Ceramic tile on kitchen counter tops?

Question

Can ceramic tile be applied over my existing formica counter tops? They are in good shape, just ugly. They are not molded, but the formica is not loose anywhere and would probably be hard to remove. Anyone have any experience with this sort of project?

Answer 1

With all due respect "CAN I" is a question I answer often here. The standard answer is Certainly. The addendum is usually "Will you be satisfied."

I've installed multiple thousands of sq. ft. of tile, and YES on a counter top is OK,,,but Mica is NON porous, and will not be an effective surface for adhesion. GLUE is not a proper medium for installing tile,,,in my opinion.

Certainly removal is the best option, though not the easiest. Your Mica was likely installed with a lacquer based contact cement. A Heat gun Might help; but you'll still have to scrape. Thinners, dissolvers, will only cause more mess.

Another method would be to use a belt sander with 80 or 60 grit belts to grind the mica, at least to a point of allowing some surfaces for a MINOR adhesion by tile mortar. One thing in your favor is that your top is not molded, such as is the case in a rolled back splash.

One answer actually gives you the best solution. Buy, measure, cut, and install, 1/4 inch concrete backer board, fill it's seams with thin set; then install the tile.

In your case I'm going to assume you have a backsplash, and in your tile selection you might opt for bullnose caps, and edge facing.

To install for a counter top use a poly based mortar and a trowel with 1/8 th notched flat teeth. Use the minimum size spacers between tile, usually 1/8th. Use a poly based grout after. You'll have to use a grout sealer, and re-seal regularly.

Because it's a surface that will constantly come in contact with water, grease splatter perhaps, and certainly food sources, cleaning is important. For food prep, just use a cutting board.

I offer this example of a surface that offers very little surface that actually allows adhesion. Currently I'm remediating a floor in a commercial building. 11,000 square ft. of floor tile was installed with a latex mastic. The job was probably gotten for cheap, and now it shows. The floor is in a basement level and is prone to in ground water seepage. The floor itself is concrete but was/is very smooth, and at one point was sealed, like a warehouse floor, but was never roughed up before the tile install. It's going to be a never ending job, replacing and repairing the floor.

Steven Wolf

Answer 2

Yes you do get tile cement that will stick to smooth surfaces. You can all so rough the surface up with a coarse sandpaper. You do get a bonding liquid that you apply before you put the tile cement it helps with the bonding. Just make sure the counter top isn't flexible because that can cause problems All so make sure when you fill the tile joins with grout that it fills it good and make sure your grout is water resistant

Answer 3

I wouldn't put it on the counter top itself. It would be hard to work on and to keep clean. The working surface of a counter top should be smooth.

If you are talking about the tile above the splash board, I personally would remove it. Otherwise you would loose the depth of the splash board.

Answer 4

Yes it can be done. I have done this twice with good results depending on your taste, budget, and needs. Here's a source for your answer to doing it right.

http://www.onlinetips.org/tile-over-laminate

Trying to remove the existing plastic laminate is a waste of time, hard work, and not necessary.

Certified Contractor

Answer 5

I would opt to remove the old counter top and replace it. You can prepare the surface for tile but those grout lines are what bug me they get dirty because food and debris gets caught and its hard to clean them nothing like a smooth surface.

Answer 6

hi, formica is easy too remove, use i use a heat gun, are you planning on doing this yourself, if so go by you local building supply store, they will give you guidance, you will need a tile cutter, good luck

Answer 7

THE ANSWER IS NO IT WONT STICK
YOU NEED A CEMENT BACKER BOARD BEFORE APPLYING
TRY USE A TILE OTHER THAN THE 3 1/2" CERAMIC. IT IS 50ISH. CERAMIC CHIPS TO EASY

Answer 8

I think that a plum color would be beautiful. Shades of purple are a very *now* trend in kitchen decor. If you do decide on the plum, I would mos def paint the paneling a lighter shade. Glidden has a cream color called "Indian Painting" that would look great.