I'm Having Difficultly Installing Tile on Painted Drywall to Make a Shower

When you install tile on painted drywall to make a shower and have difficulty with the adhesion, the frustration mounts quickly. Generally, the tile is not the problem, the trouble stems from the paint itself on the wall and sometimes the adhesive. Drywall is an acceptable surface to install tile provided you take the steps to prepare it for adhesion. Painted drywall causes problems due to the smooth or glossy finish of the paint, which makes it difficult for the tile adhesive to bond securely with the wall.

Things You'll Need

• 120-grit sandpaper
• Electric sander
• Tile adhesive

Show More

Instructions

1. • 1

     Read the adhesive manufacturer’s instructions to verify if their adhesive will bond to painted surfaces. Some adhesives have qualities that allow them to do so.

   • 2

     Sand the wall with an electric sander with fine 120-grit sandpaper. Rotate the sander gently in a circular motion on the painted surface to rough up the surface and fade the paint. Don’t sand down to the tape or joint compound.

   • 3

     Apply the tile adhesive again and install the tiles. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the amount of adhesive to use. Press the tiles firmly in place.