Content

• To step
• Part 1 of 3: Preparing the shower for tiling
• Tips
• Warnings

Tiling a shower makes your home more beautiful and adds value to your home. Follow the steps in this article to tile a shower from scratch. We cover the basic steps required to properly waterproof tile a shower. If you are first tiling a shower, seek advice from a contractor before starting the job.

To step

Part 1 of 3: Preparing the shower for tiling

1. Let the grout dry for about 3 days before waterproofing the grout. Then make the joints waterproof by applying some waterproof grout to the joint and wiping it over. Let it dry and test the waterproofing by dripping some water on the grout. If a joint is waterproof, a drop of water will remain intact on a joint.
2. Kit where needed. Remember to run the caulking gun along the seams relatively quickly. Most amateurs seal too slowly and apply too much sealant in a seam. Other things to remember:
   • Keep the end of the caulking gun at an angle while you are handling the kitten.
   • Make sure the speed at which you release the sealant from the gun matches the speed at which you move along the seam. You shouldn't let out too much kit and move too slowly, or vice versa.
   • After applying the kit, run a wet finger along the kit with some pressure to press the kit nicely.

Tips

• If you remove the grout with a damp sponge while it is not yet dry, you get nice smooth grout and it prevents you from having to scrape the excess grout off the tiles later on. You can also dab the joints with cheesecloth (which will remove the haze you would otherwise see after the grout dries) to make the joints even smoother (much like sanding in woodworking).
• Remember: there will be no grout in the corners, there will be a sealant seam, so try to keep even distances.
• Use the correct trowel for the mortar and tile size, paying attention to the distance recommendations, using the correct grout crosses. Keep distances of 3 mm or less so that you can use unsanded mortar (easier to waterproof).
• Never use wall tiles for the floor. Floor tiles can be used on the walls. The size of the trowel that you use for the mortar is determined by the size of the tile and where the tile will be placed.
• Do not use tile adhesive. Use mortar, not premixed stuff.
• Apply cardboard to your shower tray with tape to prevent damage.

Warnings

• Never apply grout to the entire shower at the same time. The grout should be wiped off when it has dried slightly, but before it is too hard to get off the tile.
• Make sure the exhaust fan is grounded.