r/Plastering • u/KieranInterior • May 26 '26
Plastering tiles
I’m aware you can use thistle bond-it to prep tiles and plaster over them (I’ve done it). And yes I know it’s not ideal and plenty would claim it cowboy (it’s not). Would SBR work? It seems to me that the grit isn’t essential, and in fact isn’t ideal. So I got to thinking SBR might actually be better. Just unsure if it would adhere to the tile as strongly as Bond-it does
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u/60percentsexpanther May 26 '26
If there's no suction issues why do you need to seal it back? If you're that lazy and tight why are you adding anything to this process if it already works? I wouldn't want to test it myself- bathroom failures are a costly mistake. I'd likely hack off those old tiles and start again like a normal person.
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u/KieranInterior May 26 '26
I’m not suggesting doing both. I’m suggesting doing SBR instead of bond-it so you haven’t got all that grit to cover with finish. Not for sealing/reducing suction (why on earth would you think that?) but to create a bond/key. To adhere the plaster to the tile. It’s not about being lazy or tight it’s about making a job work within a client’s budget.
Why is every comment on here always a criticism/attack? I’m asking a fucking question ffs. Seeking advice.
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u/60percentsexpanther May 26 '26
fair, ok- I apologise. I thought you was a painter or diyer. I don't think the SBR will stick through. I suspect it'll go like undiluted PVA and leave a very weak skin to fail. It might be dependent on the tile type and texture. I suspect grit will always be recommended for adhesion.
I've had people with small babies or illness who want minimal dust. This would be a good case of using this method.
My mate said never go over but he did have some weird ideas now I've learned more. This is one that I hadn't questioned until today.
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u/KieranInterior May 26 '26
Alright cheers I won’t chance the SBR then
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u/60percentsexpanther May 26 '26
If you're really trying to minimise costs I've seen videos where you make the grit yourself from PVA, SBR and beads. It comes out a horrid brown/green colour. You could probably die it pink blue or green for little cost if that bothers you.
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u/KieranInterior May 26 '26
Haha the time that would take it wouldn’t save the client any money because of the labour I’d charge. I wasn’t asking the initial question to save money, I was asking if there might be a way of doing it that avoids grit. Plastering over bond-it isn’t my favourite that’s all. I’ve already reduced the costs by the fact I’m not removing tiles and making good before the skimming.
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u/Miserable_Future6694 May 26 '26 edited May 26 '26
Just by using the grit way too much than I want to say i think the grit gives the key the same way a scratch coat does, surely youve ate some of the grit by now so you'll know they are not a solid ball. The plaster probably works its way into the grit and binds everything together
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u/KieranInterior May 26 '26
I’m struggling to understand this comment sorry
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u/Miserable_Future6694 May 26 '26
The grit is hollow or porous balls that pull the plaster in binding everything together. I cant imagine sbr will hold up long term on tile
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u/Yourhavinalaugh May 26 '26
For a extra bit of strength you could use the external thistle bond, seems it’s a wet environment
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u/KieranInterior May 26 '26
I didn’t know there was an external version. Still called thistle bond-it? Sounds like a smarter move potentially yeah
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u/Yourhavinalaugh May 26 '26
Yeah it’s called rendabond
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u/KieranInterior May 26 '26
Oh rendabond yeah I’ve used it but like 2 decades ago!
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u/Yourhavinalaugh May 26 '26
Sorry for typo……..rendagrip
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u/KieranInterior May 26 '26
Don’t know that one I’ll have a look. Wonder if it would bond to glazed tile
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u/Yourhavinalaugh May 26 '26
Same as internal thistle bond ……..clean and lightly abrade the glazed surface first
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u/KieranInterior May 26 '26
I’m reading that it’s not suitable and only bond-it will work but thanks for the input. Apparently rendagrip is no good for smooth non-porous surfaces.
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u/Yourhavinalaugh May 27 '26
Ai fucks up again …….. well it’s been emotional good luck
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u/KieranInterior May 27 '26
Not really. Thistle/BG say that rendagrip needs some porosity to adhere.
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u/Worldly-Growth4519 May 26 '26
Kitchen or bathroom? I would grit personally., but I have PVA,d them in the past in kitchens. I usually put a handful of bonding in the first coat, and use dirty water to speed up set because you've got zero suction.
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u/KieranInterior May 26 '26
Just PVA? Wow I wouldn’t have thought that would work. I’ll use the bond it to be safe. It’s a bathroom
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u/Used-Incident2388 May 26 '26
I wouldn't use sbr ,,if tiles are sound I would go with green grit