Prepping external bare brick wall for tiling

If it's face brick I would use a grinder with a cup wheel to grind the entire surface in case the brick has some sort of finish on it that's not compatible with tile glue, then prime it with Davco Ultraprime or Ultrabond and use SMP Evo over that.

SMP Evo can be built up to 19mm thick which should accommodate any uneven spots in the brick work, alternatively but a screed coat on first, let it dry (24 Hours) then tile.

Rectified tiles with a porcelain base are very hard to mitre I would recommend you use a tile trim, maybe brushed Aluminium.

2mm to 3mm joints is standard for rectified tiles.

Also make sure after laying the tiles they are kept cool, no hot afternoon sun beating down on them, cover with a white drop sheet for 24 hours.

it is recommended to render first then tile onto that


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Originally Posted by Pulse

it is recommended to render first then tile onto that

Yes that appears to be the general recommendation, but why? a good quality tile adhesive has far better adhesive qualities than any render I know of.

If you're going to use a small tile, sure you would want a flat surface to tile on, but a 900 x 450 tile should be ok for direct stick.

yeah not sure, just rendered a big bloody wall prior to tiling, dunno why it is s requirement, agree with all your thoughts


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Ok u r getting into dangerous territory. With porcelain that large you will be subject to the same heartache i experienced once.
At that size, there is a huge distance between the middle of the tile and the outer edge, which means nowhere for moisture from the adheaive to go while curing.
Dont prime / seal the wall before tiling it with tese tiles. U will trap the moisture of the glue for too long and it will fracture. I 100% garuantee that.
If u were using something smaller i would agree to use ultraprime, but u want this tile adhesive to cure or else ul be @@@@ing pissed off like i was.
If u are to use levelling system for these tiles, stay well clear of the cheap one available at bunnings h which puts pressure up on the tile. Use the red ones or something expensive that requires a tool to operate! Please.
Choose an adhesive that is advertise as fast curing, but still suitable for porcelain. Back butter all tiles with flat side of trowel with the exact same adhesive mix you are applying to the wall. Do not wet it. U want as little moisture as possible. Tap them in with a white rubber mallet and leave them the @@@@ alone.

Also, use nothing other than a 12mm square notch trowel