s Linda J. Quesada
s First Edition By Linda J. Quesada Wholesalers USA, Inc.
Copyright 2007 Wholesalers USA, Inc. All rights reserved ISBN Number: 1-4276-0955-1 This e-book is distributed by Wholesalers USA Inc., and is free of charge. Our goal in writing it is to provide a step-by-step guide to installing glass tiles, and to help do-it-yourselfers answer such questions as "what type of thin set do I use" or "what type of grout do I use?" Wholesalers USA is one of the world s leading distributors of Giorbello brand glass tiles. Come visit Wholesalers USA online at www.wholesalersusainc.com This e-book is free to distribute as long as it remains free and unaltered in any way, including this disclaimer. All contents are copyright of Wholesalers USA Inc., and can not be altered in any way without permission. Page 1
Welcome to our how-to guide on choosing and installing glass tiles. We hope you find it informative and valuable; and we hope it helps you beautify your home with the most exciting tiling product available today. Glass tiles will give your home a clean, fresh appearance, and are perfect for you whether your tastes run traditional or modern. A bold step away from customary, dull ceramics; glass tiles will make you feel like you live in the elegance of a tranquil spa. Glass tiles are also dramatic, and they promise to bring a unique, stylish look to your bathroom, kitchen, or just about any other area you can think of (even your pool!). Whether you are looking for a timeless, elegant look featuring amber, bronze, and gold hues; or you prefer a more modern style with waves of beautiful shades of greens and blues; glass tiles can create the perfect backdrop for your home. This guide has been created with the goal of introducing you to glass tile, and showing you how to install them. Glass tile offers you amazing features that ceramic tiles simply cannot match: Thousands of colors ranging from metallic gold and silver, to the always-popular ocean colors. Glass tile has a unique look all its own, with each tile having a distinct and interesting character. They are impervious to moisture, which makes them perfect for bathrooms, kitchens, etc. They are also very easy to clean, stain-proof, and dry fast. They are strong (do not let the word "glass" fool you - most objects dropped on glass tiles will break before the tile does). Glass tiles are diverse - You can mix them with porcelain tiles to make your design even more unique. They are easy to install - you can do it yourself. Page 2
On that note, let s install your new glass tiles! By installing glass tiles yourself, not only will you save a lot of money that you would have had to pay a professional, but you may even do a better job than they would. And when you're finished, you will look proudly at your work, and fully enjoy the everlasting appeal glass tiles will add to your home. Tools and Materials Needed: The success of your project depends on starting with the right tools. Here is a list of the common tools you ll need for your project: Trowel 3/16"x5/32" v-notched trowel for tiles less than 3/16" (less than 5 mm) in thickness, or a 1/4"x1/4" square-notched trowel for tiles thicker than 3/16" (5 mm and thicker). Tile Nipper/Cutter (your personal preference) Chalk Line (or straight edge and pencil) Large Sponge Tile Float Carpenters Level (optional depending on the size of the area being tiled) Authentic Giorbello Glass Tiles (our recommended brand of choice) Grout (unsanded for tiles with spacing 1/8 or less) Adhesive (White Thin Set modified with Latex -- Since glass tiles have varying degrees of transparency, you want to choose an adhesive that does not effect the true color of the tiles. For this reason, we recommend that you use white adhesive behind all glass tiles; this will ensure that the natural color of the tiles shows while being unaffected by the adhesive) Wooden Beating Block (short piece of wood, typically a short 2x4 with a thin cloth wrapped around it) Page 3
Tile Backing: It is important that you choose the correct backing to install your tiles to. If you use the wrong backing you have the danger of the tiles coming loose years down the road. Here are the different types of backings: Cement Board If you are installing tiles around a tub or shower you want to install cement board. Cement board is an underlayment which is made up of cement reinforced with fiberglass. When installing cement board, make sure you don t use standard drywall screws, as they will rust over time. You should use coated cement board or galvanized screws, as they are designed for this use and will resist corrosion, ensuring that your tile job lasts decades. Green Board Green Board is recommended for areas which are occasionally subjected to moisture, such as behind sinks, toilets, and back splashes. Green Board gets its name from its color (it is a green colored drywall.) Green Board is also water resistant, so it is good for areas where there is occasional moisture. Green Board is not recommended for high moisture areas, as over time the moisture will cause the paper to soften and the tiles to come loose. Green Board should be not be used in areas such as around bath tubs and showers. As with Cement Board, you should not use standard drywall screws, as they will rust over time. Use only galvanized screws (we recommend screws over nails.) Concrete Concrete is an ideal surface for mounting tiles to. It is best for exterior areas subjected to freezes and thaws. Be sure that if the concrete is newly poured that it has cured for at least 28 days. Ideally, the concrete surface should have a broom finish to it. You should install your tiles over a clean stable surface free of cracks or coatings. If there are cracks or coatings on the surface, refer to a concrete guide to properly prepare the surface for tiling. Drywall Drywall can be used in areas where there is no danger of moisture. Typically you ll find the walls behind your kitchen countertop are made of drywall, this is acceptable if the tiles are not in an area where they are exposed to much more than occasional moisture. Page 4
Tiles: As with any project, selecting the right product is the most important decision you will face. In simple terms, we recommend Giorbello premium glass tiles (www.giorbello.com). With great durability, Giorbello Tiles are perfect for indoor and outdoor use, and they feature a fiberglass mesh backing to ensure that installing your tiles will be as simple as possible. Giorbello glass tiles offer you the best of both worlds: quality tiles available in hundreds of vibrant colors, and prices to fit any budget. Choosing a tile design begins with color. Not only does Giorbello offer colors ranging from snow white to jet black to everything in between, they also offer many blends featuring beautiful, multi-shaded colors. In addition to the multitude of colors, they also provide several unique style options: Crystal Tiles -- Crystal tiles are enhanced by the "kiln-fired" backing, which applies the vibrant colors to the back of the tile. As the light passes through, you will be startled by the little nuances and rich colors these tiles show-off. Traditional -- What is great about traditional glass tiles is their diversity; traditional glass tiles are available in a variety of alluring colors and transparencies. Because of this diversity, you can create any color or design scheme. Many More -- Including stained glass, mosaic, painted color patterns, and even mosaic murals... Remember to retrieve a sample tile before you start your project; it's always important to view the actual tile color and style in the location where it will be installed. Also, remember to follow the manufacturers' instructions at all times. Now that you have selected your tile pattern and have your tools ready, let's get started... Page 5
Adhesives and Grouts: Latex modified white thin set is recommended for installing glass tiles. Be sure to check the specifications of the brand of thin set you re purchasing to verify that their product is suited for glass tiles. Recommended temperature for applying thin set is between 50 and 90 degrees. Be sure to keep the surface out of direct sunlight when installing tiles as the sunlight can cause the surface to dry unevenly and prematurely, making working with the tile more difficult. Non-sanded grout is recommended for most glass tiles. If the spacing between the tiles is 1/8" or less, then you must use non-sanded grout. If the spacing is greater than 1/8", then you can use sanded grout. For most installations you ll want to use a colored grout. Grout colors which are similar to, but lighter in shade than the tiles, is recommended. Cutting Tiles: Glass tiles are best cut using glass mosaic tile cutters or a wet saw. There are several types of tile cutters; nippers, wheeled nippers, and scoring nippers. You ll want to experiment with different types of cutters to find out which one is most suited for you. Leponitt makes the best glass mosaic cutters - I highly recommend them. Cutting tile is not difficult, but it does take a little practice, so you may want to use some scrap tiles to practice on prior to starting your project. A wet saw can also be used to cut glass tiles, just be sure to use the appropriate blade. Typically a wet saw is used for cutting thicker and larger tiles. Page 6
Setting the Tiles: Step 1: Organize Your Tools and Materials All home improvement projects run smoother if you have everything you ll need collected and close at hand prior to starting the project. Make a list of what tools and materials you ll need and gather them before starting work. Step 2: Prepare Surface Make sure that the surface you re tiling is clean of dirt, oils, and loose pieces. Thin set needs a good surface to adhere to. Once you have a properly prepared surface, using a tape measure and chalk line (or level), mark the surface with a couple of guide lines. You ll use these lines to help guide you in aligning your tiles. Be sure to make guide lines in both directions of the tiles (90 degrees apart). For instance, if you re tiling a wall, mark a horizontal line and a vertical line. Page 7
Step 3: Mix Thin Set Mix your latex modified white thin set according to manufactures instructions. The thin set should be a thick, creamy texture. Remember to use white thin set for glass tiles. Step 4: Apply Thin Set Apply thin set to the surface you re tiling with the flat side of your trowel. Don t worry about how thick the thin set is at this time, you ll adjust the thickness in the next step. Only cover an area which can be tiled in 10 to 15 minutes. Start out with an area large enough for a couple sheets of tile, and then work with larger areas as the project progresses. This allows you to better gauge the rate at which you can set tiles. Page 8
Step 5: Spread the Thin Set Evenly spread the thin set using the notched side of your trowel. The notches will determine the thickness of the thin set and how much should be applied. Hold the trowel at an angle of about half way between 45 and 90 degrees. Step 6: Flatten the Thin Set Gently flatten the peaks of the notches in the thin set to create an even and smooth surface (fill the low areas with the peaks.) This gives you a flat surface on which to adhere the tiles, thus minimizing any air pockets or gaps in the thin set behind the tiles. Be sure not to remove or relocate any thin set - your aim is to level the thin set without changing its thickness. Page 9
Step 7: Set the First Sheet of Tiles Set a sheet of tiles onto the thin set, being sure to align the tiles with the surface mark. Use a gentle and even pressure with your hands to apply the tiles and ensure contact with the thin set. Step 8: Even Tile Surface Using a wooden beating block and light tapping with a hammer; go over the surface of the tiles to even the face of all the tiles. Page 10
Step 9: Apply Additional Thin Set Apply thin set in the same manner as previously described as needed for additional tiles. Cover only an area you can apply tiles to in a 10 to 15 minute timeframe. Step 10: Apply Subsequent Sheets of Tiles Apply the subsequent sheets of tiles, aligning them with the previous sheets and to the guidelines printed on the surface. Be sure to space the sheet itself so the joint spacing is consistent with spacing between the tiles within the sheet. Page 11
Step 11: Even the Tile Surface Using a wooden beating block and light tapping with a hammer level the surface of the tiles matching the tiles you previously laid. Step 12: Check for Chipped or Imperfect Tiles There will almost always be a few tiles you ll want to replace. Before the thin set dries, closely examine the tiles you set to identify any tiles which need replacing. Page 12
Step 13: Remove Chipped or Imperfect Tiles Using one hand to hold down the tiles adjacent to the tile you want to replace, remove the tile using a screwdriver being careful not to damage any adjacent tiles. Step 14: Back Butter the Replacement Tile Using the tip of your finger, add a small amount of thin set to the back of the replacement tile. This will ensure that the tile makes good contact with the underlying thin set. This is often referred to as Back Buttering the tiles. Page 13
Step 15: Firmly Place the Replacement Tile Using your thumb, place the replacement tile in place. Apply a firm pressure and make sure that the surface of the tile is at the same level as the surrounding tiles. Step 16: Let Cure Cure for a minimum of 24 hours before applying grout. Page 14
Step 17: Mix Grout Mix the grout according to manufacturers instructions. Nonsanded grout is recommended for glass tiles with spacing between tile of 1/8" or less. For larger tiles which have larger spacing you can use sanded grout. Step 18: Dampen the Surface Using a tile sponge, dampen the surface of the tiles. This will make the application of grout easier. Page 15
Step 19: Apply Grout Apply the grout using a rubber float, forcing the grout into the joints being sure that there are no air pockets in the joints. Step 20: Remove Extra Grout Remove extra grout by scraping the surface with the rubber float. Hold the float at just about 90 degrees to the surface and scraping diagonally to the grout joints. Using diagonal strokes will ensure that the float does not remove the grout from within the joints. Page 16
Step 21: Let Grout Set Let the grout set, but don t let it dry completely. Typically this is about 20 minutes. If you leave it too long before proceeding to the next step, the residual grout on the surface of the tiles will be difficult to remove. Step 22: Clean Excess Grout from the Tile Surface Using a damp sponge, gently clean the grout from the face of the tiles. Be sure not to use too much water, or to remove the grout from the joints between the tiles. You want to be sure to remove all of the excess grout from the tile surface before it cures completely, once the grout cures completely it is very difficult to remove. Page 17
Step 23: Let Grout Cure Allow 24 hours for the grout to cure. If the grout needs any further polishing to remove haze, use a clean, dry cheese cloth. Then apply a grout sealer to protect the grout from water. Grout sealer should be applied once every 2 years. Although this is not necessary, it does help extend the life of your tiling project. Step 24: Wipe Surface Wipe the surface with a dry towel removing the slight haze which the grout left on the surface. Page 18
Step 25: Apply Grout Sealer Although grout sealer is not required, we recommend using it since it will help to protect the grout from moisture. Apply the grout sealer according to manufacturer instructions. You re Done! How do you feel? It was easy, right? Take stock in the fact that you are doing something contractors charge a fair amount of money to do, and you may have even done a better job. As you complete your tiling, you will feel rewarded. Why? Not only will it be satisfying when you see your luxurious glass tile project completed in your bathroom or kitchen, but it will look even better because you know you did it yourself. With that said, have fun and enjoy the incredible look your new tile brings your home! Page 19