Better Homes and Gardens (Australia)
TIME TO TILE
1 PREP AND SET OUT
Apply a tile primer to the surface to be tiled. This will help the adhesive stick. Set out the position of the tiles so you don’t end up with narrow cuts in corners or around the windows.
2 APPLY THE ADHESIVE
A ready-mixed adhesive takes the hassle out of getting the consistency of the adhesive right. Apply adhesive to the tile backs, using a notched spreader to give even coverage on the tile. The notches give you wriggle room to align all the tiles once on the wall.
3 FIX THE TILES
Press tiles firmly onto wall. Use plastic tile spacers to create even gaps between tiles and benchtop below. As you go, use a straightedge to ensure all tiles are flat and edges are flush. Scrape out adhesive that has squeezed into grout lines.
4 CUT TO FIT
Where required, use a tile cutter to score and snap the tiles to fit in corners and other spots such as under the window, as here.
5 GROUT THE GAPS
Apply grout to gaps between tiles using a grout float (use a premixed product for fast, easy application). Make sure grout completely fills each gap and doesn’t just bridge it. Don’t apply grout to gap between tiles and benchtop.
6 SPONGE OFF
Use a fine sponge to remove as much grout as possible from the surface of the tiles. Rinse sponge frequently and wring out as much of the water as possible so you don’t wash grout out of the joins. Use clean water to do a final wipe over.
BRING YOUR LAUNDRY INTO HARMONY WITH YOUR HOME
7 POLISH AWAY
Once the grout has dried, use a cloth to polish the tiles and remove any grout haze. Seal gap between tiles and bench with silicone. A piece of timber to match the benchtop makes a great capping piece. Cut a rebate in one edge to sit over tiles and a ach with PVA glue.