A few questions
#1
12-14-06, 12:52 PM
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Baltimore, MD
Posts: 74
Received 0 Votes
on
0 Posts
A few questions
I am going to be setting 12" ceramic tile tonight over 1/4" Hardibacker that was set last night.
1. Should I dampen the hardibacker before laying tile on it? I heard that it absorbs moisture too quickly if not dampened. That's what I did before I set the backer board.
2. Is it better to lay thinset on the floor and then set the tile into it or "butter" the tile and then place it down so you don't have thinset where you're not laying tile?
3. I am using 3/16" spacers. Can I leave the spacers in between the corners of the tile and grout over them or should I remover them after they're laid?
4. How long should I have to wait to grout?
Thanks in advance
1. Should I dampen the hardibacker before laying tile on it? I heard that it absorbs moisture too quickly if not dampened. That's what I did before I set the backer board.
2. Is it better to lay thinset on the floor and then set the tile into it or "butter" the tile and then place it down so you don't have thinset where you're not laying tile?
3. I am using 3/16" spacers. Can I leave the spacers in between the corners of the tile and grout over them or should I remover them after they're laid?
4. How long should I have to wait to grout?
Thanks in advance
#2
12-14-06, 02:23 PM
I don't know the answers to all your questions, but install the spacers upright, two to a side. Don't lay them down at the corners of the tiles as their shape would lead you to believe. With the spacers sticking up, it's real easy to remove them.
The pail that your thinset comes in will give curing times. I usually apply the thinset to the backer board using a notched trowel. My understanding is that the trowel will appply the correct amount of thinset for the tile you are using. I just apply the stuff up to my line and cut it clean at the line with the smooth edge of the trowel.
I grout as soon as the thinset is cured.
The pail that your thinset comes in will give curing times. I usually apply the thinset to the backer board using a notched trowel. My understanding is that the trowel will appply the correct amount of thinset for the tile you are using. I just apply the stuff up to my line and cut it clean at the line with the smooth edge of the trowel.
I grout as soon as the thinset is cured.
#3
12-14-06, 04:33 PM
Member
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: USA
Posts: 1,342
Received 0 Votes
on
0 Posts
1) Yes
2) Either or both will work. I normally do both.
3) No. Remove them or the grout will be too thin on top of them and break out.
4) I normally let it set twenty four hours, but, on something such as a small entry where I can reach the entire surface without getting on it, I'll sometimes install and grout all at once. The issue is with breaking the bond rather than setting up. Thinset will be stiff enough to not allow shifting fairly soon after installation, but not yet adhered well enough to prevent bond failure if walked or crawled on. The material cures instead of drying and actually gets stronger if allowed to cure more slowly.
2) Either or both will work. I normally do both.
3) No. Remove them or the grout will be too thin on top of them and break out.
4) I normally let it set twenty four hours, but, on something such as a small entry where I can reach the entire surface without getting on it, I'll sometimes install and grout all at once. The issue is with breaking the bond rather than setting up. Thinset will be stiff enough to not allow shifting fairly soon after installation, but not yet adhered well enough to prevent bond failure if walked or crawled on. The material cures instead of drying and actually gets stronger if allowed to cure more slowly.
#4
12-15-06, 09:43 AM
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Baltimore, MD
Posts: 74
Received 0 Votes
on
0 Posts
Minor setback...the "premixed thinset mortar" I used turns out to be mastic (so I've read). It is made by Mapei and is written right on the front as a mortar. I am told that mastic takes a long time (which I don't have...need it done before Christmas) to set up. Anybody ever used this stuff and how long to set up?
http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=productDetail&productId=193344-1295-1140035&detail=cr&lpage=none
http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=productDetail&productId=193344-1295-1140035&detail=cr&lpage=none
#5
12-15-06, 10:42 AM
Member
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: USA
Posts: 1,342
Received 0 Votes
on
0 Posts
Consider yourself fortunate that you encountered this set back and asked. If what you have is mastic, the container should say "wall mastic" on it. Mastic is not sufficient for floors. I personally don't care for it in any circumstance, but have used it for wainscots, back splashes, and places where there will be no water. Premixed thin set is not worth the effort it takes to clean up your tools later. If that's what you got, take it back, get bagged thin set, and mix it. The same is true of premixed grout. Don't waste your time or money on the stuff.
#6
12-15-06, 11:30 AM
Premixed thinset is not thinset at all. Its mastic with sand in it. Thinset is a portland cement based product. It comes in a powder form and is mixed with water or an additive. Thats what you should have used. The stuff you did use will still be wet 6 months from now. You need to remove the tile clean that junk off the tile and cement board and then go out and get yourself some real thinset. The good news is that it will clean off real easy. Sorry for the bad news.
#7
12-15-06, 09:45 PM
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Baltimore, MD
Posts: 74
Received 0 Votes
on
0 Posts
Well...6 hours later it is all cleaned off. One thing that helped was soaking the tiles in water as soon as I popped them up. I got my money back from Lowe'st after some arguing. I even talked to the "specialist" and he said it would work fine. Yeah right! I got some Laticrete 253 Thinset. This stuff should work fine. I am going to start a thread about the mislabeling and uselessness of Mapei Premixed Thinset Mortar.
#8
12-15-06, 09:54 PM
Member
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: USA
Posts: 1,342
Received 0 Votes
on
0 Posts
Now lets see here, soaking in water helped remove the stuff, showers are always very wet. Hmmm..... What sort of conclusions would be suggested by that little bit of information? That aught to make some interesting reading in your new thread. NOW your on the road to a very satisfying and long lasting shower. Good work.
#12
01-04-07, 11:32 AM
Congratulations on a job well done. We need to see more pictures of the tile floor though. After all this is a ceramic tile forum. Some very interesting and quite nice design features that you incorporated into this bathroom. I like it alot.
