2007-07-20 01:46:38 · 10 answers · asked by Elizabeth 6 in Home & Garden ➔ Do It Yourself (DIY)
I suppose you could but why wouldn't you want to make sure it's done right and remove the old and start fresh. I think you'll be happier with the outcome.
2007-07-20 02:14:16 · answer #1 · answered by dawnb 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
After installing thousands of sq. ft. of tile, and with all due respect; "CAN I" is certainly a personal freedom, in a choice TO DO, just about anything.
I've certainly installed over formica, vinyl sheet stock, etc, but it's not strictly the BEST way.
The issue involves a few factors. One being the substance and purpose of mortar as applied; to adhere tile. Mica and Vinyl are NOT porous/absorbent, and no matter how much you "ROUGH" a surface, you're still only allowing a minimal bonding situation. I offer a couple analogies.
Consider that tile applied to Plywood/concrete/concrete backer board, allows that the mortar not only can be Pressed in slightly to any areas of absorbtion and hold, but the entire bottom square of the tile piece is part of that bond. Assume that you use 1/8 or 1/4 inch mortar lines, and that TILE is basically glass, most dependant on the adhesion of the mortar type/substance.
In ROUGHING UP a counter top you allow "minute" lines/cross hatching/ areas for adhesion, hence lessening any bonding strength and ability, especially over a long term. Certainly you can test this on some scrap piece of a counter top, allowing all things to be in proportion, then once dry/set take a piece of lumber and tap at the edges of the tile. I suspect you'll notice them loosening.
There is no doubt in my mind that it CAN work, and I have a bath vanity in such a state for over two years, but would I advise it? NEVER. While removing the mica might be a challenge it would be one of my first notions. OR using 1/4 inch backer board OVER the mica, your added height will be minimal.
Just one old Wolfs opinion.
Steven Wolf
2007-07-20 02:21:07 · answer #2 · answered by DIY Doc 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
From a personal standpoint, I wouldn't do it. The underlayment, really the foundation for the tile needs to be level and if your formica is old and worn it may not be. Your best bet is to do it right and remove the old counter, install new plywood (at least 1/2 inch) making sure it is level and start fresh. Your tile installation will be much easier.Your kitchen (I'm assuming that's where this counter is) gets alot of use and is around lots of water and temperature changes. The mastik needs to really bond well or you will have tiles popping up, then water under your tile. You will be much happier with the end result for many years.
2007-07-20 02:03:59 · answer #3 · answered by ? 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
My Mom did that years ago. She put a piece of plywood or particle board on the Formica and tiled over that and the edges..It won't stick long to the formica.
2007-07-20 06:02:24 · answer #4 · answered by ms4womensrights 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You could, but I think your best bet would be to take it out to make sure you have a level surface. Also, the formica doesn't quite make a good contact for the adhesive to catch on, sanded or not.
2007-07-20 02:31:02 · answer #5 · answered by Junior 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes
2007-07-20 01:53:09 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Call someone in the tile department at home depot and ask.
2007-07-20 01:50:42 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Do you know about: the following website. It's the best for ladies who CAN do stuff without the guys around to help so much!
2007-07-20 07:12:08 · answer #8 · answered by helprhome 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi, as long as the surface is grease free, and roughened up, you should have no problem with tileing. Bye
2007-07-20 02:05:12 · answer #9 · answered by Sandyspacecase 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
yes. as long as its a smooth clean surface you will have no problems
2007-07-20 10:58:53 · answer #10 · answered by cl3071700 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋