I'm just about to apply the tiles to our bathroom walls (tub area). What size of trowel should I use and what type and size of notches? V notch? square? Size? Thanks again guys! This place is great!

Hi snowman

The trowel size depends on the size of tile you're putting on the wall. If its a 8x10 12x12 or larger, then you're going to need at least 1/4 to 1/2 notch. If you're putting on 4x4, 6x6, 6x8 you can use a v-notch trowel. Remember the bigger the tile the bigger the notch.
I wouldn't recommend a mastic type glue for any tile over 8x10, Reasons for this are: If your putting tile over cement board the glue will dry approximately one inch around the outside of the tile and will leave the center wet. If you're applying the tile to green board you'll be ok. If its a larger tile
I recommend thin set. Also patch any of the joints between the wall board. Again I recommend thin set. I dont recommend using drywall paper tape, If you can, apply the mesh tape and spread the thin set patch over the tape. Remember to make the patch as smooth as possible or the corners of your tile will be dancing. This will take care of any open spaces behind the tile thus stopping the grout from cracking. I hope this will help.

Knuckels is right Snowman, I was using a 3/8"x1/4" notched spreader today for 12"x18" tiles and could have easily gone with bigger notches. Thinset mortar will always give you a better installation although messier and harder to apply than mastic.

The physical size of the tile doesn't have as much to do with the trowel notch size as does what the back of the tile is like. Just because a tile is a certain size doesn't dictate the final size of the trowel notch to be used.

Some tiles (of all sizes) can be very flat on the back, others can have deep and deeper depressions. Some even have a perfectly flat back with nubs that stand pround of the flat surface.

Look at the back of the tile to determine what size notch is most suitable not the dimensional size of the tile.

It stands to reason the deeper the depressions in the back of a tile the more thinset (adhesive) that is required...thereby a larger notch. A flat smooth tile requires a smaller notch ("v"-notch).

Thanks! I used a v-notch 3/8" and all the tiles are laid now. Now to the last question. (Whew!)

We picked up white pre-mixed grout. I'm planning to grout first, then caulk the corners and bottom edge of the tiles. Is this the correct order? Should I not grout the corners and leave that for silicone? For making a nice caulking seam, I was thinking about taping the corners/bottom with painters tape, and leaving visible the joint size that I want and then remove the tape right afterwards. What do you think/suggest? I'll post pictures afterwards so you can see what the rookie did!

Thanks!

Hi Snowman

I would recommend grouting the tile first before applying silicone to the tile, Make sure the tiles are dust free and the grout is dry. Usualy the silicone will hide any less than perfect cuts in the corners and along the ceiling. I'm not sure if you tiled the ceiling or not, If you didn't and are deciding to paint the ceiling I recommend to paint first, Usually paint will not stick to silicone sealant. I can't really say if masking the tile will help or not. I've always applied the silicone with a continous bead along the surface and then tooled the silicone to a smooth finish with my fingers, It takes a bit of practice but not that hard to master. I hope this will help.

Hi Snowman

I forgot to mention you should grout the corners before siliconing this way the silicone has a little extra surface to stick to.

Hi
Don't use that pre-mixed grout! It's terrible stuff(at least it was the last time I used it). It, just like mastic, takes forever to dry(and if you read the fine print, it says not to use it in wet locations).

Hi Snowman

Brians right!! dont use that stuff,It does take forever to dry and it shrinks way to much in grout joints 1/8 or bigger. I find flextile products work well, Other installers have there own preference of grout they like to use, Another grout is TEC, I find it sets up guick.
Good luck!

AGREED!!!

The premix stuff isn't suitable for a whole tile job and to mix it yourself is no big deal.

As far as the silicone....I also wouldn't recommend using it because it makes a mess that is difficult to clean up if you can clean it up at all. The use of the tape is an excellent idea though when using silicone, you're on the right track there.

BRI....did I tell you? Your emails where bouncing last week? Tried twice and got them both back.

Well, I guess I'll take back the pre-mix and get the other stuff. How much of the mix yourself stuff will I need? Also, I'm not really keen on the idea of buying a $15-$20 grout mixer for just one job. Is there another easy way to make a consistent grout mixture that you can recommend? How much should I make up at a time? I just don't want it to set up too fast. Also, any special tips for grouting would be appreciated too! :rolleyes:

Hi
A small container is usually enough to do a tub surround. If you have a margin trowel, it works best , since it has a square bottom..but if not, you must have a paint stick somewhere around the house(or any stick will do). Just mix in a pail the consistancy of toothpaste..spread it on the tile with a grout float, forcing it into the joints(do one wall at a time)..then wash and rinse with a damp sponge untill you have the joints looking just the way you want them. After it has dried a while, a haze will form on the surface of the tile. You can pass the sponge again(with clean water)..or buff it off with a clean towel.

Thanks for helpful advice folks! Well, I'll return the pre-mix stuff then. I hope it looks ok when it's all done. The joints are 1/8" in between the 6"x8" tiles. Do you think that was too big? Gee whiz I hope not .... Like I said before I'll post pictures when she's done!