Ceramic Tile & Stone over Painted Surfaces

There is no shortcut if a strong, permanent installation is to be made! A layer of paint between the tile adhesive and substrate can eventually break down or deteriorate when the surface is sealed. Moisture in the wall, or free alkali in plaster or cement, can cause deterioration of the paint layer which produces a gummy mass causing tiles to fall off. Therefore it is important to ensure care is taken when considering installations over painted surfaces.

It is imperative that all oil based paints are removed from wall or floor surfaces before tiles are installed. To remove, paint may be scarified or sanded if hard or brittle, or a commercial paint remover can be used to strip the paint film from the surface.

The preferred method for installing tile over non-oil based painted surfaces is; securely fasten 3.2# diamond metal lath on 15# builder’s felt over the painted surfaces. Then apply a scratch and levelling coat of 3701 Fortified Mortar Bed; or, 3701 Latex Mortar Admix mixed with 226 Thick Bed Mortar to the lath, allow it to harden, and install tile by the thin set method.

Some latex house paints, when not in wet areas, may be covered directly by tiles. Care must be taken to determine that the paint is sound, well bonded to the surface, and will not be in a wet area. Rather than chance a questionable installation, it is best to sand, scarify, or remove the paint entirely before making the tile installation.

When bonding of tiles over existing interior epoxy paint is necessary, it is best to scuff up the painted surface, clean the area of any residue and install tile with LATAPOXY® 300 Adhesive. 

For more information read Technical Data Sheet TDS-1131.

For more information on LATICRETE permanent and trouble free installation products, training, or technical support, contact your local LATICRETE Sales Rep on 1800 331 012 - or email us here.