Cleaner approach to tiling

Jupiter01 · 15 Sep 2020

I've attempted tiling a few times now and feel that I have done a reasonable job...
I do enjoy the planning that goes into it. Here are some pics in a moment of self gratification

I have two questions if I may:
1. I always struggle with wiping adhesive from between the joints whilst it is wet as well as adhesive that may spread over the surface of the tile. I find that adhesive seeps out of the tile joints when fixing the tile to the wall and by the time I have put in the spacers - often multiple on each side with a tile this size - and levelled the tile, its not easy to wipe it clean, especially within the joins. I end up doing this once everything is dry and it takes long and risks damaging the tile, when I am using a screwdriver to scrape this out ahead of the grouting. I'd appreciate your tips with this please.

2. Secondly, I always use this style of Spacers:

Is this the right thing to use or are there more effective alternatives?

Thanks in advance.

johnny2007 · 15 Sep 2020

You need to keep a sponge with you and a bucket of water.
Once you stick a tile, position it and wipe it clean, then place the spacers (you only need 2 per side).
Anyhow, you should place the tile against the ones already on the wall and then slide it away into position to place the spacers.
That way you won't have leaks through the joints.

dontbelieveawordofit · 15 Sep 2020

hmm , it’s about getting the right amount of adhesive on the tile or wall. if you use the correct notch depth for the job you shouldn’t have a problem.
i run the tip of my thumb around the back of the tile to remove all the adhesive off the perimeter around 1/2” in before bedding it.

Jupiter01 · 15 Sep 2020

I was once told to spread adhesive on the wall using the appropriately sized notch trowel and then butter back the tile. Does that still hold true?

Also, what size trowel should I use with a subway tile above the worktop?

Lower · 15 Sep 2020

You either spread the adhesive on the wall or back butter the tile. Not both.

foxhole · 15 Sep 2020

Cement to wall for wall tiles, cement to floor and butter for floor tiles ( air under floor tiles leads to early failure and can break easier with any impacts.

dontbelieveawordofit · 15 Sep 2020

we’re all different

Jupiter01 · 15 Sep 2020

What size of trowel should I use for the subway tiles?

Burnerman · 15 Sep 2020

At the end of the day Jupiter, that looks like a mighty good job and you should be well chuffed! Well spaced around the bath, unless you were bloody lucky!
Personally I like to use chrome trim around the window reveals, but that’s nowt.
John

JaimieH · 16 Sep 2020

6-8mm trowel for subway tiles, depending on how good your surface is and which gives the best coverage. I try to work as cleanly as possible and always have a bucket of water with a couple of sponges in it along with a couple of cheap toothbrushes for cleaning adhesive from joints.

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Cleaner approach to tiling

dontbelieveawordofit

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