- 1). Make sure the surface to be tiled is flat, crack free, clean and stable. Apply a cement backer board to wood or drywall surfaces. If you are tiling a wet area such as a shower, a water proof membrane should be placed on the surface area before applying adhesive.
- 2). Mix the thin set adhesive with a drill and mixer attachment according to the directions on the package. Only mix what you need for a 3 foot by 3 foot section. Working in small sections keeps the adhesive from becoming too dry before you finish the section.
- 3). Apply thin set adhesive to the surface to be tiled with the notched side of the trowel.
- 4). Set the 1 foot square mesh tiles in place one at a time. Use the scrap of 2x4 and a hammer to lightly tap the mesh tile into the adhesive. You want the tiles to be firmly set into the adhesive but not so much that the adhesive comes through the mesh.
- 5). When you have finished laying all of the mesh tiles, let them set for 24 hours to allow the adhesive time to cure.
- 6). Mix grout in a bucket with a drill and mixing attachment according to instructions on the package.
- 7). Press the grout in all spaces using a grout float.
- 8). After reaching the end of the surface of tiles, go back to where you began grouting and with a bucket of water and a sponge, lightly sponge off the excess. Be careful not to pull out grout between the tiles. Rinse the sponge and change rinse water often.
- 9). Wait 24 hours then remove the white film on the tiles with an old t-shirt.
- 10
Mist grouted joints with water several times a day for three days. This process is called slow-damp curing and makes the grout stronger and more stain resistant. A grout sealer can also be applied after 72 hours. Grout sealers increase stain resistance.
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