How to DIY Bathroom Tiles
Tiling your bathroom is a rewarding and cost-effective way to give it a fresh new look. With the right tools and a bit of patience, you can achieve professional-looking results. This step-by-step guide will help you learn how to DIY bathroom tiles like a pro! Ready to get started?
Firstly, you are going to want to measure your bathroom walls and calculate how many tiles you need. Plan the tile layout, starting from the centre if possible, to ensure symmetrical edges. Once you have your tiles ready, you can begin the DIY!
Things you will need
Tiles of your choice
Safety goggles and gloves
Tile adhesive (thin-set mortar) and spacers
Notched trowel
Tile cutter or wet saw
Grout and grout float
Sponge
Level
Measuring tape
Bucket for mixing adhesive
Clean microfibre cloth
Grout sealer
Step 1
Preparation is key
Once you have purchased the right amount of tiles, make sure your walls are clean, dry, and smooth. Remove any existing tiles, wallpaper, or debris, and fill in cracks and holes with filler. Sand down any rough spots.
Now that your walls are prepped and ready to go, lay down protection for your floor and cover any fixtures. Wear safety goggles and gloves to protect yourself.
Now, you’re ready to begin!
Step 2
Fit your tiles
Now you have prepped your walls, it’s time to fit your tiles. Following the instructions on the tile adhesive packaging, mix it to the right consistency. It should be thick enough to hold its shape but easy to spread.
Once you are happy with the consistency, use a notched trowel to spread adhesive on a small section of the wall. Hold the trowel at a 45-degree angle for even coverage.
Then, press the first tile onto the adhesive with a slight twist to secure good adhesion. Use a level to ensure it is straight, and then insert tile spacers at the corners to maintain even gaps for grout.
Apply adhesive and place tiles row by row, using spacers between each tile. Continue checking in with a level to ensure they’re straight and aligned.
Step 3
Cut your corner tiles
You might find that you need to cut some of your tiles to make them fit. When you reach corners or edges, measure and mark your tiles so you know what shape they need to be cut into. Then, using a tile cutter or wet saw, make the cuts precisely. Always wear safety goggles when cutting tiles.
Step 4
Let your tiles dry
Once you are happy with the tiles, allow the adhesive to dry for the recommended time before moving to grouting. This usually takes around 24 hours. Be sure to swipe your hand across the wall gently, feeling to see if all of the tiles are flush and non are higher than others.
Step 5
Grouting
Now that your DIY bathroom tiles have set and are secure, it’s time to grout. Mix the grout according to the package instructions until you get a paste-like consistency. Then, use a rubber grout float to spread grout diagonally across the tiles, pressing it into the gaps. Hold the float at a 45-degree angle and scrape off excess grout. Don’t worry if you get grout on the tiles – we will remove this later.
Once you are happy with the grout, allow it to dry for around 20 minutes before moving onto the next step.
Step 6
Clean up
Once your grout is fully set, you can now tidy up your tiles. Use a clean damp microfibre cloth to gently wipe off excess grout from the tiles’ surface, using a spritz of WD-40® Multi-Use Product to remove any tough excess grout. The WD-40® will also help to prevent soap scum or mildew buildup with its water-repelling properties.
Top tip: With regular application, WD-40® will also help to prevent rust forming on metal finishes in your bathroom.
Once the grout has fully dried (usually after 24-48 hours), carefully remove the tile spacers.
Step 7
The finishing touches
Once your DIY bathroom tiles are clean and your spacers are removed, you should apply a grout sealer as per the manufacturer’s instructions to protect the grout from moisture and stains.
Now you know!
So, there you have it. Congratulations, you've successfully tiled your bathroom. Step back and admire your handiwork. Remember, while tiling can be fun and rewarding, it's important to follow safety precautions and take your time for the best results. Enjoy your newly tiled bathroom!
Want to find out more ways WD-40 can help with DIY tasks around your home? Check out our blog page.
The uses shown and described for WD-40 Multi-Use Product were provided to WD-40 Company by the users themselves. These uses haven’t been tested by WD-40 Company and do not constitute a recommendation of suggestion for use by WD-40 Company. Common sense should be exercised whenever using WD-40 Company products. Always follow the instructions and take heed of any warnings printed on the packaging.
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