A friend wants to tile a wall surrounding a 1 piece fibreglass tubsurround. That in itself is not the problem, however, the right side of the surround has about a 3" fibreglass flange (that secures the structure to the studs) that abuts to another wall. It is upon this that he wants to put metal edge and tile. It will be a pain in the ass, but that nothwithstanding, will thinset and tile adhere to fibreglass? Will mastic work? I don't want to do the job only to have the tiles fall off. Thank you for any info. Respectfully.

Hi Joe,

I can't see tile bonding well to fiberglass unless the fiberglass glossy surface was sanded down completely, which is something I wouldn't want to do and have to smell. Also, all the fiberglass surrounds I have seen have been too flexible and wouldn't support tile very well.

For me, it would be worth the time to tear out the fiberglass and install some sort of solid substrate that is made for tile.

If the tiles are 12x12 then the last 3" can just hang there without being well adhered. Just as long as they are not hollow in behind. You can use silicone to "pad" the tiles on that last bit. Just leave gaps in the bead for any water to escape.

You might want to look into Fiberglass pool tile adhesives.

I know the problem your having well. Those style of showers are a real pain to finnish around.

LePage PL Premium adhisive would work to bond the ceramic to the fiberglass for sure!

My consern would be that the fiberglass is not ridged enough? If it moves at all dont tile over it! Maybe install a door casing instead of tile? you could even use a plastic moulding from any home center and glue it around the shower.

For the time involved in tileing such a small area. I would install anything but tile there. let us know what you come up with. good luck

Well I thought the matter was resolved when I persuaded him to use door casing which would look great, however he's changed his mind again and now has the entire bathroom finished except for that area which he now wants to tile. I'm writing down the name of that LePage adhesive and I'll give it a try. Thanks for all the input and I hope everyone had a great Christmas and has a healthy, prosperous '09.
Respectfully, Joe.