Application Guide Tile Adhesives

How to lay new tiles over old tiles

Renovating without removing the existing tiles can reduce demolition and debris. The safety of the application, however, depends on the soundness of the old covering. A new covering must not be applied directly over tiles that sound hollow or are detaching from the substrate.

September 11, 2026 2 min read

Laying new tiles over old tiles

Test the soundness of the existing covering

The surface is checked across its entire area. Tiles that move, are cracked, have lifted or sound hollow are removed, and the resulting voids are consolidated with a suitable repair product. If there is structural movement, persistent damp or a water leak, the cause is resolved first. A new covering must not be used to hide an old problem.

Clean the surface and prepare it for adhesion

Soap, grease, polish, cleaning chemicals and other bond-breaking residues are completely removed. The surface is rinsed and brought to a condition suitable for application. On sound, low-absorbency old tiles, KR-7500 TECHNO KRAFT FILLED PRIMER is the adhesion layer of the system. The current technical data sheet is used for application and waiting-time information.

Lay the new tiles

Once the primer is ready for application, the main grey adhesive KR-8000 KRAFT PRO+ C2TES1 is used. For coverings that require white, KR-8500 is chosen. For large formats, the adhesive is applied to both the substrate and the back of the tile, and uniform contact is checked. Surface level is managed with KR-ST clips and wedges.

Complete the grouting according to the area of use

KR-200 FUGA KRAFT FLEX is recommended for dry indoor areas and KR-250 FUGA KRAFT POOL for wet areas. In areas requiring technical, mechanical or high chemical loads, KR-300 FUGA KRAFT EPOXY is considered. Corner and movement joints must not be closed with rigid grout.

Calculate the heights before application

The new layer creates a level difference at door openings, skirting boards, drain levels, sanitaryware connections and under furniture. These details should be measured before materials are purchased.

Product recommendations in this content are based on the KraftBau system file. For consumption, mixing ratio, layer thickness and waiting times, refer to the product's current technical data sheet (TDS); for your project conditions, get technical support.

Products

Recommended KraftBau products

Products mentioned in this content. Each card leads to the product page and its current technical data sheet (TDS).

KR-7500 TECHNO KRAFT FILLED PRIMER

Techno Kraft Filled Primer KR-7500 Green

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KR-8000 KRAFT PRO+ C2TES1

Kraft Pro+ KR-8000 Grey (C2TES1)

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KR-8500 KRAFT PRO+ C2TES1 WHITE

Kraft Pro+ KR-8500 White (C2TES1)

View product

KR-ST clips and wedges

Product pages: KR-ST-101 KR-ST-102 KR-ST-300

KR-200, KR-250 or KR-300

Product pages: KR-200 KR-250 KR-300

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Can new tiles be laid over any old tiles?

No. The existing covering must be sound and load-bearing.

Which primer is applied to old tiles?

KR-7500 TECHNO KRAFT FILLED PRIMER is defined in the system.

Is the same system enough in a bathroom?

In a bathroom the required waterproofing must be resolved separately and tied into the Bathroom and Shower System.

The next step for your project

The products in this content are part of a system that works together. Explore the system, find your nearest point of sale or get technical support for your project conditions.