There are many different types of tiles which, the handyman can apply to floors, walls and ceilings. One of the oldest types is ceramic tile - these are cooked clay and have been used generally in the bathroom for walls and floors. There are also plastic-type tiles which have been used mainly for walls and ceilings.
Metal tiles of varied kinds also are available. One of the most current developments is an aluminum tile to which a ceramic coating is bonded at a temperature of from 900° to 1000° F. It can be cut easily and even bent if important. The tile is applied with mastic.
Ceramic Tile
Ceramic tile is one of the oldest building materials known to man. Its history dates back decades ago when it was first discovered that clay baked at high temperature ranges turns into a hard, durable material which is both water-resistant and fireproof.
Technique of Handling Tile
Here are simple guidelines for installing ceramic wall and floor tiles.
Virtually all common home materials which are true, level, free from moisture and foreign matter are suitable for receiving tile. In any area afflicted with steam or water, the base surface should be covered with two coats of primer, the second applied at right angles to the first.
Metal tiles of varied kinds also are available. One of the most current developments is an aluminum tile to which a ceramic coating is bonded at a temperature of from 900° to 1000° F. It can be cut easily and even bent if important. The tile is applied with mastic.
Ceramic Tile
Ceramic tile is one of the oldest building materials known to man. Its history dates back decades ago when it was first discovered that clay baked at high temperature ranges turns into a hard, durable material which is both water-resistant and fireproof.
Technique of Handling Tile
Here are simple guidelines for installing ceramic wall and floor tiles.
Virtually all common home materials which are true, level, free from moisture and foreign matter are suitable for receiving tile. In any area afflicted with steam or water, the base surface should be covered with two coats of primer, the second applied at right angles to the first.
CUTTING
Simply draw a pencil line over the glazed surface parallel to the increased bars on the back of the tile, take an ordinary glass cutter and score the surface along the line. Then place the tile, glazed side up, over a nail and press on either side of the obtained line. The tile will part cleanly down the line.
The floor, just like the wall, should be permitted to set for a day before grouting. But floor tile, which has little absorbency, doesn't have to be over loaded before grouting.
The grout mixture here is different. It should consist of one part water-proof Portland cement and one part finely screened sand. A minimum amount of water should be used in mixing - just enough for workability. Spread this concoction over the floor and work it into the joints with a squeegee. Joints should be entirely filled.
Cleaning Ceramic Tile
All tile made from natural ceramic materials is easy to keep clean. A cleaning soap is best for both floor and wall. For floors, the detergent solution should remain on the surface a few minutes before scrubbing. Wipe the floor and wall dry with a soft cloth. Most soap leaves a sticky film over tile. This film maintains dirt and could make the floor slippery. If such a condition already exists it can be remedied with a wash of industrial scouring powder or kerosene. Waxes, plastic finishes, polishes, emulsions, nonslip coatings and the like are never required.
Marble Tile
Marble tiles are available to be applied to any wall surface that has been effectively prepared. The marble tiles are installed in a manner somewhat the same as ceramic tiles. Here is the technique of coping with marble, in this case.
Simply draw a pencil line over the glazed surface parallel to the increased bars on the back of the tile, take an ordinary glass cutter and score the surface along the line. Then place the tile, glazed side up, over a nail and press on either side of the obtained line. The tile will part cleanly down the line.
The floor, just like the wall, should be permitted to set for a day before grouting. But floor tile, which has little absorbency, doesn't have to be over loaded before grouting.
The grout mixture here is different. It should consist of one part water-proof Portland cement and one part finely screened sand. A minimum amount of water should be used in mixing - just enough for workability. Spread this concoction over the floor and work it into the joints with a squeegee. Joints should be entirely filled.
Cleaning Ceramic Tile
All tile made from natural ceramic materials is easy to keep clean. A cleaning soap is best for both floor and wall. For floors, the detergent solution should remain on the surface a few minutes before scrubbing. Wipe the floor and wall dry with a soft cloth. Most soap leaves a sticky film over tile. This film maintains dirt and could make the floor slippery. If such a condition already exists it can be remedied with a wash of industrial scouring powder or kerosene. Waxes, plastic finishes, polishes, emulsions, nonslip coatings and the like are never required.
Marble Tile
Marble tiles are available to be applied to any wall surface that has been effectively prepared. The marble tiles are installed in a manner somewhat the same as ceramic tiles. Here is the technique of coping with marble, in this case.