Cement tiles on walls

[hipposgobeserk]

Hi everyone
I have purchased just over 2 square metres of 18mm thick encaustic cement tiles to use as a kitchen splashback in several different areas.

As far as I can see I am yet to find a tile edger that is thick enough to hide the edge (which is rough) of the tiles +adhesive. Photos I've seen online etc conveniently tile up to the bottom cabinets etc bypassing the need, but ours will have quite a lot of raw edges.

Anyone have any advice on what to use? Also as a complete Newby, would it be less hassle to hire a professional tiler and if so how long roughly for? We're on a budget but already looking at £60+ to hire a diamond blade cutting machine.

Thanks in advance

 

[MTiler]

Get a Tiler who is used to installing Encaustics.

 

[Bill]

Thanks in advance

Sand the edges down with 80 grit then something smoother and you will be OK - just embrace the encaustic look - many 'designers' don't give a hoot about the finish as they want to see the whole 'picture' and this includes what the encaustics are........ rough & ready but a fantastic contrast to plain walls/units.

 

[hipposgobeserk]

Thanks, like you say it seems a little odd to finish off a beautiful hand made piece with a wide piece of pvc lol.

 

[Flintstone]

Don't use any trims it will not look right, the tiles aren't designed for a splash back they are really to go on a floor. Think hard about putting them behind the cooker, they might not stay looking fresh for that long!

 

[Time's Ran Out]

Make sure they are well sealed or they will be a mess in 5 minutes!

 

[hipposgobeserk]

We've been advised to seal with lithofin impregnator. Anyone know if this is decent enough stuff?

 

[WetSaw]

@Lithofin BOB will be the best person to answer that question!

 

[Time's Ran Out]

Yes Lithofin is good.
Follow the instructions on the 'tin' and don't leave any build up on the surface. Make sure the surface is clean , but don't use a wet sponge as this will alter the absorbsion of the sealer and it will dry uneven. Clean but bone dry - seal.

 

[Taylormade]

After sealing them hand polish them with a quality clear bees wax they will be easier to keep clean thereafter. I would re wax them every 6 months or so.

 

[Time's Ran Out]

After sealing them hand polish them with a quality clear bees wax they will be easier to keep clean thereafter. I would re wax them every 6 months or so.

As they are going around as kitchen splash backs, which may include range cooker recess, I wouldn't go down the wax route. Topical surface polish if required.

 

[hipposgobeserk]

As they are going around as kitchen splash backs, which may include range cooker recess, I wouldn't go down the wax route. Topical surface polish if required.

It's just an electric hob, the built in cooker will be wall mounted elsewhere, if that makes a difference?

 

[Time's Ran Out]

I wouldn't wax them!

 

[andy8758]

This tiles are generally intended to be laid rough. The tiles are likely to be hand made, with differing thickness and slight variations in size. Some designers suggest installation without any grout gaps. You can cut them with a good quality manual cutter, but the edges will be very rough, and may need grinding to become flat using either an angle grinder or a wet cut table cutter. A decent diamond blade is essential.

The surface will stain very easily if not sealed. Litho fin is an excellent sealer.