How to Prepare Wall For Tile?
It is important to prepare the surface where you will install the wall tiles. A poorly prepared wall can compromise the tile’s adherence and durability. The surface must be thoroughly cleaned before starting the installation.
Cleaning the Wall Before Installing
Clean the surface with a powerful GREASE-REMOVER such as TSP (Tri-Sodium Phosphate) or sugar soap. Make sure that you allow enough time for the surface to dry properly. For optimal adhesiveness you can also gently scrub painted surfaces with fine sandpaper (1200 grit). This removes the oily or glossy layer of the paint and slightly roughens the surface, giving the tiles better adhesion.
Wall & Tile Temperature
The temperature of the wall and tiles should be at least 20°C for 12 hours before installation, and should remain above this temperature for 24 hours afterward. This is very important because the tiles will not stick well on a cold surface. This is more of an issue during the winter as the wall temperature is often lower than room temperature. So make sure that your walls are moderately warm.
Press All Grout Lines Firmly
Make sure you press all grout lines firmly, and AVOID TOUCHING the adhesive side of the tiles.
Recommended Surface
These surfaces will provide good quality results:
- Smooth ceramic tiles backsplash.
- Smooth glass tiles backsplash.
- Wall panel (acrylic).
- Wall linoleum.
- Mirrors.
- Wallpaper (peel off any loose corners and install wall tiles over the top).
Non-Recommended Surface
These surfaces will not be suitable for wall tiles.
- Stucco wall (not sufficiently flat).
- Stone wall (not sufficiently flat).
- Unfinished wall such gypsum or plaster (this requires primer paint first).
- Unpainted plywood (paint with primer before installing tiles).
Tips:1. Self-adhesive tiles are DIY and easy to install without grouting and cementing. 2. Self-adhesive tiles are resistant to water, oil, high temperatures and mildew. As long as the surface of wall is smooth, dry and clean, these tiles can be used.
Installation ideas:
Self-adhesive tiles are DlY, easy to use and you can update your home without the cost of renovating. These tiles are suitable for use on most smooth floor in kitchen, living room or bedroom. These self-adhesive tiles don’t require grouting or cementing and easy to clean by wiping with a damp cloth and mild detergent.
Before you start:
1. Before installation, carefully check whether the floor tile has any defects and adhesive protection has not been removed.
2. The floor tile should best be kept at room temperature 12 ℃ to 29℃ 48 hours before installation. lf the tiles have been stored correctly, the tiles need no further adiustment and can be used directly from the packaging.
3. Before laying floor tiles, please ensure that the floor is smooth, clean and dry, and there is no wax, grease, oil and dust. Floors can be covered with latex primer and a moisture-proof film added if required. New concrete flooring should be dried for at least 60 days before installation.
4. Porous surface, such as sand and cement screed, plywood, cardboard and particle board, the application of an appropriate primer sealant before installation: such as a latex primer.
Ongoing Care & Cleaning:
1. Use door mats at the entrance to prevent fading of floor tiles. Avoidrubber-padded carpets as they may stain or discolor the vinyl flooring. lf your driveway is asphalt, use a sturdy door mat at your gate, as chemicals in asphalt can cause vinyl flooring to turn yellow.
2. After laying the floor tiles, check whether all the floor tiles on the floorare firmly stuck, before cleaning the floor, set aside 5-7 days of time, this is to let the tile adhesion on the bottom floor.
3. Try not to make the floor too wet when cleaning. lt is recommended to wipe it with a damp cloth.
4. Other precautions: Stilettos can damage floors. Use protective padsunder furniture.
Removal:
Start in a corner, then slowly and gently peel away like a sticker.