Asked on Jun 27, 2016

Updating dated bathroom tiles with concrete?

Bloom Simply
by Bloom Simply
We want to update the small bath in our German house. German baths are tiled all the way to the ceiling and sometimes even the ceiling. Everything is concrete underneath, no drywall so ripping out the tile would result in a major renovation. Has anyone used concrete over tile? I know that concrete over laminate has been done so we were thinking of the same in this bath. Advice, suggestions welcomed.
  8 answers
  • Darius Darius on Jun 27, 2016
    There are a special primers that can be used on tiles. I am from Lithuania and in our market we have BETOKONTAKT from KNAUF. I found an example in English: (http://www.jewson.co.uk/building-materials/plastering-plasterboard/plastering-accessories/products/KWSM0010/knauf-betokontakt-polymer-pretreat-20kg/) It is easy to work with, and after priming your tiles you can put on new tiles or a layer of plaster.
  • Johnchip Johnchip on Jun 27, 2016
    You obviously must remove, rough up or cover the glazed finish for anything to stick. I would try out a sample tile with a few methods until you find the one that works best for you.
  • AWSAUA AWSAUA on Jun 28, 2016
    Not the cheapest, but rather easy way, Cire. http://www.boncreations.nl/ You can send them an email for information in English.
  • CK CK on Jul 05, 2016
    Having seen German bathrooms myself my thought was "These are very nice! Easy to clean tiles all over." :-) What is it about the tiling you don't like and want to update? I think if I had a bathroom like this I'd 'update' with the use of pretty accessories such as towels, any thing you may use on the window shelf, rugs, different light fixtures, etc. I suspect the cost would be less too! :-) Just my opinion but I think the German tiled bathrooms are great!
    • Bloom Simply Bloom Simply on Jul 10, 2016
      Thank You Connie for your suggestions. This is part of the original house before it was finished. Because we are stationed overseas, it's important for us to always have our home fresh and new so it is easier to sell. This bath is horribly dated compared to the rest of the house. We have 3 full baths and this is how the other 2 look, it would be nice if they all had a similar style.
  • Sue Harviel Sue Harviel on Jul 06, 2016
    If you scuff up the existing tiles, use a primer specifically designed for this project and don't use thick coats of the concrete so you don't get slippage...I don't see why you can't cover over the tiles. However, you might want to give it a lot of thought because if it doesn't turn out exactly how you envisioned it, or you tire of it down the road....it will be a MESS to redo. Perhaps, covering with concrete on the bottom half and then simply painting the existing tiles the rest of the way up might be a better solution? I have painted existing tiles before with great success....but I don't have your vision so who am I to offer an alternative? I'd really love to see the finished result. I'm excited to see!
  • Harmony4u Harmony4u on Jul 08, 2016
    tommorow, I can check the name and send to you
  • Annie Annie on Jul 09, 2016
    I agree with Connie wholeheartedly. This bath looks lovely as it is. Have you thought about the complications you would create by layering concrete over the tile? All the fixtures have to be removed and reseated. When all is done you will be creating a surface that's harder to keep clean. Add some color with a window treatment, maybe hang a couple of prints, add a shelf. The bathroom is really great now!
  • Nan8294950 Nan8294950 on Jul 09, 2016
    Home Depot and Lowes sell "The Gripper" specifically made for painting tiles - I'd use it under the concrete as well. I know it "holds" as I used it (as directed of course lol) INSIDE a 50's turquoise shower - that I painted white. Years later........still holding. Do you intend to stamp and or texture the concrete? The texture from the tiles - I assure you is hiding irregularities in the walls. All walls - none are perfect. A smooth coat of anything - may accent things that were hidden.