Has anyone ever done this? This is for a kitchen backsplash and it would be difficult to remove laminate that is there ( behind upper and lower cabinets). If so, what type of thinset/mastic did you use.
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I've never done it, but preferrably, I would attach a 1/4" layer of hardibacker and set the tiles with thinset. You can usually buy bullnose tiles that will cap over the top of the board to make up for the extra 1/4", or you can run the tile straight up to the cabinets.
Alternately, you could roughen up the surface by sanding it. Then set the tiles directly to the laminate using mastic. Make sure though that the mastic is compatible with the laminate material, and that the surface is free of excessive dips or humps. And before sanding, make sure that the laminate material does not contain asbestos.
Andy
I have done this--many times. I did not use the hardi-backer, but did check to insure the laminate was a firm, solid surface. Andy is correct--rough it up with a sander--or for a small area, just score the hell out of it with a utility knife. I just use the same thinset mastic I use for other applications (sorry--don't know a brand name off-hand, but I think any good brand will work fine). Never had any trouble, and no call-backs. It does seem to take a little longer for the mastic to set up prior to grouting though.
Howard