When the time arrives to upgrade a bathroom the knowledge of how to install ceramic tile tub walls can make an immediate impact on the style and cost of the renovation. A homeowner can install ceramic tile tub walls themselves in most cases without any prior experience and save a considerable amount of money by not requiring a professional contractor. It is important when ceramic tile tub walls are installed to follow the necessary processes and procedures carefully, as there are a number of issues that can occur when ceramic tile is applied to a vertical surface, some which may not immediately become evident. One of the most prominent of these is to assure that the wall on which ceramic tile is applied is supported properly to handle the added weight of the tiles.
The first step to install ceramic tile tub walls is protect the surface of the bathtub from any falling tiles. This is most easily accomplished by covering the tub with an old blanket and wrapping the faucet and fixtures with rags that are taped on tightly. To remove the old tile, use a hammer and a chisel or screwdriver.to crack the tile and them pry them from the tub wall. After the tile has been removed and discarded, any old sealant can be removed from the joint where the tile and the tub met using a utility razor.
Before you can install ceramic tile tub walls the surface needs to be assessed to determine if it in appropriate condition to serve as a base for new ceramic tile. If the cement wallboard under the old tile is still in good condition it can be reused. If it is not, it will need to be removed and new cement wallboard installed by screwing the pieces into the wall studs, filling the joints using waterproof thinset mortar and sealing the edge with fiberglass tape to prevent moisture from affecting the drywall beneath.
After the previous tasks have been completed the ceramic tile can begin to be applied to the cement wallboard. Apply a one foot high line of thinset mortar the entire width of the wall to the cement wallboard and begin to set the ceramic tile to the tub wall in a left to right manner by pressing them firmly into place. The ceramic tiles can either be butted end to end or can be set an equal distance apart using a spacer that can be obtained at the same store the tile was purchased from.
When the ceramic tile has has sufficient drying time grout can be applied to the spaces between the tiles using a rubber grout float. Simply press the grout into the spaces between the ceramic tiles firmly and wipe the excess away using a damp sponge. When the grout has had sufficient time to cure properly your ceramic tile tub wall project will be complete and should look beautiful.
