Replies

1. 
   OneofmanyBobs | Oct 28, 2003 10:44pm | #1

   You may be able to see the tile repair.  Either grout or tile may be just enough off.  I generally try to do repairs like that with a decorative or contrasting color.  Then it looks like you intended it.  The drywall can be fixed if you want to fix it.  A full tear-out is a lot of work unless you gain something more from it.  If you hate the tub and are willing, replace it. 

1. 
   KenTkachuck | Oct 28, 2003 11:28pm | #2

   Very grateful for your note, Bob. I had also thought of a contrasting color as a way to conceal color variation. What I'm uncertain of is the security of attaching new tile to old wallboard damaged when I remove the broken tiles. You're saying it can be done reliably? And to heal the more general wallboard damage, the torn paper layer, what's my best move? Would professionally applied plaster skimcoats be the way to go? I'm assuming a proper job would be beyond my skills.

   Thanks again,

   Ken

1. 
   Scooter1 | Oct 29, 2003 12:01am | #4

   Ken, thinset or mastic applied to drywall sticks only to the paper. When you remove it, you generally remove the paper. You can skim coat a layer of thinset over the damaged drywall then a minute later follow up with the tiles. Thinset will bond to drywall nicely.

   Drywall is not the best substrate for tile. You will only get about 5-10 years out of it, before tiles start to come off. CBU as a setting bed is better.

   Regards,

   Boris

   "Sir, I may be drunk, but you're crazy, and I'll be sober tomorrow" -- WC Fields, "Its a Gift" 1934

2. 
   OneofmanyBobs | Oct 29, 2003 12:58am | #5

   Depends on whether you tore the top surface all the way to the gypsum or just part of the paper.  There are probably better drywall experts here, but I'd prime it first and then skimcoat with setting joint compound.  You're only applying a tiny amount of compound here.  Just enough to fill in the torn paper.  Use the widest trowel you can find and put on as thin a coat as you possibly can.  Certainly an expert would do a good job quicker, but you might be able to do it fine.  If it doesn't meet your expectations, get a pro.  Don't put on enough compound that you need to sand anything.  Two or more very thin coats is better than sanding.  Always prime before putting on wall paper.

   If your tile is on drywall, that's not great.  But, if you're putting a new shower door with frame in place, that may hold them anyway.  If you want to spend the money to do a total tear-off and do it all over with backer board, that's a permanent solution.  If you want to try and see what happens, you're risking like $10 worth of tile.  If removing the tile exposes a lot of gypsum, I would re-think the problem.  You can patch a little where paper is torn off and paint or paper, but putting tile on bare gypsum is not a good thing.  Almost all the strength of drywall comes from the paper.

2. 
   NickNukeEm | Oct 29, 2003 12:00am | #3

   You didn't state to what the tile was adhered to.  If it's drywall, then IMHO, you need to rip out the lot to the studs and install cement backerboard before retiling.  As far as the drywall is concerned, it can be repaired.  Skim coat it and seal it with an oil-based primer.  If there is significant damage to the DW, repair it first, either by replacing the damaged section, or use a setting compound.

   Good luck.

   I never met a tool I didn't like!