Month: November 2017

How to Mix Cement Tile Adhesive

master puts the ceramic tiles on the floor

So, you’ve finally chosen your new tiles to transform your kitchen, bathroom or conservatory floor, and, although, it has taken a while to choose the tiles, you’re more than happy with your choice and are ready to improve your home’s interior.

However, whilst you have chosen your ideal internal tiles, it is extremely important not to overlook which cement tile adhesive you use, and, ultimately, you should ensure you mix the cement tile adhesive correctly.

Many people are under the impression that the tile adhesive is not important inside the property as they say that internal tiles are not left open to stress from harsh weather conditions or corrosion. That, however, is untrue, after all, internal tiles should be applied equally strongly for durability and for supreme interior quality.

Here’s a few tips on how to mix cement tile adhesive:

Before you start

Make sure the surface you are applying your tiles to is dry and acrylic primed. Make sure your floors are covered and the room is prepared for the tiling work.

Make sure you have all the tiling equipment you need to hand, including safety goggles or glasses, and gloves.

You will need to make sure that you purchase the correct type of adhesive for the surface you are applying the tiles on to. It is also highly important to abide by the manufacturer instructions on adhesive you are using. Many of the instructions will be slightly different, so make sure you are following the correct instructions.

Advice when applying the tiles

Take your time when applying the tiles to the surface and make sure you are working for precision and accuracy. Taking time and care makes a huge difference between a professional project and a mediocre job.

Although applying adhesive is extremely important for the success of the tile installation, all you need is practice and dedication to get it right. So, don’t panic! Here’s some advice when applying the tiles with adhesive.

Keep calm and apply the adhesive accurately

When applying the tiles with the cement adhesive, the following points can make the job simpler to complete and leave an improved finish:

  • Use a spirit level before you apply the tile adhesive to make sure the surface is level or flat.
  • Use a drill and mixing paddle to mix the cement adhesive by adding water to the powder.
  • Make sure there are no lumps in the adhesive and it is the consistency of a thick paste.
  • Spread the adhesive with a notched trowel to cover the surface.
  • Place the first tile securely into the adhesive and slide away about 5 mm then back, using a batten for support and leaving enough space between each tile.
  • Check frequently that the tiles are aligned flush with the wall, using a spirit level.
  • Don’t apply too much adhesive, the adhesive should not fill the grout lines.
  • If any adhesive gets onto the tiles, make sure you wipe it off straight away with a damp sponge.
  • Once all the tiles are applied, leave the adhesive to dry thoroughly before continuing with the grouting.

More tiling advice from UK Pro Tiling Training

If you would like some more information about tiling from UK Pro Tiling Training, then take a look at our website’s Guides section.

Guide To Multi-Coloured Wall Tiles

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Very nice new multi-colored tiles with a lot of colors

A home is a place of character, as well as function and, ultimately, there is nothing that makes a house more plentiful than colour.

Whether you usually opt for splashes of colour amongst the decor, block walls, bright wallpaper or opt for colour on all walls of the house, colour makes a big difference to a home and often defines a property’s overall style.

The impact that colour has on a property means that many home owners often think twice when it comes to choosing multi-coloured wall tiles. And with good reason.

After all, when you choose multi-coloured wall tiles, you need to consider what colours will suit your home, the tile pattern, the price of the project and how you”d like the tiles arranged.

That said, when thought about and planned properly, multi-coloured wall tiles make for a fantastic interior addition to a home. Therefore, here’s our guide to multi-coloured wall tiles:

What to consider before investing in multi-coloured wall tiles

Will multi-coloured wall tiles suit your project?

We”ve all seen those bathrooms that feature black and white tiles in a checkerboard pattern that simply look horrific in some properties. In others, however, this pattern of tile looks luxurious and sophisticated. This could be due to many reasons. Dark colours don’t always work well in a room that doesn’t receive enough natural sunlight, it may also be because it is too small or because it has an unusual shape for dark and/or patterned tiles. Essentially, there are many factors to consider before investing in your multi-coloured tiles.

You’ll need to think about:

  • The shape of your room and the area to be tiled
  • How much sunlight the room receives
  • The style of your property’s interior

How you will choose your colour

Some people out there will be lucky enough to have the means to ask an interior designer their views on colour, however, the rest of us out there will simply be equipped with a Dulux colour guide, the internet, a tester paint pot and sample tiles.

Therefore, a good way of considering colour is referring to a colour wheel. This can help compare colours and help you choose colours more precisely. Essentially, you’ll find different shades of the colours you are looking for and match accordingly.

Will you DIY or invest in a professional tiler?

There is something much more impressive and accurate about have professionally installed tiles, when the job is completed by a well-trained tiler. What’s more, when it comes to multi-coloured tiles you”d benefit from the knowledge of a professional tiler when it comes to laying the tiles in a pattern. Although you may have a strict budget, employing a professional tiler can help you save money on the initial cost of the tiles (as they may have a trade account with a tile dealer) and can also minimise the amount of excess tiles.

If you are doing a DIY tiling job, however, feel free to browse our guides for help when installing your tiles. As we”ve said, however, it is particularly recommended that multi-coloured tiles are laid by a professional tiler for accuracy, precision and an excellent finish.

How will the tiles be arranged?

There are many tiling patterns you may wish to choose from when it comes to installing your multi-coloured tiles. You may choose to accentuate certain features of a room, or choose a mirror-image pattern style.

You may want to refer to our guide to installing multi-coloured kitchen tiles or our guide to common tiling patterns for some more inspiration!