Tiling an MDF bath panel

[Panic Button]

I need to tile a freshly fitted sheet of MDF as a bath panel.

Should I tile straight onto the MDF or does it need treating in some way?

Will the tile cement grip best on virgin MDF, a layer of PVA, emulsion or primer paint, or something else?

[SlackAlice]

I did something similar in mine. Painted the MDF with PVA (2 parts water, 1 part PVA) then used a tile cement. None of them have fallen off and that was about 6 yrs ago.

[Clanad]

If you mean as a bath panel near or in a shower or even expected to be exposed to wet conditions, one shouldn't tile over anything except cement board or equivalent... MDF swells greatly if exposed to water, hence the suggestion to use cement board for a long lasting wall. I'd also be concerned about mould and mildew developing behind the tiles or behind the MDF board. Additionally, MDF (at least the older brands) uses urea-formaldehyde in its manufacturing process and can cuase health problems unless well sealed...

[Panic Button]

Its the side panel to a bath, so if I tile and seal properly it should not get wet.

I think I will seal with PVA first. Thanks Alice.

[mrpeter]

Waterproof adhesive in a solid layer behind the tiles, not spots in the four corners ,will do the job. Done several with no problems.