Flooring Tile - Kitchen backsplash problems
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09-22-01, 06:45 PM
Hello. We want to install a new ceramic tile backsplash in the kitchen but we have several questions before we start.
1) Do we just chisel off the old tile? With what?
2) The 4" laminate backsplash from the counter top is only flush with the wall in one area, in other places, for example, by the sink, it's a good 1/8" to 1/4" away from the wall. It seems like it will be impossible to caulk and I don't think we can move the counter back...the holes for the sink pipes won't allow it.
3) In the areas where the laminate backsplash is away from the wall, it looks like the old tile extends down below...as if it were tiled before the counter was put in.
I'm pretty discouraged before I even start. I'm certain we could do the actual ceramic tiling but I don't want to begin without knowing the answers to some of these questions. Any ideas?
If all else fails and I can't retile the backsplash, is there a way to paint it?
Thanks for the help, Claudia
1) Do we just chisel off the old tile? With what?
2) The 4" laminate backsplash from the counter top is only flush with the wall in one area, in other places, for example, by the sink, it's a good 1/8" to 1/4" away from the wall. It seems like it will be impossible to caulk and I don't think we can move the counter back...the holes for the sink pipes won't allow it.
3) In the areas where the laminate backsplash is away from the wall, it looks like the old tile extends down below...as if it were tiled before the counter was put in.
I'm pretty discouraged before I even start. I'm certain we could do the actual ceramic tiling but I don't want to begin without knowing the answers to some of these questions. Any ideas?
If all else fails and I can't retile the backsplash, is there a way to paint it?
Thanks for the help, Claudia
John Bridge
09-29-01, 08:52 AM
Claudia,
You can set the new tiles on top of the old with a modified thin set.
You can set the new tiles on top of the old with a modified thin set.
09-30-01, 10:23 AM
Thank you, John. It seems that laying new tile over the old would even go a long way to solving that gap between the tile and the formica backsplash that exists along a good portion of the wall behind the sink. Now, I assume that thinset is an adhesive and the the folks at the "home-products" store will fill me in with the particulars of how to use it, but what is a modified thin set and is modification something I do (how?) or is it something that is already modified that I can purchase? (Are you rolling your eyes at me? - I wouldn't blame you.)
Thanks again for your help, Claudia
Thanks again for your help, Claudia
adanac
09-30-01, 11:16 AM
Hi
Polymer modified thin set is tile mortar that has the latex additive already in the bag..you just mix with water. In your case you should use White instead of grey...it makes it easier to clean up the joints(if you plan on grouting white, of course)..if you plan on grouting a dark colour then use the grey thinset. Versabond from Home Depot works well.
Polymer modified thin set is tile mortar that has the latex additive already in the bag..you just mix with water. In your case you should use White instead of grey...it makes it easier to clean up the joints(if you plan on grouting white, of course)..if you plan on grouting a dark colour then use the grey thinset. Versabond from Home Depot works well.
10-02-01, 03:47 AM
Thank you, adanac. We'll give it a try.
Claudia
Claudia