Tiling over Stucco

I have an outdoor kitchen that is covered in stucco. This was made 10 years ago, and i'm going to renovate it and cover it in porcelain tile. The stucco has a coat of paint on it. One of the challenges is that stucco is not covering the whole thing, where parts have chipped off or when we removed the tile to start this project that made up the counter top, it took some stucco with it. Not a problem as its all going to be covered.

Recommendations on best way to do this? I'd prefer to not remove the stucco if possible (via chisel or other tools), as I'm worried i'd have to reskin the entire kitchen in backer board if I do this.

Could i do a metal lath on top? And then flexible thinset? or perhaps flexible thinset on top of the stucco? This could help us overcome the challenge of some of the stucco being missing and it not being an even surface.

Let me know thoughts. I've been googling and reading so many articles with so many ideas, but i'd really like to actually hear from people in this platform.

 

Do some investigating. A bonding agent like Weld Crete by Larsen's Products might work. Bonding agents are only as good as what it is applied to. In other words, if the paint lets loose the thinset and tile will come with it. So check the compatibility of the thinset to paint and bonding agent.

What is the structure of the sides of the structure? If it is frame you will want to find the studs to attach the metal lath. If it is masonry concrete stub nails will hold the lath. Use plenty and get a magnetic holder to keep from cutting and beating your fingers to a bloody pulp.


This is one instance where you do not want to lap the lath at the sides and ends. There is also a right and wrong way to install the lath. Look elsewhere here for how that is.