Wall Glass Tile Installation

Glass tile installation is similar to methods used for ceramic porcelain and natural stone.

Wall glass tile installation.

How to install a glass mosaic tile backsplash illustration by gregory nemec. If you go with a translucent glass tile be sure to prime the wall white prior to installation. Do not touch or clean the tiles during this time. To apply hold the trowel at 45 degree angle and use the notched edge to make ridges in the mastic.

After the mortar sets and the tiles have been cleaned of any excess mortar mix up the unsanded grout to the consistency recommended by the manufacturer s directions. Then make straight parallel lines in the mortar by pressing into it with a notched trowel to help the tiles stick to the wall. The batten should run the full length of the wall and be positioned with the top edge one tile width plus one grout joint width above the floor or work surface. To install glass tiles start by spreading the mortar on the wall in a 3 inch by 3 inch space.

To do so make sure all of the tiles are intact and secure. Apply the grout with a float gliding over the tiles at a 45 degree angle. A batten board is nothing more than a 1 x4 or 1 x2 board screwed directly into the wall horizontally. Use a 3 16 v notched trowel to spread white tile mastic adhesive on the wall.

If existing tiles are beyond repair remove the tile and install a piece of wallboard in its place. Wait for the thinset to cure for a full 48 hours. Hang a batten board to prevent tile slippage. Repair any loose or cracked tiles.

Thinset mortar should cover the entire area behind the tile but there is a chance a small spot could be missed. The manufacturer recommended this mastic for this type of tile. Glass tile is a very finicky type of ti. To avoid scratching the glass tiles grout with unsanded grout.

Wash the wall with tsp tri sodium phosphate or an ammonia based cleaner to remove any grease or oil. Fix your straight length of timber batten to the wall you are going to tile. A batten board helps you start your bottom most course or row of tiles. Don t start it at the floor.

Remove the tile and prepare the wall according to the corresponding instructions above or tile over the existing tile. Because of the fragile nature of glass tile however installers need to take additional precautions to. Instead bring it up to about 3 4 of the height of your tiles. Use a spirit level to check that the batten is absolutely horizontal.

This provides added protection against bleed through of markings or old paint. It s important to use white adhesive because any color behind the tile will show through the glass.