Hi, I am a total novice and have tiled a shower enclosure using the following tiles



They are extremely textured and layered 1cm high marble strips layed directly on eachother so I cant grout between each mosaic piece, there was a plastic sheet on the back. I covered the plasterboard in a thin layer of grout, let it dry and then used more grout to stick the tiles on.

I'm not sure which sealers to use, after reading many posts I think an impregnator - Lithofin or HG. I am going to silicone the corner joint, and around the shower base and cubicle. I was unsure what to use between the small tile joints (on the verticles where the edges of tiles meet - they are all laid directly on eachother so no grouting on horizontal tile joints), some recomend unsanded grouts, others epoxy, some latex, silicone caulk etc.

the more I have read the more I am confused!

o dear

Originally Posted by russ

o dear

Can you give more details please - what have I done wrong and whats rapidset?

oh dear.... did you really use grout to stick the tiles? If so you have a major problem i'm afraid

Dude grout does not stick,If you used grout the tiles will fall off(well I have heard a horror story about grout being used to stick tiles).You must get grout in everywhere as water will be drawn in even if you cant see a gap.However it is preferable to leave the grout out of corners and between shower tray and tiles,then use silicone instead.

Originally Posted by russ

Dude grout does not stick,If you used grout the tiles will fall off(well I have heard a horror story about grout being used to stick tiles).You must get grout in everywhere as water will be drawn in even if you cant see a gap.However it is preferable to leave the grout out of corners and between shower tray and tiles,then use silicone instead.

Sorry - I mean adhesive, Weber Set rapid plus was used for base and sticking on tiles!!!! Ive been reading up on grouting options tonight - slip of the tongue!

Paula

you should not have plaster board in the shower area .if water gets to it the tiles will fall off . 12 mm wpb ply ok.

Originally Posted by Colour Republic

oh dear.... did you really use grout to stick the tiles? If so you have a major problem i'm afraid

no I didnt stick them on with grout, I used Webber rapid set adhesive (dry bagged) mixed with water and a bit of plasticiser. I have been reading up on grouting tonight and typed grout by mistake

I'll stop dribbling and go to bed now!! I'll check back tomorow....... so what would you suggest for sealing tiles and the few joints? Any other suggestions or improvements.

Ta

Paula

Hi Paula, are you sure this sheet was on the back? and not on the front?

Originally Posted by paul flight

you should not have plaster board in the shower area .if water gets to it the tiles will fall off . 12 mm wpb ply ok.

Why not? plasterboard is fine IF its tanked!

I wouldnt put ply in the shower area either if you can avoid it. I'd stick to cement backer boards if you can.

As you have used plasterboard it should have been tanked as the water will get in through the gaps and cause the plasterboard to detriorate.

the plastic sheet was glued onto the mesh backing - definately meant to be there!

the plastic was glued onto the mesh backing - definately meant to be there!