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- Setting out for tiling will make the job much
easier. The first thing to check is the condition of the wall to
be tiled. The wall should be flat and free of holes and damage.
If plaster patching is required, see the relevant page on this
site.
- Measure half way between floor and ceiling
and draw a horizontal line right across the wall using a spirit
or laser level. Measure half way between the left and right
extremities and draw a full height vertical line. You should now
have a cross on the wall. Assemble all the tools and materials
including a half bucket of clean water and a sponge.
- Measure down from the cross, a distance made
up of tile and spacing measurements to a point where you can fix
a batten across the wall. In other words the batten is going to
support the first row of tiles which will have spacers between
and above. For example; if your tiles are 200mm, the spacers are
2mm and the wall is 2300mm high, the top of the batten would be
1010mm below the horizontal line.
- Once the batten is fixed, check with a spirit
level and check further by measuring from both ends of the
batten up to the horizontal line. Both measurements should be
the same.
- Using a notched adhesive applicator or
trowel, spread some adhesive either side of the line working up
from the batten. The first two tiles will be placed either side
of the vertical line with the bottom of the tile resting on the
batten. Place two spacers between the vertical joint of the
tiles about 20mm from the edges. You should spread as much
adhesive as you are comfortable with based on your experience
with this type of work. For beginners, I would suggest just
enough for about 12 tiles until you feel more confident. Repeat
until the designated area is covered.
- Cut the edging tiles with a manual or
electric tile cutter. You can place the adhesive on the back of
the cut tile instead of the wall if you find it easier. Once the
tiles are securely fixed, remove the spacers and clean away any
excess adhesive with a damp sponge.
- Mix the grout according to the manufacturer's
instructions and spread across the joints filling them up as you
go. Wipe off any excess using the squeegee or grouting trowel.
Once the grout has firmed enough, smooth down the joints using
the rounded end of a small piece of narrow doweling or a purpose
made plastic pointing tool available at DIY or tile outlets.
- After the grout is firm enough, carefully
wipe away excess grout with a damp tea towel. A light film is
usually left on the tiled surface and this can be wiped away
with a dry tea towel.
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