Trowel size for mosaic on floor - TilersForums.com

[reeshar]

Looking for a bit of advice on what size of trowel to use for a mosaic laid on the floor. The individual tiles are 50mm square, and porcelain (if that has any bearing on it). The floor is perfectly flat, although it is plywood. I lifted the original floorboards, braced all the joists (450mm centres), fitted noggins to support all the cut edges, and laid 25mm WBP ply screwed with Spax screws at 150mm centres. I also primed the underside and cut faces of the ply.

I'm worried about getting loads of adhesive up through the gaps in the mosaic (mesh backed) so advice on trowel size appreciated. I'm planning to use Mapei Keraflex Slowset.

Final query - I don't have to prime the face of the ply being tiled as far as I understand, is that right?

Cheers,

Richard

 

[Boggs]

Anyone . . . .

 

[Unused Account 1]

Prime it anyway for how long it takes ,whats the thickness of the tile,

 

[Bond]

Shouldn’t be to much suction with WBP ply, however best to to give it a clean with a damp sponge and prime.

 

[hmtiling]

I'm guessing they'll be 9/10mm thick. I'd go for a 6mm notch if so. I'd overboard the floor with a 6mm cement board though

 

[reeshar]

Thanks for replies guys. They're 7mm thick. Would a 6mm notched trowel be ok for adhesive squeezing up between tiles? What primer would you use, Primer G?

 

[Bond]

Thanks for replies guys. They're 7mm thick. Would a 6mm notched trowel be ok for adhesive squeezing up between tiles? What primer would you use, Primer G?

I would stick with the 6mm your spreading at a approx 45 degree angle, so should be fine. As a primer l generally use SBR for most backgrounds, if your tiling direct to WBP ply it might be worth giving it a key with coarse grip sandpaper first, as some hardwood veneers can have a smooth almost oily surface.

 

[Tiler Durden]

Thin bed solid bed trowel but not the ‘tipped’ version, the standard tapered.

 

[Dougs Third Go]

I'd have thought a 4mm, just to stop adhesive squidging through the joints.

 

[Flintstone]

4mm is very small for a porcelain mosaic. Id be starting with the 6mm. Also as above, i wouldn't tile to the ply