Best answer
Contrary to popular thought, tile and grout are not waterproof, and some moisture will penetrate even if sealant is used. ... However, if you choose to use concrete backerboard, which is much stronger and more durable than gypsum board, a water vapor membrane must be placed underneath it or a sealant applied on top of it.
Do you need to waterproof cement board before tiling?
So, if you're looking for durability and strength, concrete backer-board will probably be your choice. First, you should provide a waterproof/resistant membrane against the wood studs before installing the concrete backer-board to protect the wood studs from moisture absorbed through the backer-board.
Do you need to tape cement board before tiling?
2 Answers. The thinset and mesh tape are to strengthen the seams. If you are going to tile over the cement board, you should tape the seams. If you just want to leave the corners untreated that will probably be fine, because that seam won't split the center of a tile.
Do concrete planters need to be sealed?
To maximize its life and protect it from the elements, it is recommended that you seal your concrete planter. Before proceeding to apply your sealer, you will need to vigorously clean your concrete planter.
Do you need to prime cement board before tiling?
Do I need to prime HardieBacker® board before I tile onto it? No. HardieBacker tile backerboard is ready to tile once installed, just wipe down with a damp sponge to remove any dust prior to tiling.
Can you plaster over plasterboard adhesive?
Hi, If you are plastering over the board there is no need to fill the screw holes first, ensure that all screws are countersunk below the surface. Fix the self adhesive scrim to the plasterboard, then skim over it. there is no need to seal plasterboard before skimming!
Do I need to prime concrete floor before tiling?
As a general rule, we would say use a primer of some description to prepare your floor prior to tiling. ... For instance, an old concrete floor that was tiled previously will probably not need a primer, as long as the surface is clean and free from old adhesive and anything else that was stuck to the floor.
Do I need to seal concrete floor before painting?
For a clean and even coat of paint, your concrete surface will need to be thoroughly cleaned before primer is applied. Use a strong sealer to fix any cracks and seal the interior surface of the concrete completely.
Can you tile directly onto plaster board?
Yes, apply an acrylic based primer such as BAL Primer (undiluted) to the plasterboard with a brush or roller and leave to dry before applying any powered adhesives. All board joints and internal corners should be reinforced using a suitable alkaline joint tape before tiling.
Do you have to seal cement board before tiling?
Contrary to popular thought, tile and grout are not waterproof, and some moisture will penetrate even if sealant is used. ... However, if you choose to use concrete backerboard, which is much stronger and more durable than gypsum board, a water vapor membrane must be placed underneath it or a sealant applied on top of it.
Do you need to waterproof cement board in a shower?
Cement board is not waterproof. Hardibacker is not waterproof. Tile and grout are not waterproof. Cement board will not fall apart when exposed to water.
Related Question Answers

Sagiv b.g
ProfessorDo I need to waterproof cement board in shower?
Here's what the TCNA handbook has to say about the matter: “A waterproof membrane or vapor retarder membrane must be specified to prevent moisture intrusion and protect adjacent building materials.” ~B412 Bathtub or shower with prefabricated receptor. Cement board or Fiber-cement board.

Vipin Varghese
ProfessorDo I need to seal my concrete floor before tiling?
Although you don't need to install an underlayment between the concrete and the tile, you need to prepare the surface before placing the tile. After all, cracks and uneven areas in the concrete can cause damage to the tile above, and uncontrolled moisture in the concrete can destroy the mortar and loosen the tiles.

ForceBru
ProfessorDo you need to seal a concrete floor before laying laminate?
You don't need to seal a concrete floor before installing laminate; however, to prevent moisture from the concrete floor from affecting your laminate, install a vapor barrier of polyethylene film. Install this barrier even if the concrete subfloor is covered by vinyl, linoleum, terrazzo or ceramic tile.

cosbor11
ProfessorDo you need a vapor barrier behind cement board?
You still need a vapor barrier with cement board, although in this case the barrier can go behind the board. Cement board is heavy enough and breathable enough to take the moisture without a problem. By having the vapor barrier behind the cement board you stop the moisture going further into the wall.

Bob Stein
ProfessorDo you need green board behind cement board?
Because cement board can be used either for floors or walls, the surface below the cement board will vary: ... In such wet areas, never install cement board directly over drywall or green board. Instead, first, remove the existing surface material, then install the cement board over the studs and membrane, as applicable.

Brian Agnew
ProfessionalShould I seal concrete before laying tile?
Concrete sealant or paint prevents the adhesive from sticking properly. ... You will need to use an acid-based solution, like muriatic acid, to rough up the surface if the top of the concrete is still smooth. Let the surface of the concrete completely dry before installing tile.

Ploppy
ProfessionalHow do I seal new plaster before painting?
1. Seal it. You first need to seal new plaster to make it less absorbent and to help the topcoat adhere better. A common way to seal it is with watered-down emulsion (known as a mist coat), as the plaster sucks up the water and becomes less absorbent.

mchawre
ProfessionalDo I need cement board for stone veneer?
Natural stone veneer is heavy and should not be installed over drywall; cement backerboard or masonry applications are recommended.

Tanmoy
ProfessionalDo I need to plaster bathroom before tiling?
Tiling on plaster is ok, as long as your not fitting large format tiles. Still prime the plaster (obviously when dry) with acrylic primer. NOT PVA. Why plaster though.....not really necessary.

Inbar Gazit
ProfessionalDo I need to plaster before tiling?
If you sort the plasterboard out level/flat.........you don't need to plaster it at all....... tile directly onto the plasterboard, because if you are not experienced in plastering, you could end up in a worse state. Sort the plaster board, it's not that heavy.......then prime with acrylic primer.......then tile it.

a2br
UserDo I need to prime cement board before tiling?
Do I need to prime HardieBacker® board before I tile onto it? No. HardieBacker tile backerboard is ready to tile once installed, just wipe down with a damp sponge to remove any dust prior to tiling.

Muhammad Zahab Ahmad Khan
UserDo I need to prime concrete floor before leveling?
It is recommended that the concrete surface is primed with a primer before applying the leveling compound.
This is meant not only to improve adhesion with the leveling compound but also to serve to seal the concrete slab beneath..

Josh Brown
UserDo I need to prime plaster before painting?
You first need to seal new plaster to make it less absorbent and to help the topcoat adhere better. A common way to seal it is with watered-down emulsion (known as a mist coat), as the plaster sucks up the water and becomes less absorbent.

Mikhail Shilkov
UserDo I need to prime plaster walls before painting?
Painting plaster walls is just like painting any other drywall. The primer that you use is the key. You need to us the best primer for plaster walls to seal the wall because paints won't take to it evenly without a good primer.

Tony L.
UserDo I need to PVA plaster before tiling?
Short answer. No, never use PVA to prime a surface before applying tiles. The acetic acid produced when cement and PVA come into contact would render the adhesive and grout useless. Scroll down for a longer answer!

Antonio
GuestDo I need to sand concrete before staining?
You do not need to sand the concrete before staining unless you are using Acid Stains and the surface to be acid stained is not capable of absorbing liquids..

Ben.S
GuestDo I need to seal concrete before epoxy?
New slabs of concrete should be allowed to fully cure for 30-60 days before a coating is applied.
If a sealer was previously used on the concrete (if water beads up on the surface), do not use epoxy.
...
Any cracks or concrete spall should be filled and stabilized before a new epoxy coating is applied..

Miguel Moura
GuestDo I need to seal concrete before painting?
For a clean and even coat of paint, your concrete surface will need to be thoroughly cleaned before primer is applied. This is because concrete is a highly absorptive surface and without a seal, moisture can seep inside through concrete.

djvg
GuestDo I need to seal my new concrete driveway?
Owners of asphalt driveways often seal them too frequently, and owners of concrete driveways don't seal them at all, experts say. ... And concrete driveways should be sealed every four or five years to protect them from water penetration and to prolong their life.

Habib
GuestDo I need to seal old plaster before painting?
Fix damaged areas of the walls with a patching compound recommended for use on plaster and apply an oil-based or shellac primer to seal out moisture. Follow with a top-quality latex paint to give your old plaster a new look. Move the furniture to the center of the room. Cover the floor with drop cloths.

JB Nizet
GuestDo I need to seal plaster before painting?
1. Seal it. You first need to seal new plaster to make it less absorbent and to help the topcoat adhere better. A common way to seal it is with watered-down emulsion (known as a mist coat), as the plaster sucks up the water and becomes less absorbent.

New Pagodi
GuestDo poured concrete walls need insulation?
Do Concrete Walls Need to Be Insulated? Some contractors add foam insulation in the concrete form before pouring the cement while others add rigid board-type insulation on the exterior of the concrete after it hardens. However your basement walls are constructed, you'll likely want to insulate them.

Aron Rotteveel
GuestDo you have to prime plaster before tiling?
If your wall has been plastered recently, make sure it has been left for at least 14 days before tiling on new plaster. If this isn't necessary, a coating of sealing primer directly on the plaster will ensure a decent base, just make sure you give it 24 hours to dry.

jason
GuestDo you have to seal plaster before painting?
You first need to seal new plaster to make it less absorbent and to help the topcoat adhere better. A common way to seal it is with watered-down emulsion (known as a mist coat), as the plaster sucks up the water and becomes less absorbent.

Jan Garaj
GuestDo you need plywood under cement board?
The Surface Below the Cement Board Flooring: For ceramic tile floors, the cement board usually rests on a plywood subfloor (minimum 5/8-inch-thick exterior-grade plywood or OSB). ... In such wet areas, never install cement board directly over drywall or green board.

Audrius Meskauskas
GuestDo you need to prime concrete before self Levelling?
It is recommended that the concrete surface is primed with a primer before applying the leveling compound. This is meant not only to improve adhesion with the leveling compound but also to serve to seal the concrete slab beneath.

Shivprasad Koirala
GuestDo you need to seal concrete before using floor Levelling compound?
It is recommended that the concrete surface is primed with a primer before applying the leveling compound. This is meant not only to improve adhesion with the leveling compound but also to serve to seal the concrete slab beneath.

Yannick Schall
GuestDo you need to seal concrete planters?
To maximize its life and protect it from the elements, it is recommended that you seal your concrete planter. Before proceeding to apply your sealer, you will need to vigorously clean your concrete planter.

Joe Kington
GuestDo you need to seal old plaster before painting?
4 Answers. You do need to seal the plaster otherwise the new paint won't stick as you point out. My first choice would be to wipe down and then paint with a coat of diluted emulsion as you suggest. You might want to try this on a section of the wall before doing the whole lot to see if you get a good finish.

Hubro
GuestDo you need to seal plaster before tiling?
Yes, the plaster needs to be sealed as it is very porous and will suck the moisture out of the tile adhesive before it has time to 'grab' properly.

Andreas Dolk
GuestDo you need vapor barrier behind cement board?
If it's a cement board, you need a vapor barrier, because cement retains moisture, which means the wood next to it is always damp.

Alex Koshelev
GuestDoes cement board need to be sealed?
While you don't always need to seal backer board, it sometimes make sense to do so. If you are installing backer board in an area that will be subject to a great amount of moisture, like in a shower, then it makes sense to put a waterproofing sealer on it.

Robert Tirta
GuestDo you need to seal concrete paint?
For a clean and even coat of paint, your concrete surface will need to be thoroughly cleaned before primer is applied. ... Use a strong sealer to fix any cracks and seal the interior surface of the concrete completely.

warvariuc
GuestWhat thickness cement board should I use?
Half-inch cement backer board is ideal for most tiling jobs, including walls, floors, countertops, and ceilings.
For flooring, the backer board should be installed over a 5/8-inch thick OSB or plywood base..

Konrad Rudolph
GuestDo I need to remove paint from concrete before tiling?
Painted concrete surfaces are a well known bondbreaker for all tile thinsets and self levelling compounds and must be removed prior to installing tile.

andrewtweber
GuestHow do I attach concrete board to plywood?
Position each piece of backer board in the thin-set, press in place, and attach using special backer board screws on the spacing recommended by the backer board manufacturer.
Cover the joints in the backer board with fiberglass tape embedded in thin-set adhesive and allow to set before tiling..

stakx - no longer contributing
GuestDo I need cement board for kitchen backsplash?
But for a tile backsplash, if your wall is good and plumb, without any major ridges or problems, you don't always need to use a backer board, often you can just apply thinset to the walls and put your tiles in place.

rintaro
GuestDo I need cement board for tile floor?
If you're working over a wood subfloor, cement board is the right choice for your tile base. No matter what you're told at a home center, it's not a good idea to install tile directly over plywood, especially in a damp area like a bathroom.

davidcondrey
GuestDo you put cement board under bathtub?
You don't need any cement board under the tub. It is far more important to have a sturdy layer of ply under the tub.

patapouf_ai
GuestDo I need to seal a concrete floor before tiling?
7. Apply the Sealer. After cleaning, patching, and repairing the concrete floor, you'll be ready to seal it. This process creates a protective layer that prevents moisture from seeping through the concrete and into the tile floor.

Bojangles
GuestShould I PVA a concrete floor before tiling?
PVA isn't good, don't use it with any form of tiling... You should seal the floor with a suitable primer that is compatible with the adhesive you buy. i.e. buy Ardex primer for Ardex adhesive, BAL primer for BAL adhesives...

Kaiido
GuestDo I need to seal concrete curbing?
Sealing your concrete curbing will help to prevent deterioration caused by water absorption, and the growth of mold, mildew, and efflorescence.

qqx
GuestCan I reuse cement backer board?
Undamaged cement backer board does not need to be replaced. If tile has not been attached directly to the backer board, and it has not been dented or punctured, it can be reused without any special preparation.

Mohammad Nurdin
GuestDo I need plywood under cement board?
Because cement board can be used either for floors or walls, the surface below the cement board will vary: Flooring: For ceramic tile floors, the cement board usually rests on a plywood subfloor (minimum 5/8-inch-thick exterior-grade plywood or OSB).

Gregor Thomas
GuestShould I put cement board under tub?
You don't need any cement board under the tub. It is far more important to have a sturdy layer of ply under the tub.

Grzegorz Kaczan
GuestShould you waterproof cement board before tiling?
Contrary to popular thought, tile and grout are not waterproof, and some moisture will penetrate even if sealant is used.
...
However, if you choose to use concrete backerboard, which is much stronger and more durable than gypsum board, a water vapor membrane must be placed underneath it or a sealant applied on top of it..

seangwright
GuestWhat do you use to seal cement board when tiling?
The thin-set is a cement-based powder that you mix with water or latex additive to form a thick paste, which is used to seal the seams in the board and can also be used to set the tile. Finally, you'll need an 8 x 12-ft. piece of 4-mil plastic sheeting and some straight 2x4s.

Zirak
GuestDo you need to seal plaster before painting?
Preparing Plaster To Paint: Seal The New Plaster Before painting the new plaster you will require a sealer to prime the surface. Contractors often worryingly think PVA will work as a sealer. Do not use PVA. PVA is the mortal enemy of paint!

g.pickardou
GuestDoes plaster need to be primed before painting?
Preparing Plaster To Paint: Seal The New Plaster Before painting the new plaster you will require a sealer to prime the surface. Contractors often worryingly think PVA will work as a sealer. Do not use PVA.

lonesomeday
GuestDo you need to PVA cement board before tiling?
DIY Doctor gets many emails saying that PVA should not be used on walls before they are tiled.
This is simply not true.
...
PVA can be used to seal any type of porous surface,including plasterboard and if it is done properly it will give you a much much better job than working on unsealed walls..