Do it yourself
Simple steps for an easier ceramic tile installation
1-Surface preparation
General
All backing surfaces shall be dry, level and true. They must be structurally
sound, solid, well-fastened, clean, and free of dust, oil, grease or any deleterious
substance which may prevent or reduce adhesion. All concrete substrates must be
dry and completely cured. Roughen smooth concrete substrate. Sand and scarify
painted surfaces to completely remove paint. Do not install tiles over
presswood, particle board, chipboard, lauan, masonite, asbestos board, gypsum
floor patching compound, and similar unstable materials.
Wall
Gypsum board and plaster surfaces should be primed with PLANICRETE® 50 and
thoroughly dry before application of adhesive or dry-set mortar.
Floor
Plywood subflour and underlayment must be exclusively "COFI EXTERIOR SELECT"
or "SELECT TIGHT FACE" (SEL TF) plywood according to the COFI
classification and conforming to CSA-0121 standard for Douglas fir. When on
joists 40 cm (16") O.C. plywood subflour shall consist of 2 layers each 16
mm (5/8") thick, layed cross-grained and gapped 6 mm (1/4") between
sheets. The plywood shall be screwed 15 cm (6") O.C. around the perimeter
and 20 cm (8") O.C. throughout the body of the panel in each direction.
2-Tools and trowel
The required tools are: nippers, tile cutter, notched trowel, rubber float, hard sponge, terry cloth towel, scouring pad, measuring tape, straight edge, level, plumb line, pencil, rubber gloves, mallet and empty pails.
3-How and where to begin
Wall
Using a plumb line draw horizontal and vertical lines in the center of each
area to be tilled. Find the lowest point on the tub edge using a level. Place
one piece of wall tile at this point and shim up 6 mm (1/4") allowing for
caulking. Draw a line on the wall above the tile using a level. Extend the line
around the tub wall. When continuing file work past the tub area, drop a plumb
line from that point on the floor and measure the number of tiles courses to
the floor line. This will establish the base line of the wall and allow a full
tile course at edge of tub.
Sol
See the diagram that depicts how to establish the center of the floor. 
Attach a string at point A and extend it to point C. Attach a second string at point B and bring it to point D. From the intersection of these 2 lines, draw cross guidelines toward the wall. Lay a row of loose tiles along guidelines. Position the tiles to avoid cuts of less than half tiles along edges.
4-Spreading the adhesive or dry-set mortar
When using a dry-set mortar, follow the mixing instructions on labels. Use the appropriate notched trowel. Spread a layer of adhesive using the flat edge of the trowel, doubling over immediately with the notched side of the trowel holding it at a 45˚ angle. Spread only enough adhesive as can be covered over before skinning occur. If the adhesive has skinned over, remove it and apply fresh material.
5-Setting tiles
Apply tiles pressing firmly and slightly twisting to ensure a good adhesion.
Check the first few tiles by removing them and making sure that 85% of the back
surface is covered with adhesive. When installing with a dry-set mortar system,
beat tiles in with a mallet so that at least 25% of the thickness of the tile
is embedded in the mortar. Let tiles set completely before grouting.
6-Mesuring and cutting tile
Measure and mark the tile according to size and shape required. Using the tile
cutter, score the tile surface and snap the pieces apart. Use nippers to cut
ground faucets, electrical outlets, and to make odd shape cuts.
7-Grouting
General
Do not disturbs, walk over or grout tiles until adhesive or dry-set is
completely cured. Clean out the ground lines free of standing water, dust and
foreign substances. Wipe tile surfaces free of dust or substances which may
cause color contamination or discoloration. Grout with ULTRA/COLOR (mixed with
water ONLY), or KERACOLOR®/floor or wall grout mixed with PLASTIJOINTS® latex
additive. Alternatively, use KERAPOXY® chemical resistant grout for kitchen
counters. For complete details consult the technical data sheets. Have a couple
of pails full of clean, cool water near at hand for cleaning.
Wall
Mix grout in strict accordance with label instructions. Using a good quality rubber float, force grout into the joints spaces to achieve a full compact joints, remove as much excess grout as possible from the tile surface holding the rubber float at 90˚ angle and working across DIAGONALLY from corner to corner. Let grout firm up slightly and clean tiles with a damp sponge working DIAGONALLY to the line joints, leaving only a light haze on the tile surface. Let dry and with cheesecloth polish tiles to remove the remaining powdered film.
Floor
Dampen the surface of the tile. Do not allow water to remain in ungrouted joint
spaces. Mix grout in strict accordance with label instructions. Using a stiff
rubber floor float force grout into the joint spaces to achieve a full compact
joint with no volds. Remove excess grout by using the float as a squeegee and
going across the tiles DIAGONALLY at a 90˚ angle, from corner to corner.
After joints firm up, wet a terry cloth towel and wring out all excess water.
Pull the float damp towel DIAGONALLY across the surface of the tile, from
corner to corner, removing all grout residues and smoothing the surface of the
grout joint. Continue this procedure by repeatedly rinsing and wringing out the
towel with clean cool water. Let grout firm up. Remove remaining haze from the
surface of the tiles using a slightly damp scouring pad and remove soil with a
damp towel.
Note: For KERAPOXY grouting procedure, follow instructions printed on the container.
8-Caulking and sealing
Let the tilework cure for 72 hours. Where necessary, caulk around tub, faucets or shower pan areas with a recommended silicone caulking. Grouted joints (except KERAPROXY) may be sealed after 10 days with a silicone spray sealer. Holding the spray bottle in one hand, spray sealer evenly over grout lines and with the other hand IMMEDIATELY wipe tiles clean with a clean dry towel. (DO NOT LET the sealer DRY on tile surface). Generally shower or tub enclosures may be in operation 24 hours after the grout is sealed. Refer to manufacturers instructions.
9-Caring for your tiles
Ceramic tiles require little maintenance. By regular washing and a good cleaning at least four times a year, ceramic tile will retain their original beauty. Ask your dealer about AQUA MIX ceramic tile maintenance products.