Preparing Walls for Tiling

Plaster

Repair any large holes with plaster filler and brush on a coat of plaster-stabilizing solution if the surface is powdery. Chip off any lumps with a cold chisel.

Paint

Wash with warm water and detergent and allow to dry.

Wallpaper

Strip back to bare wall before tiling.

Old Tiles

These are a good base for new tiles. Rub down the glazed surface of the old tiles with coarse silicone-carbide paper to give a key (surface) for the adhesive. Arrange the new joint lines so they don't line up with the joint lines on the old tiles.