It is needed for the adhesive to bond well.
How to add layer to wall prior to tiling.
Check the wall first to see if it is straight.
Apply the last layer of skim coat and use a medium sized sandpaper to achieve a rough texture.
Once it s ready for tiling there is no need to tape the joints.
Apply a 1 8 inch 0 32 cm layer of adhesive to the wall.
Slide a 4 foot straightedge or level over the wall in all directions to check for plumb.
Lay a flat board over the tiles paying attention to the uneven spots and beat the board with a.
Vacuum to remove dust.
If you add a layer of plywood or cementboard however you could raise the floor by as much as 3 4 inch not including the extra height added by the tiles themselves.
Find the middle of the area to be tiled and work out from there.
Layout is important to the finished product.
Remove any remaining dust oils and grease from the wall with tsp tri sodium phosphate or an ammonia based cleanser.
Wash the tiled wall with tsp to ensure a clean and non greasy surface.
Prime to seal it and let dry.
Just make sure that all of your tiles are in good condition.
Start applying the adhesive in a bottom corner about 1 tile length away from the bottom and side of the wall leaving space for the edge tiles.
Patch any holes or cracks with spackling compound and sand the entire surface with medium grit sandpaper.
Fresh plaster needs up to a month for the material to set in and fasten.
Do this prior to any tiling job.
Use a trowel with a 1 4 to 1 2 inch groove to produce an extra thick mortar bed for the tiles.
Scrape the wall to remove any texture and to create a flat surface.
If not then replace any cracked tiles with other tiles or wallboard.
You may also paint this area if only tiling a portion of the wall to minimize cut in work around the tile.