Tiles are used to cover a surface indoors or outdoors, creating a more comfortable environment.
Steps
Step 1. Prepare the surface
Use an acid cleaner of your choice to clean, then let it dry completely. Examine the floor and check for cracks that need grouting before proceeding. If necessary, use suitable cement to perform the repair.
Usually, the surfaces to be tiled are cleaned with a muriatic acid-based cleaner or another acid
Step 2. Waterproof and level the surface
Once the grouts have dried, you will need to waterproof the surface. When the sealant is dry, check with the spirit level that the surface is completely flat and free of defects, otherwise the tiles may crack.
The surface must be cleaned before being leveled. For waterproofing and surface reinforcement, a sodium or lithium silicate sealant may be useful. Silicates act below the surface, so they will not interfere with adhesion
Step 3. Plan the tile design
Before starting, it is good to think about the design to create with the tiles. Plan the number of tiles to be cut, the cut to be made, where they will be placed. Plaster is very useful for making marks on the floor.
Step 4. Mix the tile adhesive
Once you have decided where to start, follow the instructions on the packaging of the adhesive and start mixing it. Don't prepare too much or it will harden before you can use it. Use the notched trowel to spread it over a small portion of the surface. Do not roll out more than you need to glue three or four tiles at a time.
- Different tiles may require different adhesives. Ask whoever sold you the tiles what the best product is.
- The notched trowel is needed to spread the adhesive. There are several sizes, so make sure yours is suitable for the job you need to do.
Step 5. Lay the tiles
Lay the tiles on the adhesive, using the spreaders to space them. Check that they are well in line with the traced marks. Continue to use the spreaders to maintain even spacing in the following rows as well. Once you have laid a tile, try not to move it anymore.
Step 6. Clean the surface
Wash the tiles with a damp rag as you go to prevent adhesive lumps from forming. When you are almost at the end of the room, check that the cut pieces are correct and let the adhesive dry according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Step 7. Apply the grout for the joints
Mix the grout following the instructions and apply it to the tiles with the special spatula. Check for holes, then wipe off excess material with a damp rag. Don't worry if the tile looks dull at this point. When the grout is dry, repeat the operation, using the spatula again to fill the joints and removing the excess material.
- There are two different types of putty (available in different colors): with sand and without. The one with sand is used when the joint is wider than 3 mm, to reinforce the grout. If the joint is narrower than 3mm, you can use the sandless one, which is easier to spread, especially in very small spaces. Filling narrow gaps with sand-based putty can be difficult.
- A precaution: if you are laying marble tiles, do not use grout with sand! You will have to use the sandless type or you will risk irreparably scratching the surface of the tiles, so the joints must not be more than 3 mm wide.
Step 8. Clean
Once the grout has dried, take a wet rag and wash the floor. When it is dry you will probably notice a halo above the tiles. Wash again with a lightly dampened rag and the halo should disappear.
You can use a putty knife to remove excess grout from the edge of the joints
Step 9. Waterproof the joints
After the floor is thoroughly cleaned and dried, apply the sealant to prevent the joints from becoming dirty or mold in the future.
