Laying ceramic tiles on gypsum plaster in the toilet, bathroom

Because ceramic tiles are long-lasting, water-resistant, and aesthetically pleasing, installing them in bathrooms and toilets is a popular choice. With the right surface preparation, tiles can completely change these areas, giving them a stylish and functional makeover. To guarantee a successful installation, however, there are some particular factors that must be taken into account when the base is composed of gypsum plaster.

Gypsum plaster is frequently used on walls because of its smooth finish. Although it offers an excellent surface for painting, its absorbent quality and reduced strength in comparison to other substrates can pose difficulties when tiling. It is imperative to appropriately prepare the plaster and use the appropriate tools and methods in order to produce a long-lasting and expert tile finish.

This tutorial will take you step-by-step through the process of installing ceramic tiles over gypsum plaster, covering everything from adhesive selection to sealing techniques. These instructions will assist you in creating a stunning and long-lasting tiled surface for your bathroom or toilet, regardless of your level of experience with do-it-yourself projects.

Is it possible to lay ceramic tiles on gypsum plaster

It is imperative that you comprehend the composition of this material. Gypsum is the principal ingredient.

The key characteristic is hygroscopicity. Not every room will require this material. It is preferable, for instance, to avoid using it in the restroom. Developers, though, don’t always let prospective homeowners know about these subtleties.

You must weigh the coating’s advantages and disadvantages before removing it from the walls.

Disadvantages

Gypsum plaster producers frequently assert that their product is suitable for use in bathrooms as well as other rooms. However, occasionally they leave out certain details that make this composition ineligible for universal recognition.

• high ability to absorb moisture;
• insufficient strength of the coating due to low adhesion;
• plaster is not compatible with many materials according to such a parameter as the expansion coefficient (the difference appears with temperature changes);
• porosity, due to which the strength of fastening of finishing materials is reduced;
• The humidity in the bathroom is often high, which contributes to the development of pathogenic microflora inside and on the surface of the gypsum coating layer (fungal spores are the most dangerous);
• It is not recommended to lay tiles on gypsum plaster in a toilet, bathroom, etc. To. it will gradually move away from the rough foundation.

Advantages

Prior to installing tiles, they assess both the advantages and the disadvantages.

• there is no chance that the tile will shrink;
• ease of working with the material due to the plasticity of the finished mixture;
• thanks to the use of components containing small particles, the coating is easy to sand;
• you can apply a layer of paint without putty, t. To. no additional alignment required;
• the coating does not weigh down the supporting structure or partition;
• excellent heat saving performance;
• gypsum mixture does not impede the movement of air through the protected structures.

How to glue tiles to gypsum plaster

Owing to their many advantageous features, these compositions are frequently employed. The smallest size and weight tiles are what you should select in this situation. Consequently, its fixation will become more intense. The surface needs to be prepared as well. This will improve the materials’ quality of adhesion.

How to prepare gypsum plaster for tiles

The primary characteristic is that using improper tile adhesive is not advised as this can exacerbate adhesion and increase the structure’s weight, both of which increase the risk of collapse. The combined thickness of the tile and adhesive material ought to be smaller than the layer of plaster.

Guidelines for completing the necessary preparations in rooms where the humidity does not consistently rise:

1. The subfloor should be level. Remove any protrusions. This is done with a grouting mesh if the defects are small, or a spatula or other tool is used to remove large humps.
2. Contamination should also be removed (including stains left by other materials, substances). They need to be removed, because. . when working with such a surface, the adhesion of materials will decrease.
3. To improve adhesion, the base is primed. It is recommended to choose deep penetration mixtures. Moreover, the surface is covered with them several times. It is important to remember the need to thoroughly dry the supporting structure (partition) after applying the next layer.
4. If it is not possible to use lightweight tiles, but you need to lay tiles of significant size and weight, it is recommended to additionally apply a thin layer of glue, but use a minimal amount so as not to weigh down the structure. To strengthen the coating, a reinforcing mesh is additionally installed. And it is important to use not a polymer material, but a galvanized one. In this way, you can try to strengthen the frame. As a result, the chances of installing thick tiles increase.
5. Further work can be done not immediately. It is important to wait until the materials used are completely dry.

There is marking done. You can then glue the tiles in even rows.

Instead of concentrating on the supporting structures because their geometry might be compromised, you should pay attention to where the building level is located.

Features of preparing walls in wet rooms for laying ceramic tiles

Although the basic idea of processing and leveling surfaces is still the same as in the first instance, there are a few differences:

• another stage is added – waterproofing, which will protect the coating from the negative effects of moisture;
• it is recommended to use ready-made compositions on a polymer-acrylic, bitumen basis – mastics;
• two- or three-fold treatment of the walls is sufficient, and each layer must dry completely;
• Do not use compound -based compounds, t. To. in this case, adhesion will be low;
• when applying waterproofing, each subsequent layer is applied perpendicular to the previous one, which will allow the supporting structure to be evenly covered.

Laying tiles

Prior to beginning any work, you must evaluate the surfaces.

• there are no large or small defects, the surface of all walls is smooth;
• if necessary, the structure is reinforced;
• the plaster is protected from moisture;
• adhesion to the gypsum coating is increased by means of special glue;
• marking is applied, it should be remembered that the top row should consist of whole products, otherwise the design of the room may be spoiled.

1. Ready-made mixtures are used for work. The quality of the material plays a role. When making it yourself, the risk of violation of proportions increases; even the slightest changes in the composition can significantly reduce the strength of fixation of the tiles. It is necessary to choose mixtures that contain antiseptic, hydrophobizing components.
2. Installation begins with the installation of a metal profile (at the level of the second row), which will serve as a lighthouse aligning the tile. Work should start from the floor, in the place where the angle is best visible.
3. Before installing, the tile is wetted with water (moderately, it cannot be allowed to run out of the liquid).
4. Apply adhesive composition. Then use a toothed spatula. This allows you to evenly cover the entire surface of the product.
5. Install the tile, press it against the wall (the pressure should be moderate so that all the glue does not flow into the suture space). The position of the product is checked using the construction level.
6. Excess glue is removed with a damp cloth until it froze.
7. No more than 3 rows can be laid in one approach. The break is made so that the solution hardens, otherwise the upper rows will settle under the influence of their own weight.
8. Install the limiters (crosses).
9. Lastly, the first row (the lowest one) is installed.

Grouting the seams is the last step, which you can start no earlier than one day later. The composition must be completely dry under the tile. This will prevent the coating from deforming.

Is it possible to lay tiles on undried plaster

The material does not yet have the required qualities if the layer of gypsum mixture is still wet, indicating that it has not yet gained strength. Because porcelain stoneware is too heavy for even a dry coating, the plaster will not hold up to the impact of the tile and is not durable.

There shouldn’t be any viscous material within the gypsum mixture layer. Only when the plaster is completely dry does it hold the tile in place. Avoid pressing on the coating to ensure its properties. Time management is essential. A layer up to 10 mm thick will therefore take five to seven days to dry. However, the gypsum-based plaster’s drying speed is recommended for situations with moderate humidity and temperature. The gypsum mixture will take longer to dry in the kitchen and bathroom.

In a bathroom or toilet, ceramic tiles laid over gypsum plaster provide a useful and stylish solution for long-lasting, water-resistant surfaces. To ensure a strong bond, this process requires careful preparation, which includes priming and the use of the appropriate adhesives. You can achieve a fashionable and durable finish that is resistant to the moisture and regular use that these spaces are known for, provided you use the proper materials and techniques.

What kind of plaster can you lay tiles on without fear of consequences

The best compositions are made of cement. This is because of several benefits they offer. They mention, for instance, the material’s great strength and adherence as well as its capacity to support heavy loads without collapsing. Cement is not easily damaged by machines. Not even porcelain tiles can break it.

• cracks form during shrinkage;
• the rough base must be strong enough to withstand the contractile internal stress;
• it is necessary to use plasticizers due to the low elasticity of the cement mixture;
• the load on the structure increases.

A long-lasting and fashionable finish can be achieved by covering gypsum plaster in a bathroom or toilet with ceramic tiles. It’s a useful option for damp areas because it offers both water resistance and visual appeal. From surface priming to final grouting, every step must be carefully executed and carefully planned for in order to be successful.

The gypsum plaster provides a stable base for the tiles if it is clean, dry, and properly primed. This stops future problems like cracked or falling tiles. Furthermore, choosing the appropriate adhesive and using it properly helps hold the tiles in place so they can resist the moisture and temperature fluctuations that are typical in bathrooms.

For a polished appearance and long-lasting effects, meticulous attention to detail is required when placing tiles and grout. A finished surface that is professionally finished has level tiles, even spacing, and cleanly filled grout lines. Recall that spending a little more time and doing it correctly the first time can prevent more expensive repairs in the future.

Overall, installing ceramic tiles over gypsum plaster in a bathroom or toilet can make the area more aesthetically pleasing and useful with careful planning and execution. This method offers a dependable, visually appealing, and long-lasting solution for remodeling an existing bathroom or building a new one.

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