Tiling over drywall compound is oftentimes recommended in areas where water directly meets the tiles. Kitchen backsplashes, for instance, keep water and cooking oil from staining the walls. Tiling over drywall compound is a doable DIY task, but should be handled carefully to prevent future problems.

1. Gather Supplies

Tiling over drywall compound requires a few tools. In addition to protective eyewear and a mask, the following equipment will come in handy: level, sponge, square, tile spacers, standard tile cutter (in the event the tiles need to be cut to exact specifications), straightedge, margin trowel, and bucket.

 

2. Clean the Drywall

Adequate preparation is a must before installing the tiles over the drywall. Since all drywall is severely affected by moisture, it is critical to prepare the surface prior to tiling. The aim is to prep the surface so that it withstands humid conditions.

 

Preparing the drywall starts with cleaning the surface of all dirt, dust, and debris. In some cases, pre-existing tiles will have to be removed prior to retiling. A new gypsum board will be required, since it is virtually impossible to remove old, adhered tiles without damaging the board.

 

Cleaning the drywall previously plastered with tiles also requires scraping off the remaining adhesives. The surface should be smooth and dry. If any wallpaper remains stuck to the drywall, peel it off to prevent unwanted issues: tiles can fall when the wallpaper loosens.

 

3. Coat the Drywall

Apply a joint compound, also known as drywall mud, once the surface of the drywall is clean. Drywall mud is a mixture primarily containing gypsum and limestone and gives the drywall a seamless appearance. A thin coating is sufficient. Give the joint compound (or drywall mud) time to dry.

 

While drywall mud is handy for installing tiles on damaged drywall, it can also be used to repair small holes or cracks in the drywall. The joint compound is available in four different types: all-purpose compound, taping compound, topping compound, and quick setting compound.

 

DIYers will find all-purpose compound, which is useful for skim coating and texturing, easy to use when tiling drywall. Taping compound is difficult to sand but makes the drywall more resistant to cracks. Topping compound does not come in a pre-mixed form. Quick setting compound gets the job done fast.

 

4. Seal the Drywall

If cracks or holes are visible along the drywall, seal the flaws with compound filler. Sand the newly coated drywall to produce a smooth surface on which to adhere the tiles. Once the surface of the drywall is smooth, seal it with a high-quality sealer. Let the drywall dry.

 

Giving the drywall a light sanding helps to improve the adhesion of the tile mortar. In turn, this step gives the tiles a better grip. Sanding will introduce dust into the vicinity. It’s important to remove all the dust particles before continuing with the installation of the tiles.

 

5. Choose the Mortar

Thinset, also called mortar, is preferred when laying the tiles, as it allows the tile to bond to the backer board. The adhesive consists mainly of cement, fine sand, and a water retaining agent, such as an alkyl derivative of cellulose. Bonding strength increases when latex additives are added.

 

Thinset mortar comes in two colors: white and gray. Choosing the right color depends on the grout that will be used. White thinset is ideal for use with light grout. Gray thinset is more suitable when dark grout is used. Thinset is available in a pre-mixed or dry powder form.

 

6. Tile the Drywall

Tile from the bottom, working upwards. Tiling from the top is challenging, since the tiles may slip. Alternately, consider tiling from the center and working toward the sides. Consider the slope of the floor, and tile the wall with the highest slope first, using the same height for other walls.

 

Divide the wall into equal quadrants, and tile each quadrant one by one. Spread the thinset over the drywall. Upon placing the first tile, insert a spacer at the edge to maintain equal spacing between the tiles. Continue with the second tile, adding spacers until the entire row is completed.

 

7. Allow the Tiles to Dry

Give the adhesive around the newly installed tiles 24 hours to fully dry. After the required time has elapsed, remove the spacers. Apply grout between the tiles. Using a mop or sponge dampened with water, clean the remaining adhesive or grout from the tiles.

 

 

When tiling over drywall, consider the following tips. Prime the drywall before tiling to prevent cracked tiles. If the drywall is painted, scrape off the paint prior to tiling. Scrub away any grease to allow the mortar to adhere to the drywall and have a strong grip on the tiles.

 

Tiling over drywall can be a weekend DIY project. But when you need drywall repairs, consult the pros at the Patch Boys of Kane County. We provide same-day services to fix damaged drywall. Our swift and efficient services keep the walls of your home or commercial business looking their best.

 

Drywall can become damaged due to a number of common causes. After water damage, the walls can become stained. Flawed drywall seams, nail pops, and holes in the wall can also cause damage. When the house settles, undergoes ceiling repair, or is painted, the drywall can potentially become ruined.

 

Whether your drywall is dented, cracked, blemished, or stained as a result of water damage, the Patch Boys of Kane County will provide high-quality drywall installation and repairs efficiently and swiftly. Our specialists skillfully handle both minor (small holes in the wall) and large-scale (water damaged walls) drywall repairs.

 

Rather than risk compromising the structural integrity of your drywall, call the drywall repair experts at the Patch Boys of Kane County. Our crews of experienced technicians are available to service residential homes and commercial businesses in communities around Oswego, Illinois. Call us today to receive a free drywall repair estimate.