Beginner's tips/errors and how to fix them...

[KateJ]

Hello
I'm making some beginner's mistakes and also need advice please....

I've tiled the shower but the tiles fitted perfectly at the bottom of the corner - and didn't at the top so I have a 1cm gap. Shoud I try to cut a thin strip of tile and wedge it in with lots of adhesive or keep grouting until the grout fills it? I have limited tiles so didn't want to cut them as you should do.

The purple wall - really hard to get paint off - can I tile over it?

The floor with drainage pipe - I amitco'd the floor and tiled down to the pipe - is there a nifty way of boxing it in and sealing it?

The front of the shower - the shower is raised to allow drainage. Problem is - the support is flush ot the front. How do I cover it? I thought a steel door kickplate might work....

Really appreciate any advice. xx

 

[Flintstone]

Pdc, i would spend your time doing something more worthwhile than trying to advice our friend, like banging your head against a brick wall!

 

[KateJ]

So there is a reason then. No-one explained that. I did a bit of grouting the next day but the rest much later. I would have found it hard to throw away three huge tubs of adhesive and then have to mix it myself. So is tanking a bit like using PVA? Done now so no point in thinking about it.
You guys have to work fast but I can take weeks over it.

 

[WetSaw]

Tanking is waterproofing, PVA isn't!
A job takes as long as it takes, it's not all about speed. Quite often products or techniques are used that require time between processes. As you say, it's done now so you'll just have to wait and see.

 

[KateJ]

Well from feeling overjoyed from doing this project I feel is if its a matter of time before the tiles fall off and depressed!
If Localtiler (Mr Fish) could do something more worthwile and not advise me it would be preferable. To all you other guys I really appreiciate you kind advice. xx

 

[macten]

Yes only one quote because I had every intention of doing it myself.

At least you only wasted one tiler's valuable time and money!

 

[KateJ]

At least you only wasted one tiler's valuable time and money!

He was working in a flat in the same building and was happy to give me 5 minutes.

 

[Time's Ran Out]

I've just read through this and it's quite interesting.
1st of all I find it pleasing that you've enjoyed the experience of tiling and as it's in the DIY section there should be no excuses for members not providing information to help you. Just because you haven't followed everyone's advice is not the end of the world and for those who feel snubbed - if you don't have anything positive to say, say nowt!
These are cheap thin white tiles and for the first 15 years from sand and cement fixing in the early '70s tubbed adhesive was the professionals choice. It's now aimed at the DIY market ( although even today I saw 4 tubs going into a Tilers van) and since they advise maximum tiles of 30x30cm yours are within limits. The substrate (tanking) will mean the air has to get through the joints to fully cure the adhesive so leave as long as possible before grouting.
Again, thanks for posting and I'am sure your efforts will help others in this section to understand the amount of work it takes in even a small area.
Keep posting and enjoy!

 

[KateJ]

What a totally lovely message Timeless John! xxxx

Just checked my grouting and it's not perfect - will go over it until its as good a I can get it. All I can do now is keep a close eye on the tiles over the next few years!!!

 

[widler]

Brought a tear to my eye that @timeless john

 

[Dan]

Teej is our resident diplomat these days. He's a good bloke. Takes 'em all to make a world but if they were all tj's we'd be a happier (and well-tiled) place.

 

[Italy]

Good evening katey ...... *** remembered now,
I do not understand, it seems more a fishmongers, that a tilers forum ....

 

[Njdceramics]

Tile teepee for boxing in
That's classic

 

[KateJ]

Found this..http://ukbathroomguru.com/boxing-in-bathroom-pipework/
I like the idea of using window board (the plastic stuff) for ducting but I'll do that wate pipe as a single slope (love the idea of it). I've got some extractor piping to box in on the ceiling as well. xx

 

[Dan]

Don't mind me while I bump up some older but good threads. If you can contribute to the thread, go ahead. But if it's nothing for you then don't reply and it'll soon drop off the What's New page etc.
Worth linking to our new forum structure while I'm doing stuff:-

• USA Tile Forum for DIY and Professional Tile Fixers
• UK Tiling Forum for UK tiling advice
• Canada Tile Forum
• Tiling Advice Australia
• Ireland Tiling Forum
• Tiling Tools
• DIY Tiling
• Tiling Courses
• Tile Import / Export