If the wall was painted prior to wallpaper installation follow the instruction for painted or textured walls.
How to install ceramic tile on painted wall.
Let the wall dry thoroughly.
Measure up from the bottom of the wall the height of the tile.
Add water to the mortar while mixing until it s the consistency of peanut butter.
Check the tile for plumb and level then proceed to the next tile.
Once dry sand any high spots to create a level wall.
Previously painted textured drywall prep.
Place the level horizontally on this line and.
Start by removing any molding switch plates outlet covers and other hardware attached to the area being tiled.
Scrape away any loose or peeling paint or wallpaper.
You can leave the paint on drywall provided there are not several coats and the tile epoxy will adhere with no problem.
Sanding the existing paint helps the tile adhesive stick to the wall.
Cover the lath completely with the mortar creating a new surface for the tile to adhere to.
Spread a smooth layer of thinset on the back of the first tile and press it firmly into the notched layer on the wall.
If you have a large surface to paint use a roller for covering the tiles more quickly.
Allow the mortar to dry overnight.
Add another 1 8 inch to the height measurement and place a mark on the vertical line.
Apply even pressure to force the air out of the thinset and to make firm contact between the layer of thinset on the tile and the layer on the wall.
To install ceramic wall tile use a level and measuring tape to mark the tile locations on the wall with chalk.
Remove any remaining dust oil or grease with tsp tri sodium phosphate or an ammonia based cleanser.
Likewise if you have plaster follow the instruction in that section.
Use long sweeping motions to apply mortar to the wall and start placing your tiles in the marked locations.
Patch any holes or cracks with spackling compound.
To avoid any overlapping brush strokes start in one corner and work your brush strokes or roller down the tiles then across the area or wall.
Scrape the paint off the concrete wall or use a blaster.