How do I tile over damaged sheetrock?

Question

I'm beginning a kitchen remodeling project and have already taken the tile backsplash (about 10" high) off the sheetrock. The sheetrock was previously textured (common in new houses) and then the tile was glued onto it.

When taking the tile off, the paper portion of the sheet rock has ripped off with some of the tile exposing the plaster center portion of the sheet rock. In some other places the plaster is cracked. It isn't too bad. Some areas of damage are about half the size of an 8 1/2 x 11 sheet of paper.

I want to retile with a full backspash and was wondering how to go about this over the damaged portions. Do I simply retile over the exposed plaster areas? How do I go about tiling over the cracked plaster portions?

Thank you for your input and suggestions.

Answer 1

The paper is where the sheetrock gets it's strength.
Take your thinset and put a thin skim coat over the whole area sealing and spreading the surface over a large area making a new surface to work with. let it set overnight and then put the tile on as normal putting fresh thinset on as needed

Answer 2

Two options:

1. Go buy a 1/4" thick sheet of cement board and secure it over your drywall. This is the most sure-fire way to achieve suitable surface and guarantee plumb.

2. Skim-coat the affected areas with a MODIFIED THINSET. Wait 24 hours, then begin setting tile with the same product.

I caution you against using a redi-mix tile adhesive (Mastic), as they are all inherently organic, and able to re-emulsify if exposed to moisture. Use a modified thinset instead.

Answer 3

Another option is to cut and fit a piece of 1/4" birch or luan plywood, the size of the new back splash, over the Sheetrock. Glue it to the wall with construction adhesive. That will give you a flat firm base for your tile. Just remember to run a good bead of white 100 % silicon at the base of the plywood to prevent water sucking up into the plywood.

Answer 4

there is a product which has the tiles all interconnected. this may be the salvation to your hard work. if some of them become loose the line holding them together will hold them all on.
however you will still have to repair the paper damage and prime paint it. might not be a bad idea to apply a coat of sealer paint after the primer. after all you only want to do this once.
also ask at the dealer where you purchase the tiles for information and they will be glad to help out.

Answer 5

Skim over the damaged areas with joint compound, then sand. You'll then need to prime the area.

This will give you a flat, smooth surface to tile on.

Answer 6

Hon, I know you don't want to hear this---but please replace the damaged sheetrock. Your new tile needs a level base in order for you to do the most optimum job.

Answer 7

skim coat it with joint compound but do not sand it, sanding make way to much dust. its better to rub it down with a wet/damp spunge (be careful not to rub to hard).

paint the surface before tiling the wall.