear. Including mask, safety glasses, and hearing protection.
 3:37
 Mechanical grinding and washing down or vacuuming of the surface will remove the bulk of surface
 3:42
 contaminants, when using special primers where removing the glaze is not as critical,
 3:47
 cleaning solutions, detergents, or degreases, can be considered - paying particular attention
 3:52
 to grout lines where contaminants can accumulate. And now for adhering the tiles. First and foremost
 3:59
 always use a high quality tile adhesive. You've done the hard work in the preparation,
 4:04
 so you'll want to ensure a decent adhesive is used to ensure a quality job. We recommend
 4:09
 using a C2 class adhesive which is classified as having improved adhesion and RLA have a number of
 4:15
 suitable adhesives in their range to consider. And remember to always refer to the product
 4:19
 data sheet for suitability for use over these surfaces, or if unsure call us directly where
 4:25
 one of our friendly staff will be more than happy to help. Thanks for joining us in today's episode,
 4:31
 if you have any questions or comments please feel free to leave them down below, or send
 4:35
 us a message via our social media channels. We look forward to seeing you next time. [Music]