| Wall Tile Installation |
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| Step 1: Preparing the wall surface |
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| The surface of the wall should be clean, grease free, waterproof, dry and flat, with no loose
particles of dust, paint, plaster, etc. This may require washing, sanding, scraping or filling. |
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| Step 2: Preparing tiles |
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| Slight tone variations are to be expected from tile to tile. Mix tiles from several cartons
before installation to get a good blend of shades. |
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| Step 3: Squaring-off the walls |
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This involves finding the appropriate horizontal and vertical lines on which to begin applying the tile. First use the level to locate the lowest point of the wall you are tiling. Floors and
tubs are often uneven. At this point, use the level to draw a perfectly horizontal line one full
tile height above the floor or tub line.
You may choose to nail a very straight furring strip below and against this line to assist in
the even application of tiles and to prevent tiles from slipping out of the line and down the
surface of the wall. |
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| Step 4: Laying tiles |
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If there is an outside corner or edge, start there and go to the inner corner. Otherwise, start
at the center point and work to the edges, putting your final cut in.
Holding the notched trowel at a 30-45 degree angle, apply the adhesive evenly. Cover only a
few square feet at a time. For areas which are difficult to reach, spread adhesive on the
back of each tile before placement.
Place the tiles firmly and carefully into the place, as shown in the adjoining figure. Use the
level often to check horizontal and vertical alignment of the tiles as the work progresses.
After all tiles have been applied, wipe away any adhesive in unoccupied spaces as soon as
possible. Allow the tiles to set for 4-5 hours before removing the furring strips (if used)
and applying the cut tiles. Remove any adhesive on the face of the tile. Allow tiles to set
atleast 24 hours before proceeding with step six. |
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| Step 5: Cutting tiles |
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To apply a tile completely around a pipe, first cut tile in half then nip away the space for the pipe.
For simple straight cuts, tiles can be scored with a tile cutter and then ‘snapped off’ to leave the desired size. Make a paper template for more complicated shapes, transfer it to the tile surface and cut along the curve. Remember, file down with a tile file those sharp edges for safety when grouting. |
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| Step 6: Grouting |
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Carefully read and follow instructions and precautions on the grout package.
Use the rubber faced trowel, squeegee or firm sponge to spread grout diagonally across the
face of the tile, and thus into the joints.
Wipe away excess grout with a clean damp sponge.
After the grout dries enough to form a haze on tile, polish the surface with a dry cloth.
Finally, coat the grout with a silicone sealer to protect it from dirt or discolouration. |
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| Floor Tile Installation |
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| Step 1: Sub - floor Preparation |
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| The sub- floor must be clean, smooth, dry and free of wax, soap scum and grease. Any
damaged, loose or uneven areas must be repaired, patched and leveled. |
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| Step 2: Floor Layout |
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| Mark the center point of all four walls. Snap chalk lines between the center points of opposite
walls, which will intersect at the center of the room. Next, lay a row of loose tiles along the
center lines in both directions, leaving spaces for uniform joints (use tile spacers) so that
on each side towards the wall the cut-tiles are of same size. Now divide the room into
smaller grids (approx. 2' x 3') by snapping additional lines parallel to center lines. |
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| Step 3: Applying Adhesive |
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Mix the adhesive according to package instructions. Using the type of trowel recommended
on the adhesive package, spread a coat on the surface of one grid area, using the flat side of
the trowel.
Do not cover guidelines. Next, use the notched side of trowel to comb adhesive
into standing ridges by holding trowel at a 45 degree angle. Then remove excess adhesive. |
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| Step 4: Cutting Tile |
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Measure tiles to be cut carefully and mark with a pencil or felt-tip-pen. Make straight or
diagonal cuts with a tile cutter, curved cuts with a nipper (chipping away small pieces for
best results), full - length curved cuts with a rod saw.
Sharp cut edges may be smoothed
with a tile file for safety when grouting. |
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| Step 5: Preparing & Laying the Tile |
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| Variation of shades is an inherent characteristic of ceramic tile. Mix tiles from several
cartons for a blended effect. Begin installing tiles in the center of the room, one grid at a
time. Finish each grid before moving to the next. Start with the first tile in the corner of the
grid and work outward. Set tiles one at a time using a slight twisting motion. Don't slide
tiles into place. Insert tile spacers as each tile is set, or leave equal joints between tiles. Fit
perimeter tiles in each grid last. When grid is completely installed, tap in all tiles with a
rubber mallet, to ensure a good bond and level. Remove excess adhesive from joints and
tile. Do not walk on tiles until they are set (usually 24 hours). |
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| Step 6: Grouting |
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| Mix the grout according to package instructions. Make only enough to use over a small
section at a time. Remove tile spacers and spread grout on the tile surface, forcing down
into joints with a sponge or squeegee. Remove excess grout from surface immediately.
Wait 15-20 minutes for grout to set slightly, then use a damp sponge to clean grout residue
from surface and smooth the grout joints. Rinse sponge frequently and change water as
needed. Let dry until grout is hard and haze forms on tile surface, then polish with a soft
cloth. Rinse again with sponge and clean water if necessary. Wait 72 hours for heavy use. |
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