Tiling on MDF

Maggiemoo_2

Hi there,

We are new to DIY and have just fitted a new bathroom. My husband has tried, unsuccessfully, twice, to tile on an MDF bath panel. Both times the tiles have come away (scored the board the 2nd time). Any suggestions as to how to tile on MDF would be gratefully received. Thanks

Nile

Hello Maggiemoo


Welcome to the MSE site.:wave:

We have many expert contributors to this board. I'm sure you'll get some helpful responses soon.

Regards

Nile

magicmaria

you need to size it first mix water with PVA glue twice the amount of glue to water - do this about 3 to 4 times letting it dry in between

Volcano

You could make the tile adhesive a bit firmer (if it is the powder stuff you add water to, just mix it to a firmer consistancy).

Is it possible to remove the panel and tile it on a flat surface?

calmgirl

try no more nails instead of tile adhesive as its only the side of the bath. and then grout tradionaly

Maggiemoo_2

Thanks for all your suggestions. I will get the hubby to start on it tonight, will probably go for the PVA solution as he tried making the adhesive thicker the second time. I can't tell him "no more nails" as that was my suggestion and he will be most upset if it works!!! :T

tigger2

Make sure the MDF is firm if there is any flex it will just crack the the adhesive

You have got to size the MDF with a pva and water. You find that even paint will not stck without. If the mdf shows any sign of moving or flexing gun a nail of silcone can be used to stick the tiles as it will have a little give in it. Always be careful with MDF and water as they don't go well together. Make sure whatever no water gets to the MDF as it will swell badly. Just think of what a sponge does when it gets wet it soaks the water up

Twobins_2

As well as priming the surface of the MDF with the PVA solution, you should consider using a flexible adhesive, otherwise the tiles will fall off if theres any movement in the bath panel.

weekendwarrior

Hi,

You should never use PVA as a tiling primer, please read This .

Also I doubt if MDF is suitable, some external grade plywood would be much better!

tigger2

I would take issue with Some of what is said. If you use a water proof PVA it does not return to its soft state. This is very much the same as uni bonding brickwork before plastering.

weekendwarrior

tigger2 wrote:

I would take issue with Some of what is said. If you use a water proof PVA it does not return to its soft state. This is very much the same as uni bonding brickwork before plastering.

Perhaps my eyes are failing me but I do not see waterproof PVA mentioned in any of the posts above?

Brick work does not necessarily need a coat of PVA before plastering. PVA is normally only used when there is an existing coat of finishing plaster on the wall, as you cannot skim over finishing plaster or else it cracks. PVA creates a barrier and so you can then plaster on top of plaster.

PVA is not a magical answer to all the worlds problems unfortunately, although many of the TV programmes Promote the mis-use of it.