Tiling over drywall – paper facing gone
I’m replacing the tile backsplash in my kitchen. There was drywall under the original tile, and the outer paper surface of the drywall peeled off with the tile and mastic. So, I have a brown paper surface on the drywall. Is this suitable for tiling over? I’m not concerned about it being a high moisture environment – it’s not. But, I want to make sure that I get a good bond to the drywall. Can I tile over it as-is? Do I need to hit it with a coat of ???. Or, should I rip it out and replace with greenboard? Rip and replace is not complicated, but I’d prefer to avoid it if it’s not necessary.
Replies
Seal the old rock first with an oil-base primer, or something like Zinnser's BIN. Sand off any loose fibers after the primer is dry. Then skim coat with a setting compound like DuraBond or EasySand.
It doesn't have to be perfect, since the tile and glue will make up some of the difference when you set them.
You don't need to rip anything out; the tile will adhere very well if you prep like I suggest.
No need to prime before skimming, but you do need to prime/seal after skimming, then set tile.
If the existing surface is solid and with few or no voids/divots then just prime,sand lightly, and set tile.
Geoff
I would only put up new drywall if you are also replacing your cabinets, and there's no cabinetry in the way. That goes really fast.
It IS necessary to prime first, if only to show you where the paper is no longer adhered. Once you prime you will find paper that is loose. Peel these bubbles away carefully so as not to cause more damage,spot prime. When you're satisfied there are no more bubbles. go ahead with the tile.