How do you prepare a wall for tile around a bathtub?

Tub or shower wall tile preparation:

  1. Apply a layer of 1/2″ thick cement backer board to the wall studs.
  2. Tape any seams and corners with fiberglass tape.
  3. Apply thin-set adhesive over the fiberglass tape, and allow it to dry.
  4. Roll a waterproofing sealer over the walls, and allow the sealer to dry.

Do I need to prep walls before tiling?

The surface needs to be completely clear of any dust or chemical products before applying adhesive to it. Fresh plaster requires leaving to dry for up to a month to enable the material to set in and fasten, once ready for tiling there is no need to tape the joints.

Do you need to mud and tape drywall before tiling?

If you’re working with new drywall, there’s no need to tape the drywall joints. Seal the walls with a skim coat and let it dry thoroughly. Sand with a medium-grit sandpaper to create a uniform surface that’s not too smooth. You want the tile adhesive to have something to grab onto.

Do I need to prime drywall before tiling?

It is recommended to prime a drywall before tiling. Drywall is very porous, and it will absorb the moisture of the adhesive, which will then weaken its grip on the tiles. The drywall itself is not waterproof, and moisture affects the surface.

What to use on shower walls before tiling?

Whenever installing tile in any area of your house, you need a special substrate, or base layer. In showers, the standard substrate is tile backer, also called cement board or cement backer board.

Do you prime over waterproofing before tiling?

Do I need to use a primer? Yes, with the exception of substrates covered with a waterproofing membrane due to its non-absorbent nature. We recommend the use of a primer on all other substrates to be tiled. By not using a primer, you can void your product and tiling system warranties.