How to Apply Ceramic Tile Over a Laminate Countertop - DIY Home Improvement Guides - How to Repair and Remodel your Bathroom, Kitchen and more

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Home Improvement > Kitchen > How to Apply Ceramic Tile Over a Laminate Countertop

Use this innovative tiling system to put ceramic tile directly on top of plastic laminate, metal or wood countertops

This method, developed by Armen Tavy, uses a mastic and fiberglass reinforced paper mat to turn any surface into one that can be tiled using standard thinset mortar. It requires no concrete backer board and adds very little thickness to the surface.

Step by Step Instructions with Video

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Step
1

Tile on Top of the Existing Countertop

Rather than take out an existing countertop, install ceramic tile right on top. This eliminates a whole lot of work, expense and mess. Armen Tavy, a master tile setter, came up with this patented system.
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Step
2

Apply the Mastic

Using an eighth-inch notched trowel, spread the pre-mixed mastic on the surface. The notches allow just the right amount of mastic to be placed on the surface.
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Step
3

Lay Down the Reinforced Paper Mat

Apply the "Thin-Skin" reinforced paper on top of the mastic. This provides a surface that will readily accept cement or mortar.

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Step
4

Apply a Skim Coat of Thinset Mortar

Using a wide putty knife or trowel skim on an thin coat or mortar to ?condition? the paper surface to additional cement. If the countertop has a raised and rounded lip on the front, apply more mortar to the front third of the countertop and then rake or screed off the excess using a straight edge.
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Step
5

Apply Mastic and Paper to the Wall or Backsplash

Follow the same procedure as the countertop and to prepare the backsplash or wall.
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Step
6

The Surface is now Cement and Ready for Tiling

The mastic is firmly attached to the laminate countertop, the reinforced paper is attached securely to the mastic and the skim coat of mortar is solidly affixed to the paper producing a mortar and tile friendly surface.

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Step
7

Apply a Bedding Coat of Mortar

Mix the thinset mortar according to the directions on the bag. The consistency should be about that of mayonnaise. Apply the mortar with a notched trowel; check the mortar bag to find out what the recommended notch size is (usually 1/4" x 1/4" or 1/4" x 5/16"). Hold the trowel at a 45 to 60 degree angle to produce uniform ridges or beads of mortar.

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Step
8

Set the Tile

Set the tile into the freshly applied mortar. Wiggle the tiles and press down firmly when putting them in place. Tap the surface with a rubber mallet to further drive the tiles into contact with the mortar below. Use spacers to keep the joints and grout lines straight and even.
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Step
9

Grout the Joints

Mix the grout and apply with a sponge rubber grout float. Force the grout to the bottom of the joint by pressing it in firmly. Once the joints are filled, hold the float at a 45 - 60 degree angle and move diagonally across the face of the tile to remove the excess grout. Let the grout set until it's firm in the joints, usually 45 minutes to an hour, then, using a damp sponge, clean off the grout haze from the tile face. Remove the final bit of grout with a clean dry cloth.

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Step
10

From Plastic Laminate to Ceramic Tile

Mr. Tavy's "Thin Skin" system offers an user-friendly way to apply ceramic tile over not only plastic laminate, but also metal and wood surfaces.

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