10. As you reach the corners of your shower you'll need to measure and plan to custom cut the tiles to be put in the spaces that do not accommodate a full tile. Cut using tile nippers or a tile saw.11. Let the tile set for 48 hours.
- Note: If you'll be installing any new appliances into / onto the areas around which you are tiling, now would be a good time to dry fit the appliances into their designated areas to make sure no changes will need to be made prior to finishing your tile job. Our job requires we tile vertically around the tub surround, so it is important to see exactly what areas will be covered with the tub and which areas will be open for us to tile upon after we apply a backer board.
- Note: Always wear protective eyewear when cutting tile! Before cutting tile, all cut lines should be marked with a pencil. Use a tile cutter for all straight cuts. It scores the tile and then snaps it along that score. To cut away small sections of tile, use tile nippers which take small "bites" out of tile. For more complex curves or edges, use a rod saw which can make more accurate and smooth cuts. After making any tile cut, smooth the edges with sandpaper or a tile sander.
12. After placing all of your tiles, mix your grout to a thick paste and apply, pressing it between tiles using a grout float. Spread grout paste with a firm, sharp rubber float. Work the grout paste into the joints until completely filled, making certain the paste is not just sitting on top or "bridging the joint." Be sure to pack all joints firmly.
- Grouting Tip: Don't grout the whole shower at once. You will want to be able to wipe the grout after it sets, but before it is too hard to remove from the tile.
- Important: Remember you are not going to grout at the corners, you are going to caulk, so try to maintain an even spacing.
13. Remove all excess grout from the face of the tiles with the edge of the grout float. Work the float at a 45-degree angle, diagonally to the grout joints, to avoid pulling out the paste.
14. Remove any remaining grout with a damp (not wet) sponge or towel. Work the strokes diagonally to the tile joints and allow floor to dry. Wait about 20 minutes for grout to set and repeat the rinsing of the tiles. Then let grout set for at least 24 hours. Wet down the grout joints with clean cold water during this period.
- Note: If a haze appears on the surface of the tiles after grout is dry, buff off with clean dry cloth.
