Best answer
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.
Do I need 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 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 I need to prime concrete before painting?
Generally speaking, priming is so essential to successful painting outcomes, concrete will always needs a primer. However, the existing surface needs to be primed before painting if: It is unpainted. It is peeling.
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.
Should a concrete floor be sealed before tiling?
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.
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.
Related Question Answers

Slava Fomin II
ProfessorDo 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.

Edward Thomson
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.

Colin T Bowers
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.

chickens
ProfessorCan I use deck screws for cement board?
It's best to use the cement board screw, but a deck screw will do just fine. ... Use screws designed for cement board like Rock-On screws. They start easier than drywall screws in CBUs. They're easier to use, don't rust as easily and hold better.

kennebec
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.

Joche Wis
ProfessionalDo 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.

PaulMest
ProfessionalCan you use cement board as a subfloor instead of plywood?
No. You will need actual subfloor (3/4 osb or ply) below the cement board to support it. And you'll only need cement board if you're laying tile. Cement board alone will be far to soft, among other problems.

CT Zhu
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.

JideGuru
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.

itsaboutcode
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.

Dekel
UserDo I need to prime a concrete floor before painting?
Generally speaking, priming is so essential to successful painting outcomes, concrete will always needs a primer. However, the existing surface needs to be primed before painting if: It is unpainted. It is peeling.

Michael Osofsky
UserDo I need to prime concrete before epoxy?
One of the most common questions I get with epoxy floors is if it is necessary to prime the floor before applying the epoxy floor coat.
...
The right primer will guarantee better adhesion of your floor coats to the substrate.
It will give your floor a longer life and will reduce the risk of the coat chipping or breaking..

Zichzheng
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..

Jun Han
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.

Benjamin Gruenbaum
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.

Stephan Muller
GuestDo 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!

Anycorn
GuestDo I need to remove old plaster before plastering?
Plastering Over Old Plasterwork If you want your plasterer to apply a fresh skim coat to old plaster walls, you will need to prepare your walls. Any damaged and crumbling old plaster will need to come off the walls, before the brickwork beneath is cleaned off.

Tony Delroy
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 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.

kentcdodds
GuestDo you have to prime plaster before painting?
As a rule, plastered surfaces do not need priming or applying an enamel undercoater. Two coats of a latex ceiling paint or latex wall paint are all that is needed. Be sure they are thin coats.

lejlot
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.

Roman Pavelka
GuestDo you have to replace cement board under tile?
Undamaged cement backer board does not need to be replaced.
...
It is difficult to remove tile from a cement backer board, and even more difficult to avoid damaging the board in the process.
Since backer board is relatively inexpensive, it's not normally worth the time and labor it would take to remove the tile to save it..

Jacques René Mesrine
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.

Derek O
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.

Fenton
GuestDo you need to prime old plaster before painting?
Old plaster walls are more temperamental than drywall so you have to put a little more elbow grease into the preparation work before you paint. 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.

Steven
GuestDo you 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.

Lance Samaria
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.

Thomas Levesque
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.

Andronicus
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.

Marcello de Sales
GuestDoes silicone stick to cement board?
Yes, silicone will stick to cement board. In fact I highly recommend that you use cement board such as 'Durock' as your backer board. Use proper screws. Such as the specific cement board screw.30 Sep 2015

fubar
GuestCan I use cement board for shower floor?
Do not use cement board on its own. Your shower will leak and you will be tearing it out within a year.

Maldus
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..

AJP
GuestWill silicone adhere to cement board?
Yes, silicone will stick to cement board. In fact I highly recommend that you use cement board such as 'Durock' as your backer board. Use proper screws.

steadweb
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.

David Anderson
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..

jnpdx
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.

Thomas
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.

Freesnöw
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.

Alexander
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.

intika
GuestDo you need to prime concrete before painting?
Prime the Concrete Concrete primer, called block primer, fills pores and evens out the surface. ... Primer dries in two hours; wait at least eight hours, but no more than 30 days, to paint.

Lawrence Johnston
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...

harto
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.

Gabriele Santomaggio
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).

Paul S.
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.

Christian Sloper
GuestShould you prime cement board before painting?
Using The Proper Materials and Paint- For fiber cement or HardiPlank siding, a very good latex primer should be used to prepare the surface for paint. After your surfaces are primed it is strongly encouraged to use acrylic exterior paint for your home.

Habib
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..

Carl Zhao
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.

laukok
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!

Matt Carlotta
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.

Daniel T.
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..