Surface preparation

Make sure that walls are smooth, any cracks have been filled and the
substrate can support the weight of the chosen tile finish.


Substrate	Prior to tiling

Gypsum plaster	Leave new plaster for 4 weeks. Brush shiny plaster with stiff bristled brush and remove any dust. Prime with BAL Prime APD, diluted 1:1 with water. Ensure old finish coat plaster is sound prior to fixing tiles.

New dense concrete, concrete blocks & bricks	Leave for 6 weeks. Check for suitability prior to application.

Cement: sand rendering	Leave for 2 weeks. Make sure any laitence, dirt and loose material is thoroughly brushed off.

Existing tiles	Check they are well bonded and free from grease/oily deposits. Score existing tiles to aid adhesion.

Plasterboard, fibre or cement boards	Boards should be securely screwed to a timber framework at 300mm centres, horizontally and vertically, to provide a rigid substrate.

Paintwork or wallpaper	Loose paint, emulsion paint, loose plaster and all wallpaper must be removed before commencing tiling. Score any gloss paint. Remove any flaky paint mechanically (do not use paintstripper).