Can you tile on top of tile?
How to Re-Tile Correctly and Safely
1. Introduction
Many tiling customers ask me “Can I tile over tiles?” — and the answer is yes, with the right preparation, primer, and adhesive.
Whether you’re updating your kitchen splashback or retilling an entire bathroom, this post will help you avoid common mistakes and get finish that lasts.
Before you start, it’s important to check that the existing installation is solid, clean, level, and you have enough space for expansion (doors).
Let’s take you step by step through what you’ll need!
2. Do’s and Don’ts When Tiling Over Existing Tiles
- The Old Tiles Are Firmly Bonded Check for hollow sounds or loose tiles — replace any before continuing.
- The Surface Is Flat and Level Check it with a level. Minor dips can be corrected with flexible adhesive.
- The Tiles Are Clean and Non-Glossy Degrease and sand glazed tiles for better bonding.
- There’s Enough Room for Added Height Doors, appliances, and thresholds still fit with a new layer of tiles.
- Old Tiles Are Cracked or Hollow Loose tiles will make the new layer fail — remove them before tiling.
- The Substrate Below Is Weak Fix water damage or mould beforehand.
- Weight Limits on Walls Plasterboard walls can support ~ 20 kg/m² — consider backer boards if over this limit.
- Socket Wires Must Have Enough Length Electrical socket wires have extra length to accommodate increased wall thickness from new tiles.
3. Which Surfaces to Sand or Not Before Priming?
How to sand a tile?
Remove grease and residue using a degreaser or soap. Sand lightly with 80–120 grit paper. Clean again.
| Sand These | Don’t Sand These |
|---|---|
|
|
💡 Check the table and just clean, sand, clean, and apply primer directly.
4. Which Primer to Use for Tiling Over Existing Tiles?
Primer is crucial link between your old tiles and new adhesive.
It ensures right bonding, and reduces absorption issues.
Glossy or polished surfaces need a bonding primer for grip.
Porous or absorbent surfaces need an acrylic/latex primer to seal and grip.
| Tile Type / Examples | Surface Character | Recommended Primer Type |
|---|---|---|
| Glossy or Glazed Tiles (glazed ceramic, glass mosaic, glossy porcelain) |
Smooth, shiny, non-porous surface | Bonding Primer |
| Polished Tiles (polished porcelain, polished marble, polished granite) |
Highly reflective, dense surface | Bonding or Etching Primer |
| Matt or Unglazed Tiles (matt porcelain, quarry tiles, travertine, limestone) |
Slightly textured or porous surface | Acrylic or Latex Primer |
Example of Bonding primers for tile on tile work:
Mapei Eco Prim Grip Plus
UltraTile ProPrimer Advanced
5. Adhesive for Tiling Over Tiles
Couple best practices when choosing adhesive for tile over tile jobs:
- choose a deformable adhesive like S1 or S2
- S1 (improved flexible adhesive) – allows for small movement after drying and it’s suitable for most walls and floors
- S2 – even more flexible than S1, use it especially if your base is made of wood or you are using large format tiles
- For wet areas like bathrooms use water resistant or waterproof flexible adhesive (polymer modified or epoxy enhanced option)
Check for more information about adhesive types in my article here.
Important!
Always check the adhesive’s data sheet/spec for “tile on tile suitability"
Happy Tiling!
Frequently Asked Questions — Tile Over Tile Installation
Can you tile over painted or vinyl surfaces?
No. Paint and thin vinyl don’t give you a stable base. You should remove them, clean the surface, and apply the correct primer before tiling.
However if you have stable Hard Vinyl Tiles (non-porous type) – you can tile on top just use right primer before like Ultra Tile Fix ProPrimer Advanced Polymer Primer – read the spec here.
Can you tile over ceramic wall tiles?
Yes — tiling over ceramic tiles is a common practice in bathrooms and with kitchen splashbacks. Use a tile-to-tile bonding primer like AL Prime APD, followed by a flexible adhesive S1 or S2 (to accommodate more movement with older buildings).
Can you tile over porcelain tiles?
Can you tile over bathroom shower tiles?
Yes. Apply right tile over tile primer(check the tables above), then a flexible waterproof adhesive S2 rated for wet areas or epoxy for extra strength. Finish with a water resistant grout.
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