Spread a small amount of mortar in an arcing fashion onto the wall where the tiles will be laid using the grooved edge of the trowel.
Tile on a knock down wall.
Really unless it is a panel you should heed that generalism at all times.
They knock down any textures in drywall much faster than regular sandpaper last much longer.
Preparing the existing wall.
So as what you are really accomplishing is creation of a diy panel you will need to instead place and glue your tiles first on something like plyboard polyboard or sheet masonite while it is lying flat.
Remove the protective film from one side and stick the mat to the wall pressing and smoothing the surface to achieve a good bond.
Make offer new old stock 1960 vintage ceramic wall tile.
Unroll the adhesive mat and cut it to fit the backsplash space using utility scissors or a utility knife.
As with anything you plan to fasten to a wall it is most durable when fastened to studs.
Move the knife in upward downward and sideways directions loosening and removing the surface of the texture from the wall.
Place a wide drywall knife on the wall at a 45 degree angle.
Then peel away the outer protective film and begin installing the tile.
Lay down a tarp or a sheet of plywood over the floor.
Knocking down a wall will create a lot of dust and debris.
Move across the wall and then downward sanding the entire surface of the wall.
New old stock 1960 vintage ceramic wall tile 2 x 6 trim yellow white.
Use either a hand held sander or an electric sander.
Basically anything but carpet why would you ever do that.
Take this time at home and knock out some home improvement tasks.
Press the tiles into the mortar in the same pattern you.
The suction of the vac helped the sanding screen snugly slide along the wall i highly recommend sanding screens even if you don t use a sander like this one.
Sand the wall with medium grit sandpaper to further smooth the texture creating an even surface on which to apply the tile.
Put on a pair of safety goggles before you start removing the tile then place the chisel at a 45 degree angle between the tiles and hit the end of the chisel with the hammer to separate the tiles from the wall.
For harder to reach areas around the sink i used a low grit sanding sponge.
Protect the rest of your home by taking the following precautions.
Sand the wall with medium grit sandpaper 80 grit to further smooth the texture creating an even surface on which to apply the tile.
After lots of research it seems that the general consensus is you can definitely build a wall over existing tile.
Use a chisel and hammer if you need to remove existing tiles.
Plywood will better protect hardwood ceramic tile or other fragile flooring types.