tile a bathroom wall

Prep, Stick, Set, Succeed

Tiling your bathroom walls is one of the most transformative projects you can tackle, offering both practical protection and a chance to enhance the look of your space. Whether you’re a multi-skilled builder or a confident DIYer refreshing your own bathroom, getting your wall tiling right is essential for a professional finish that will stand the test of time.

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CF-24 Flexible Tile Adhesive

Flexible standard setting tile adhesive suitable for fixing porcelain, ceramic and mosaic wall and floor tiles both internally and externally.

Grout after 24 hours
Flexible
For ceramic, porcelain and non-moisture sensitive natural stone tiles
Interior and Exterior
Suitable with underfloor heating
Extended open time

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CF-03 Flexible Fast Set Tile Adhesive

Fast setting, flexible tile adhesive suitable for fixing porcelain, ceramic and mosaic wall and floor tiles both internally and externally.

Grout after 3 hours
Flexible
For ceramic, porcelain and natural stone tiles
Interior and Exterior
Suitable with underfloor heating

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Multi-Purpose Primer

For preparing porous surfaces prior to tiling or applying levelling compounds.

Controls surface porosity
Increases open time of cement based tile adhesives
Enhances the wet edge of levelling compounds and prevents pinholes
Fast drying

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GX-500 Flexible Grout

A flexible wall and floor grout available in eight colours with matching silicones. For use with ceramic, porcelain, natural stone and mosaic tiles.

For porcelain, natural stone and ceramic tiles
Up to 15mm joints
8 colours with matching silicones
Reduced efflorescence
Suitable for external use and wet areas
Suitable for underfloor heating
24 hour setting time

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FX-90 Silicone Sealant

A silicone sealant perfect for sealing internal corners and abutments in bathrooms and kitchens.

Multi-purpose
Hygienic
Waterproof
8 colours with matching grouts

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RX-3000 Waterproof Wall Tile Adhesive

High performance ceramic wall tile adhesive for wet rooms, bathrooms and power showers.

Ready mixed
For ceramic and mosaic tiles
Suitable for power showers and wetrooms
30 minute open time
Grout after 24 hours

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Tiling Bathroom Walls FAQs

Explore our Project FAQs to find quick answers to common questions about tiling on bathroom walls, including product selection, application guidelines, and best practices for achieving optimal results.

Q: How do I prepare my bathroom wall for tiling?

Ensure your wall is clean, dry, and free from dust, grease or loose material. Repair any damaged areas with a suitable filler and allow to dry completely. For porous surfaces, apply DUNLOP MULTI PURPOSE PRIMER to seal the surface and improve adhesion.

Q: Do I need to use a primer before tiling?

Yes, especially on porous surfaces like plaster or drywall. DUNLOP MULTI PURPOSE PRIMER is ideal as it seals the surface and improves adhesion. Apply undiluted for plaster walls when using cement-based adhesives, or diluted 1:1 with water for plaster walls when using ready-mixed adhesives.

Q: Can I tile directly onto plasterboard?

Yes, but ensure the plasterboard is securely fixed and capable of supporting the weight of tiles (maximum weight of 32kg/m²). Prime the surface with DUNLOP MULTI PURPOSE PRIMER first for better adhesion.

Q: What size tiles work best for bathroom walls?

This depends on your bathroom size and personal preference. Larger tiles (30x60cm or 60x60cm) can make a small bathroom appear bigger and have fewer grout lines to clean. Smaller tiles (10x10cm or 20x20cm) offer more design flexibility and can be easier to install on uneven surfaces.

Q: What type of tile adhesive should I use for bathroom walls?

For bathroom walls, use a water-resistant adhesive specifically designed for wet areas. DUNLOP CF-03 FLEXIBLE FAST SET TILE ADHESIVE is ideal for quick projects, setting in just 3 hours, while DUNLOP CF-24 FLEXIBLE TILE ADHESIVE offers a longer working time of 5 hours, giving you more time to ensure perfect positioning.

Q: What type of trowel should I use to apply adhesive?

Use a notched trowel appropriate to your tile size. For wall tiles, a 6mm or 8mm notched trowel is typically suitable. Larger tiles may require a 10mm notched trowel. Hold the trowel at a 45° angle when applying the adhesive to create ridges of even height.

Q: How do I ensure tiles are level?

Use a spirit level regularly to check both horizontal and vertical alignment as you install tiles. For the first row, you may use a straight wooden batten fixed to the wall as a guide to ensure a level start.

Q: When can I start grouting after tiling?

With DUNLOP CF-03 FLEXIBLE FAST SET TILE ADHESIVE, you can start grouting after just 3 hours. If using DUNLOP CF-24 FLEXIBLE TILE ADHESIVE, wait 24 hours before grouting. Always check the adhesive is completely dry before grouting.

Q: How do I apply grout correctly?

Mix DUNLOP GX-500 FLEXIBLE GROUT according to package instructions, then use a rubber grout float to push the grout diagonally across the tile joints, ensuring they’re completely filled. After about 15 minutes, clean excess grout from the tile surface with a damp sponge, working diagonally across the joints to avoid pulling out the grout.

Q: Do I need to seal the edges where tiles meet fixtures?

Yes, use a waterproof silicone sealant like DUNLOP FX-90 SILICONE SEALANT around the edges where tiles meet fixtures such as bathtubs, shower trays, and sinks. This prevents water from seeping behind the tiles and causing damage. Apply a continuous bead of sealant and smooth with a sealant finishing tool or your finger dipped in soapy water.

How To Guide

Download this handy how-to guide for external floor tiling, offering a simple step-by-step overview covering:

Surface preparation and priming
Mixing and applying the adhesive
Fixing and finishing the tiles
Finishing with grouts and silicones

Top tip

“When tiling bathroom walls, always apply your DUNLOP MULTI-PURPOSE PRIMER first, especially on porous surfaces like plasterboard or fresh plaster. This creates the perfect foundation for your adhesive and ensures a strong, long-lasting bond. And remember – a perfectly level first row is critical for the entire installation, so take your time setting up your start line with a proper level. It might seem like extra work, but this attention to detail will save you time and prevent problems years down the road.”

David Hilton – Dunlop Adhesives Training Manager

Dunlop and the Flying D device are trademarks of Sumitomo Rubber Group and are used under license by Building Adhesives Ltd.

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