Installation Guide

0 6
2.3
PREPARING THINSET
Using a modified thinset or unmodified thinset, read the
directions from the thinset manufacturer. Make sure that
the product is intended for the substrate and tile being
used. You will be mixing what is essentially a bag of
cement with water. Mixing is typically performed in a 5
gallon bucket, using a mixing paddle attachment with a
corded power drill. Make sure to follow the directions for
ratio of water and mixing method. Make sure to use a
respirator, and even better, a mixing bucket dust collector.
These attach to your shop vacuum to help keep the
aerosolized powder from drifting around the room. This
airborne silica dust is dangerous with repeat exposure, and
can cause cancer or lung disease.
2.4
APPLY MORTAR, AND SET TILES
Work in small sections, 2-3 square feet at a time. To prepare
the surface, first "burn-in" the thinset by taking a small
amount, and pushing it into the surface with the flat side of
the trowel. The whole section should be "wet" with a thin
smear of thinset. Then take a larger amount, and use the
notched side to smooth out bead-rows of thinset. Prepare
the cleaned tile by wetting the backside of the tile with
clean water, using a sponge. Then you'll want to "back
butter" the tile by putting enough thinset on the back to
press in a smooth, level layer.
Press the tile into place, using only hand pressure. Tile
spacers can do a great job keeping your spacing even, and
many are designed to help keep tiles level. If not using
spacers, you can use a quarter or similar coin, and slide back
and forth from one tile to another to find "lippage". Make
adjustments ONLY with consistent hand pressure. Never use
a mallet or other tools with cement tile. Even if it does not
cause any immediately noticeable damage, the stress can
lead to tiny surface cracking later. Try to avoid getting any
thinset on the surface of the tile. If you do, clean it
immediately, and do not allow it to set in. Cement tile stains
easily.