Hang towel rail without drilling through the tiles in Hong Kong

We have just moved into a new rented apartment and would like to hang towel racks and pictures in the bathrooms. The walls are tiled and we'd prefer not to drill as I suspect we'll be charged for the tile replacement on leaving. We've tried suction cups as well as adhesive pads to no avail and even tried cement glue and super glue but nothing seems to work.

Bathrooms are naturally humid environments, and as you've found, moisture will loosen the hold of a suction pad and dilute the adhesiveness of glue. If you really don't want to drill, I would say the only thing you could try would be water-based silicone, which creates a strong bond between ceramic and metal.

Depending on exactly what you plan to hang on the racks and hooks, silicone should be strong enough to support, say, one towel, and when it comes to leaving, it can be easily removed with a razor blade or scraper.

If you don't have success with the silicone, you may have no choice but to opt for floor-standing towel rails try branches of Wing On (tel: 2318 2454) or SOGO in Causeway Bay (tel: 2833 8338).

Silicone guns are available at Wing Lee Hardware, 154 Wellington Street, Central.

What Adhesive Works Best for Bathroom Accessories in Hong Kong's Humidity?

This is a question I get asked all the time, and it is worth going into some detail because Hong Kong's humidity changes everything. We are not talking about a temperate climate where you stick something to a wall and forget about it. Between April and September, your bathroom humidity can easily sit above 90%, and that plays havoc with most adhesives.

Here is what I have found works and what does not after nearly three decades of working in Hong Kong bathrooms:

• Water-based silicone (recommended): This is your best bet for lightweight items. Brands like Selleys Wet Area Silicone (around HK$55-70 per tube) create a bond that actually improves in damp conditions. You can pick these up at Yuen Fat Ho on Hollywood Road or Wing Lee Hardware on Wellington Street in Central.
• Epoxy-based adhesive pads: Products like 3M VHB tape (around HK$80-120 per roll) can work on smooth, clean tiles, but you must degrease the tile surface thoroughly first with isopropyl alcohol. In my experience, these hold up reasonably well for soap dishes and lighter accessories but not for towel rails bearing weight.
• Standard suction cups: Forget them. They simply do not work long-term in Hong Kong. I have lost count of the number of times clients have called me after their suction-mounted accessories have crashed to the floor at 3am. The humidity breaks the seal within weeks.
• Super glue and cement glue: As you have discovered, these fail in wet environments. They are designed for dry bonding and moisture is their enemy.

Before applying any adhesive, clean the tile surface with a mixture of white vinegar and water, then dry it completely with a cloth. If possible, use a hairdryer on the tile for 30 seconds to drive off any surface moisture. Apply the silicone, press firmly, and leave it for a full 24 hours before hanging anything on it. Do not be tempted to test it early.

Can You Mount Heavy Items Without Drilling Tiles?

Let me be straight with you: there are limits to what adhesive alone can handle. A single hand towel on a small rail? Silicone will manage that. A heavy bath towel, a bathrobe, or multiple items? You are pushing your luck, especially in Hong Kong's climate.

For heavier items, here are your realistic options:

• Floor-standing towel rails: These are genuinely the best no-drill solution for heavy loads. Stainless steel models start from around HK$300-600 at home stores like IKEA in Causeway Bay, or check Wing On and SOGO as mentioned above. They take up floor space, but in a Hong Kong bathroom where every square inch counts, a slim freestanding rail tucked beside the shower screen can work surprisingly well.
• Over-door hooks and rails: If your bathroom door is solid enough, over-door hooks (around HK$40-80) can take a surprising amount of weight. They are available at Japan Home Centre stores across Hong Kong.
• Tension-mounted rails: Shower-style tension rods can be fitted between two walls without any drilling. These work well in Hong Kong's typically compact bathrooms where the walls are close together.

If you are renting and worried about your deposit, it is worth knowing that replacing a single drilled tile typically costs HK$200-500 depending on the tile. Sometimes drilling and patching on the way out is actually cheaper and more practical than wrestling with adhesive solutions for two years. It is something to weigh up.

One more tip specific to Hong Kong rentals: take photos of everything before you move in and keep them with your tenancy agreement. If the landlord tries to charge you for pre-existing damage when you leave, you will have evidence. I see this happen far too often.

When Should You Call a Professional?

For a simple towel rail using silicone, this is a straightforward DIY job. But there are situations where it makes sense to call in someone like me:

• If you need to drill into tiles: Drilling bathroom tiles without cracking them requires a proper diamond-tipped bit and a steady hand. One slip and you are looking at a tile repair job on top of everything else.
• If tiles are already loose or the grouting is failing: Adhesive will not hold properly on a tile that is not firmly bonded to the wall itself. The underlying problem needs fixing first.
• If you want to install a grab rail for safety: These need to be mechanically fixed into the wall structure behind the tiles. Adhesive is not safe for something that someone might need to rely on to prevent a fall.

For more bathroom tips and ideas, have a look at our complete bathroom guides.

Last updated: March 2026