Tiles all complete and then back to the start again!

[foxhole]

I always butter the back of large format tiles , they need plenty of grab to be safe.

 

[EddieM]

I'm no expert but the dot and dab approach to tiles is not advised anymore. If your think about it it makes sense. With the dabs you only get a small amount of surface with adhesive on it, which means it's going to have a lot less 'stick'. You want as much stick as possible for the least amount of effort.

If you're dabbing the back of the tile then you're getting the worst of both worlds. Limited surface area and probably much too thick adhesive.

I believe, and am open to corrections, that the best way to do it is to use a comb to get nice straight lines on the surface you are sticking the tile to, place the tile on it and then wiggle the tile across the lines. That squishes out the air gaps and gets a nice reliable depth so your tiles aren't all over the place.

I'm a DIYer and the powdered stuff is easy enough to make work. Given the advice above I'd pop out and buy a bag from B&Q

I can't say it's spot on but this video was quite convincing for me

More to do with voids it leaves behind the tiles, which will make cracking them very easy.

 

[Jupiter01]

Is this argument equally valid for wall tiles? I can appreciate that with floor tiles there is a greater likelihood of items dropping and hence exposing the frailty of these voids.

 

[Keithmac]

If you've ever removed dot and dab tiles (not very difficult to get off) you'll see why it's nit not recommended.

 

[foxhole]

Is this argument equally valid for wall tiles? I can appreciate that with floor tiles there is a greater likelihood of items dropping and hence exposing the frailty of these voids.

It’s can be very difficult to fit a wall tile level and vertical with only a few contact points , if your wall is flat and you apply even coat then the tile will sit level and flat much more easily .

 

[H2Gizmo]

Not read thread or replies must prepare surface first with that glue stuff.. Cant for the life of me remember the name.. Anyway paint on with a brush.. Water down n read destructions. Leave to dry until it looks clear and is tacky to touch. Then use the correct adhesive for the surface you are putting the tiles on

 

[Keithmac]

Last thing you want in a bathroom is PVA under the tiles..

 

[H2Gizmo]

There's a specific primer

 

[Jupiter01]

Does this primer need to be applied when fixing tiles to new boards? Is this tanking or something else?

 

[opps]

Last thing you want in a bathroom is PVA under the tiles..

True.

However PVA should NEVER be used.

Cement based adhesives form crystalline structures when they cure, those crystal will work their way into small gaps. PVA, which re-emulsifies when wetted by the water in the adhesive inhibits the correct formation of those crystals.

https://www.accesstraininguk.co.uk/news/post/2013/07/12/Prime-or-PVA-before-Tiling

IMO there should be a sticky post warning people to avoid PVA when tilling, and then one in the painting forum as well.