I've had drywall behind the plastic in my shower for the past 15 years, and I've recently removed the plastic. The drywall looks perfect! I'm considering using Mapei Aqua Defense to waterproof and seal it before tiling. Is this a good idea?
2 Answers
While you can technically use Mapei Aqua Defense over drywall, it's not the best choice. You've already done so much work; why not go the extra mile? Instead of leaving the drywall, consider replacing it with cement board or something like Schluter Kerdi. If you leave the drywall and a leak happens later, you'll face a huge hassle removing all the tiles to fix it.
I don’t remember the exact product name, but there's a membrane specifically designed for drywall. Aqua Defense isn't really meant for drywall applications. If you’re looking to do it right, make sure to use the right materials from the start!

Totally agree! Replacing it now can save you a lot of headaches down the road.