DIY Network

Bathroom: Framing the Mirror and Grouting From "Tiling Techniques" episode DTIL-101

	The homeowners of this basic off-white bathroom ...
	with its plain tile were thrilled to have DIY's Tiling Techniques ...
	workers convert the room with new sheet tile for the bathtub and ...
	great looking tile around the mirror.
	And the final touch was a set of decorative storage boxes that were tiled inside!

In this segment, host Paul Wilson will frame the mirror and grout the tile.

Materials:

Carpenter's pencils
Razor blade
Steel tape measure
Grout float
Notched trowel
Margin trowel
Hydra sponges
Two 5-gal. buckets
Tile cutter
Safety glasses
Ear protection
Dust mask
Knee pads
Spacers
Wedges
1/2" drill motor
Rod-type mixing paddle
Rubber mallet
Beating block
Hammer
Pry bar
Level
Speed square
Caulk gun
Backerboard cutter
Tile nippers
Silicone sealant

Specialty Materials (see Resources, below, for information):

Crossville Tile
Custom grout
Custom modified thin set mortar
Custom cement backerboard ("Wonderboard")

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	Figure A
	Figure B

Tiling Around the Mirror

1. Pick out a mirror and measure, then lightly draw the outline of the mirror on the wall where the mirror will be placed permanently.

2. Attach wooden ledger boards on all four sides of the outline (figure A) to help hold the tiles in place.

3. Miter cut the tiles just like before, but be sure not to rush.

4. Backbutter the tile pieces and set (figure B).

5. Once the tile has set for 24 hours, you can remove the ledger board.

6. Adhere the mirror with mirror adhesive.

7. The tile that's used to frame the mirror doesn't need to be grouted.
   

   	Figure C
   	Figure D

   Grouting the Tile

8. Mix the grout per the manufacturer's instructions, and be sure to pick a color that complements your tile selection. Go by the grout chart at the retail store. Mix the grout with clean, cold water to the consistency of a milkshake (figure C).

9. After moistening the tiles with a nearly dry sponge, apply the grout with a laminated grout float.

10. Push the grout into the joints with the flat edge of the float.

11. Push the grout over the face of the tiles diagonally with the flat edge of the float to cut off the excess grout.

12. Work in small manageable areas, and continue the process over the entire area until all joints have been grouted. Allow the grout to set and haze over.

13. With a nearly dry sponge, tool the grout to eliminate pinholes, voids, highs and low spots.

14. Do a final wipe with a nearly dry sponge pulled diagonally over the face of the tile to remove any grout residue (figure D).

    Note: Grout should set for 24 hours.

15. After the grout has cured for a minimum of 48 hours, or whatever the manufacturer recommends, seal the grout with a sealer.

In the final segment, Wilson shows you how to create tiled storage units for the bathtub.

RESOURCES :

Bathroom Tiling Products Information (Home Depot)

Crossville Tile
12" x 12" sheet
Model #: AV92.10303UTS
Color: Desert Stone

Crossville Tile
Model #: AV92/.1S4339S
Color: Desert Stone in a Bullnose

Accent Tile by US Ceramic
Romany Villa Antica Listello (3-3/4" x 8")
Model #: 333-833

Grout by Custom
Model #: 123-852
Color: Bone (Sanded)
25 lb. bag

Thin set by Custom
Modified thin-set mortar
Model #: 399-727

Backerboard
Used a cement backerboard type called "Wonderboard" by Custom
Model # for 1/4" thick: 648-282
Model # for 1/2" thick: 683-256

Where available: Home Depot

The Home Depot U.S.A. Inc.
Website: www.homedepot.com