[Arctic17]

Hi Folks

On to the final step: The Backsplash.

My wife has purchased 12" by 12" sheets of mesh-backed glass tile. Each tile is 5/8" by 5/8". It is Parchment colour, for those familiar with Home Depot (at least it is parchemnt colour in Canada). It was $15 a sheet.

I picked-up Megalite Thin Set - Ultimate Peformance Mortar.

The question. Do we need cement board?

My plan was to sand the painted area with 80 grit and rough it up pretty good. I am worried about how the thinset will hold against what is probably several coats of latex paint. The surface is is good shape, as is the drywall under the paint, but I worry about the adhesion. I really don't want to add and cement board or other backing if I don't have to, but I don't want tiles coming off either.

From what I read it seems that roughing the surface good with sandpaper should be fine, but I also read about "moist" areas. Well, some of the areas near the sink could end up moist, but only if I don't grout, caulk, seal, etc properly. Otherwise they will be dry.

Thx in advance for any suggestions.

[splatgirl]

For a backsplash, cement board is major overkill. Just be sure you caulk the joint were it meets the countertop since that's the "correct" way and that would be the main point of water contact. As long as the paint isn't peeling, you won't have adhesion problems.

[NBeth]

We actually had better adhesion on the relatively freshly painted drywall than on the hardibacker (necessary for other reasons). We did not sand. You might try bluetaping the sheets onto the wall: they like to slide. Good luck!

[Arctic17]

Thx both splatgirl and Nbeth

[RubrikGreen]

I tiled our mirror surround in the bathroom directly on the sanded latex-painted drywall, and everything's fine. I used the MegaLite, and found it easy to work with.

I will heartily recommend that you use several applications of grout sealant when you're finished - esp. for the backsplash area. I did about 3 coats on the bathroom backsplash area and the small bit of countertop, and it *really* helps to keep the grout clean and "wipeable". (I also grouted pretty much level with the surface of the tile, so there's no "channel" in betw. the tiles - also helps for cleaning) As splatgirl recommends, caulk is your friend.

Have fun with it!