Bathroom Tiling – Part 2
What to avoid:
Smooth spread of adhesives – Use a trowel or a fork to make ridges on the adhesive’s surface. With the ridge, leveling the placement of tiles will be easier.
Do not place small adhesive pieces on the corner – This process will increase the risk of cracked tiles. Adhesives shrink upon drying and this puts pressure on the tiles.
Uneven spacing of tiles – Measure for equal spaces between tiles, uneven spaces can cause the tiles to loosen.
Avoid grouting before the adhesive has hardened. – Avoid sloppy application of grout and remove excess grout.
Don’t pass up sealing of bath tops. – Water can leak into the tiles.
Bathroom Tiling
What to avoid when laying your bathroom tiles:
Using wrong adhesive – Waterproof adhesives are for bathroom tiles. Ordinary adhesives do not last long because once condensation sets in, it will putrefy.
Get an estimate and buy the right quantity of tiles – It would cost you less if you buy by the bulk, give an allowance for breakages and for uneven corners.
Prepare the area to tiled properly – Cleaning the surface thoroughly will ensure for the even laying and a tighter grip for the tiles.
Use battens when laying tiles – A batten is a thin piece of wood that is placed on the wall to align the tile placement. They can also be used to measure space between tiles.
Bathtub Choices
Tub and shower units have three primary types: gel-coated fiberglass, acrylic reinforced with fiberglass, and acrylic backed with composite. Gel-coated types when built using high quality ingredients are hard and long-lasting. The liquid gel-coat must be evenly applied to the molds at the correct temperature. This type can be repaired and would appear just like new. Acrylic units use colored acrylic plastics that are heated to soften them. They are stretched over a mold for shaping but stretching causes thin corners. Acrylic backed with composites unit has a solid base and was developed to address the flaw of the original type, that is the flexing of its floors like oil cans.
Creating an Illusion of Space
Bathroom carpets feel nice on bare feet but it makes the room seem small. With the use of color patterns a bathroom could look larger than it is. Using soft pale colors on floor and walls creates an illusion of space and the same goes for bathroom fittings. The idea is to use soft, pale colors and add touches in strong, bold colors. Another idea is to paint a large stencil on the largest wall and put a mirror that could reflect it. A picture showing an outdoor garden or a beach gives the illusion of looking out a window and seeing open space.
Bathroom Mirrors
Quality of bathroom mirrors greatly differ. When buying mirrors, you should select something that would not just reflect your image but one that has some depth. Bathroom mirrors should be specially sealed at the back and at the edges to prevent penetration of steam and moisture. Without this sealant, mirrors will fog and will be ruined within a short period. When sticking the mirror directly to the wall, it is advisable to use mirror mastic to prevent staining when you put the adhesive. If you plan on using a large bathroom mirror, be sure to add support at the bottom to prevent it from falling.
Remodel Your Bathroom
Before you start on a project of bathroom renovation, you have to first visualize the style that attracts you most. Think of furnitures, would a boudoir chair appeal to you, or a towel warmer or a warming system to heat your bathroom and warm your soft towel. Cold tiles could bring the chill on specially if you’ve just stepped out of a nice, warm shower, warm because you have just used your new steam shower. What about your tub, would you like to enhance your surroundings with dramatic colors that could easily change from relaxing to invigorating. Whatever your choice is, it would help to plan your style.