DIY Guide >> DIY Guide Preparation





Before you start

 


Before you start tiling it is important to carefully plan each stage of the job, ensuring that you have ail the tools and materials needed and that you have prepared the surfaces correctly.

Don't rush into it. Spending a few extra minutes reading the instructions can save you hours of hard work and heartache later. Remember, the better your preparation the better the finished job will look.

Whether your job is Wall or Floor tiling you can make a success of it by following directions carefully and choosing the right product for the job. Remember this booklet is a guide to tiling only, it does not supersede the specific directions on product labels.
It pays to use only the best adhesives. The cost of your adhesive and grout is a fraction of the cost of the tiles, so saving a few cents is false economy. Poor quality adhesives often result in tiles lifting off the surface. You can avoid this by insisting on Morgan's tiling adhesives. Our reputation is important to us. Our name is synonymous with quality and there is a Morgan's tile adhesive especially made for the job you want to do.

Tools you'll need


Make sure you have these tools before you start the job:
Setting Out Tools.
• Spirit Level
• Battens
• Hammer and Nails
• Tacks if you are using Mosaics
• Tile Spacers


Cutting and Nipping Tools
• Tile Scriber or Cutter
• Tile Nippers
• Rubber grouter for spreading the grout and filling the joints between the tiles.
• Notched spreader or trowel for applying the adhesive. Rubber gloves.


Finishing Off Tools
• Sponge to wipe off excessive grout.
• Flexible Joint Sealant (Acriflex)
• Caulking gun for applying sealant.

Surface preparation
The first vitally important step to a good tiling job is the
preparation of the surface to be tiled.
The following points should be considered:

  1. Allow newly sand/cement rendered surfaces at least 7
    days curing before tiling.
  2. Ensure fibre cement sheeting is fixed securely according
    to the manufacturer's instructions prior to tiling.
  3. Or tile direct to timber using Resinflex 2 Pack. It is essential all spring is taken out of the floor first by adequate fixing. You should check that the tiles are suitable for this purpose before installation.
  4. Remove skirting boards prior to tiling floors.
  5. All surfaces must be clean, dry and free from oil, grease and wax. Previously painted surfaces must be scraped or scrabbled to expose at least 75% of the original surface.
  6. Porous surfaces should always be sealed using Plastinex 4 to 1
    before tiling.


Handy tips

  • Protect existing finished surfaces against possible adhesive
    staining.
  • Locate any existing expansion joints in the substrate and set out so that tile joints coincide. Do not tile over joints in substrate.
  • For large areas allow for movement joints in the tiling at least every 5 metres along and across the floor. These should be 6-10mm wide and the combined depth of the tile and bedding. They should be sealed with a flexible Sealant to keep out moisture, dirt and loose material.
  • Plan to use as many complete tiles as possible. Where tiles have to be cut try to locate the cut tiles as inconspicuously as possible. Try and locate equally cut tiles at either end of a row to balance the appearance.