Many believe it’s necessary to remove or demolish existing tile before installing a new one, because older adhesives lacked the ability to bond to smooth, non-porous surfaces. If tile was installed over existing tile or terrazzo, it could eventually detach. As a result, one common approach was to drill into the existing tile or remove it entirely to expose the concrete underneath. While this remains one of the most secure options for a high-quality installation, it is also the most complex and costly.
Another method involves applying muriatic acid to the surface of the existing tile to open its pores and create a rough texture for adhesion. However, this practice requires deep cleaning to remove all acid residue before installing the new tile. This method is my least favorite due to the handling of acid, its strong odor, and the cleaning difficulty.
The experts at WECO have developed a two-component system. The first is W160 Prime2 Bond, a textured primer that bonds to the existing tile surface and creates a rough finish to promote adhesion. The second is W2000 MAXX Professional Tile Adhesive, an ultra-premium adhesive with high polymer content that offers the flexibility and bonding strength needed for secure installation. Here’s how to use the W-160 Prime2 Bond and W-2000 MAXX system:
- Inspect the existing tile. Any areas that are hollow, lifted, or in poor condition should be fully removed. You can only install new tile over existing tile that is solid and secure.
- Make sure the surface is dry, dust-free, and grease-free before applying W-160 Prime2 Bond.
- Apply a coat of W-160 Prime2 Bond using a roller. Each gallon of W-160 Prime2 Bond covers approximately 250–300 square feet.
- Although it dries to the touch in about 30–60 minutes, it’s recommended to wait 2–4 hours before applying a second coat, and 8 hours before tile installation. W-160 Prime2 Bond should be used only on interior surfaces and must be protected from moisture until the adhesive is applied.
- After 8 hours, apply W-2000 MAXX using directional trowel ridges over the W-160 Prime2 Bond layer, and install the tiles as you would over concrete.
You can find W160 Prime2 Bond, W2000 MAXX, and other products from the Weco Professional System at International Rustic Tile in Mayagüez, Centro de Terrazos y Azulejos (CTA) in Camuy, Sueños de Losas in San Sebastián, Cerapisos in Fajardo, The Tile Shop & The Marble Shop in San Juan, Cerámica Alba in San Juan, Stone & Tiles in San Juan, The Home Depot locations, Ace Hardware stores in Puerto Rico, and many local tile and hardware retailers in your area.
For more information, visit wecopr.com, facebook.com/wecopr, or call 787-739-3751.