Fix kitchen tiles with lime plaster instead of glue?

[kazzer]

We are in the process of re-plastering a wall in our kitchen and for practicality I want a section of the wall tiled.

The scratch coat was a lime putty mix directly on to rubble stone walls. We have discussed with the builder fixing the tiles directly on to the scratch coat and then having the finish coat applied to the same depth as the tiles. In this way there will be a flat finish with the tiles level with the plaster.

He has suggested trying to stick the tiles on with a finish coat of plaster, rather than using tile adhesive and then grouting with a fine lime plaster mix to maintain as much breathability as possible. I think this sounds like an interesting idea, but will it work? Does anyone have any experience of this, or any thoughts?

Thanks.

 

[DJH]

Bumped up...no experience of this Kazzer but someone else will.

Doug

 

[middi]

If you are using glazed tiles there is no point in using absorbent grouting or fixing materials.
Apart from defeating the object by not creating a total impermeable surface which is easy to clean, as soon as the permeable materials ( ie - lime based materials) absorb moisture, grease etc., all the tiles will eventually and gradually become adrift from their backing wall.
This is a classic case where "contemporary-meets-period" and conflict of interest in what type of materials one needs to use.
If the object of the exercise is to form an impermeable surface in areas that are likely to get wet or are needed to be kept regularly wiped clean with use of wipes,bleaches, soaps etc., then the last thing one wants is an absorbent surface.

You can certainly try your luck and experiment , I would not advise it, I would at least use modern impermeable grouting in your situation.

Middi

 

[middi]

If you are using glazed tiles there is no point in using absorbent grouting or fixing materials.
Apart from defeating the object by not creating a total impermeable surface which is easy to clean, as soon as the permeable materials ( ie - lime based materials) absorb moisture, grease etc., all the tiles will eventually and gradually become adrift from their backing wall.
This is a classic case where "contemporary-meets-period" and conflict of interest in what type of materials one needs to use.
If the object of the exercise is to form an impermeable surface in areas that are likely to get wet or are needed to be kept regularly wiped clean with use of wipes,bleaches, soaps etc., then the last thing one wants is an absorbent surface.

You can certainly try your luck and experiment , I would not advise it, I would at least use modern impermeable grouting in your situation.

Middi

 

[middi]

Sorry !!

I didn't intend to repeat myself

Middi

 

[LadyArowana]

Sorry !!

I didn't intend to repeat myself

Middi

Good advice always bears repeating :wink:

 

[Zebra]

I thought it might be a "Spot the Difference" competition! Hello middi, haven't seen you round here for a while!

 

[88v8]

I thought it might be a "Spot the Difference" competition! Hello middi, haven't seen you round here for a while!

He's making up for it.

Ivor

 

[middi]

I thought it might be a "Spot the Difference" competition! Hello middi, haven't seen you round here for a while!

He's making up for it.

Ivor

 

[Keithj]

Impermeable tiles on a lime background will fall off, sooner or later. Think "moisture at the junction and where it can go."

We faced this in our Welsh cottage. The advice was to fix hardboard to the walls (using non-rusting screws or nails) and tile to that. Apparently it's SOP in those parts.

A fringe benefit is a more level surface to tile to, hence a less uneven tiled surface.

 

[CliffordPope]

I think traditional tiles were set in mortar of some sort, presumably lime, because they were not of a standard thickness, but were pressed into the mortar to a variable depth so as to obtain a flat front face.

But perhaps old tiles were not so impervious to water as modern ones?

I would agree from experience that plaster is a useless adhesive. I once restored a room with proper plaster cornicing and centrepiece, and was advised to use plaster to stick them on. It was hopeless, and fell off as fast as I stuck them up. I used standard B&Q very sticky tile cement in the end.

 

[Penners]

I agree with everything that Middi says. Unglazed tiles would be unwise in a kitchen; glazed tiles make breathability all but impossible in that area of wall. I would certainly never fix tiles with lime putty - I believe they would fall off in due course. Imagine the hassle if/when they do!

Modern materials do have their place - this is one of them!