Tiling over old tiles (tile-on-tile)

The work, step by step

General guidance based on the manufacturer data sheets. Site conditions differ: confirm the system with MCT before you start. Where we do not name a product, ask us and we will confirm the right one.

1. 1

   Step 1: Test every old tile

   Check the old tiles for soundness. Remove any tiles that are not adhering properly and re-bond them (SikaCeram-205 PK p.3). Tiling over does not stop a leak. If water is leaking through the old floor, follow the bathroom waterproofing guide first.

2. 2

   Step 2: Break the glaze and clean

   Grind glazed tiles and remove the dust. Wash other tiles with a suitable detergent and rinse well with clean water. If they are still greasy, repeat, then grind and remove the dust (SikaCeram-205 PK p.3).

3. 3

   Step 3: Indoor tile-on-tile

   SikaCeram-205 PK is listed for indoor over-tiling on old tiles, and bonds to existing tiles (SikaCeram-205 PK p.1). Never use SikaCeram-51 on old ceramic tiles (SikaCeram-51 p.2).

   SikaCeram-205 PK Sika

   SikaCeram®-205 PK has following uses: Laying all kind of ceramic tiles, even grès porcelain in large size, Laying marbles and natural stone, provided not sensitive to water, Indoor walls and floors, outdoor floors, Laying on water-based heating floors, Indoor over-tiling application on old tiles,… (TDS p.1)

4. 4

   Step 4: Outdoor or chemically exposed tile-on-tile

   SikaCeram RSG 705 lists old tiles as a substrate, indoors and outdoors, on floors and walls (SikaCeram RSG 705 p.1). The base must be dry, below 4 % moisture, with no rising moisture (SikaCeram RSG 705 p.2). Apply between +10 °C and +35 °C (SikaCeram RSG 705 p.2).

   SikaCeram RSG 705 Sika Request a quotation

   SikaCeram® RSG 705 is used wherever a high degree of chemical resistance and excellent mechanical properties are required, such as: Food production: meat, fish, vegetable and fruit processing, canning areas, dairies and bakeries, Industrial kitchens and catering facilities, Electrical substations… (TDS p.1)

   Temperature stated in TDS

   +10°C min. / +35°C max (TDS p.2)

5. 5

   Step 5: Fix the new tiles

   Check flatness: less than 5 mm under a 2 m straightedge (SikaCeram-205 PK p.3). Back-butter tiles larger than 300 × 300 mm (SikaCeram-205 PK p.3). Keep traffic off for at least 24 hours (SikaCeram-205 PK p.3).

6. 6

   Step 6: Grout and seal

   Grout with cement grout for everyday areas (SikaCeram-600 Tile Grout PK p.1) or epoxy grout for wet rooms and kitchens (SikaCeram-850 Design p.1). Re-seal around baths and basins with a sanitary silicone (Sika Sanisil p.1).

   SikaCeram-600 Tile Grout PK Sika Request a quotation

   For filling the spaces of homogeneous tile, ceramic tile, marble, granite, mosaic, and natural stone, over a range of applications as below: Floor and wall, Interior and exterior, Dry and wet area, For dry area, mix SikaCeram®-600 Tile Grout PK with water, Do not mix the fresh material to previou… (TDS p.1,2)

   Temperature stated in TDS

   15 °C to 40 °C (TDS p.2)

   Pack

   1 kg Pouch

   SikaCeram-850 Design Sika

   Grouting tiles for the following interior residential and commercial building applications: Wet rooms, Shopping malls, Hospitals, Commercial / Industrial kitchens, Food industry, Swimming pools (indoors). (TDS p.1)

   Temperature stated in TDS

   +5 °C min. / +35 °C max (TDS p.2)

   Pack

   400 ml double side-by-side cartridge

   Sika Sanisil Sika Request a quotation

   Sanitary or other sealing applications where mildew and fungus resistance is required Domestic kitchens For interior and exterior use (TDS p.1)

   Temperature stated in TDS

   +5 °C min. / +40 °C max (TDS p.2)

   Pack

   300 ml cartridge: 12 cartridges per box

Steps and product facts are taken from the manufacturer data sheets (page cited). Products are named only where the data sheet confirms the use; quantities follow a site visit or photos. General guidance: check the data sheet or ask us before you start.