You can tile over existing kitchen tiles, but successful results depend heavily on thorough preparation of the underlying surface.
Can You Tile Over Existing Kitchen Tiles?
Yes, tiling directly over existing ceramic or porcelain kitchen tiles is a common practice that can save time and labor compared to removing the old tiles. However, it's not always the best solution, and the success of the project hinges on the condition of the existing tile layer.
Preparing the Existing Tile Surface
Proper preparation is the most critical step when tiling over old tiles. Neglecting this stage can lead to cracked grout, loose tiles, or the entire new layer failing.
Here’s what you need to do:
- Inspect the Existing Tiles: Check every tile for looseness, cracks, or damage. Tapping lightly can help identify hollow or loose tiles.
- Secure Loose Tiles: Any loose tiles must be firmly secured. You can use a tile adhesive to secure any that are loose to create a smooth surface for your new tiles.
- Repair Damaged Tiles: Replace any cracked or broken tiles if possible, or fill significant voids with a suitable leveling compound.
- Level Grout Lines: Existing grout lines will create an uneven surface. For best results when tiling over tile, level out any mounds of dried grout with a sander before laying new tile. This helps ensure the new tile layer lies flat.
- Clean Thoroughly: The surface must be free of grease, soap scum, wax, and dirt. Use a heavy-duty tile and grout cleaner or a degreaser. Rinse well and allow the surface to dry completely.
- Roughen the Surface (Optional but Recommended): Lightly sanding or using a scarifying tool can help create a better bond for the new adhesive. Clean again after roughening.
Essential Materials
Before you start, gather the necessary materials and tools:
- New kitchen tiles
- Tile adhesive (specifically designed for tiling over existing tile or non-porous surfaces)
- Grout
- Notched trowel (matching the recommended notch size for your adhesive and tile size)
- Tile spacers
- Tile cutter or wet saw
- Rubber grout float
- Large sponges
- Buckets
- Level
- Safety glasses and gloves
- Sander (orbital or belt sander) for grout leveling
- Tile adhesive (for securing loose tiles)
The Tiling Process
Once the surface is prepped and dry, you can begin laying the new tiles:
- Plan Your Layout: Find the center point of the area and plan your tile layout. Dry-laying tiles can help visualize cuts and minimize waste.
- Mix Adhesive: Prepare the tile adhesive according to the manufacturer's instructions. Mix only what you can use within the working time.
- Apply Adhesive: Using the notched trowel at a 45-degree angle, spread the adhesive evenly over a small section of the existing tile surface. Don't cover too large an area at once, as the adhesive can skin over.
- Set Tiles: Firmly press each new tile into the adhesive with a slight twisting motion to ensure full contact.
- Use Spacers: Place tile spacers between tiles to maintain consistent grout lines.
- Cut Tiles: Use a tile cutter or wet saw to make necessary cuts around edges, obstacles, and corners.
- Clean Excess Adhesive: Wipe away any adhesive that squeezes up between the tiles or gets on the tile faces immediately with a damp sponge.
- Allow to Dry: Let the adhesive cure completely according to the manufacturer's recommended drying time (usually 24 hours) before grouting.
- Grout: Once the adhesive is dry, mix and apply the grout using a rubber float, forcing it into the joints.
- Clean Grout: After allowing the grout to set slightly as per instructions, wipe the tile surface clean with a damp sponge, rinsing the sponge frequently. Be careful not to pull grout out of the joints.
- Final Clean: After the grout has fully cured (usually another 24 hours), buff away any remaining haze with a clean, dry cloth.
Considerations
- Added Thickness: Tiling over existing tiles adds thickness to the floor or wall. Consider how this might affect transitions (e.g., doorways, countertops) or the height of electrical outlets and switches.
- Surface Condition: This method works best when the existing tile surface is sound, level, and well-adhered to its substrate.
- Adhesive Type: Ensure you use an adhesive suitable for tiling over existing non-porous surfaces.
By carefully following the preparation steps, including leveling existing grout with a sander and securing loose tiles with adhesive as recommended, you can successfully tile over your kitchen tiles for a refreshed look.
