I’m about to install tile in my bathrooms. The tub surround has new Hardibacker and we’ll use latex-modified thinset adhesive. The walls will be tiled partway up (wainscoting) and I’m wondering what adhesive to use – I’d like to tile right over the paint (glossy, possibly oil-based), which is over knock-down textured wallboard. Any suggestions on what adhesive to use? Some sort of mastic perhaps? Do I need to prep the paint by sanding? I’d really prefer not to, but will if necessary…
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I am assuming this is a dry location. If so, I would clean the surface with some TSP to get rid of grease, and rinse well, scarify the area with some 100 grit sandpaper, and apply a good quality thinset with all the latex additives already in it.
I happen to use Versabond by Custom.
You might get by with just cleaning and the Versabond, who knows. Versabond is awfully sticky and forgiving. Try a test tile, if you'd like.
Boris
"Sir, I may be drunk, but you're crazy, and I'll be sober tomorrow" -- WC Fields, "Its a Gift" 1934