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Install Tiles Over Concrete...
What You'll Need
- tile spacers
- tile trowel
- tile cutter
- thin set mortar
- grout
- level
What You Do
Since you've already placed a concrete slab, it's assumed that your surface is both square and level. Also, that the proper size has been pre-determined to accommodate whatever tile you've chosen.
Mix your thin-set mortar according to the manufacturer's directions. As you go along, spray or wipe the concrete with water (just enough to dampen the surface).
Working from one corner and using a tile trowel, spread mortar generously over enough area to accommodate several tiles.
Once the mortar is spread out, use the tooth edge of the trowel to distribute the mortar evenly across the surface. (Hold the trowel at a 30° angle as you sweep in arc-like motions.)
Press one tile at a time into the mortar. If the tiles don't have built-in spacer nubs or you don't feel as though you can keep the gap consistent by simply eye-balling them, use tile spacers.
Once all the tiles have been installed, you'll need to let them set before applying grout. In general, and depending on weather conditions, it's best to wait at least 48 hours.
Mix grout according to the manufacturer's instructions (you want a consistency that is similar to whipped butter). Using a grout float, place a generous amount of grout onto the surface of the tiles.
Pressing firmly, pushing and pulling diagonally, work the grout down into the crevices between tiles. Make certain you fill the gaps completely.
Once you've worked all the grout into the crevices, add more grout to the surface of the tiles. Keep repeating the process until all the crevices have been filled.
Place water in a bucket. Wet your grout sponge, squeeze out the excess water, and then begin wiping excess grout off of the tiles. (To make certain you don't pull grout back out of the crevices, it's best to wipe diagonally across the joints.)
Rinse your sponge frequently as you go. If the water gets too dirty, empty the bucket and replace it with clean water. Keep going over the tiles until they're free of excess grout.
After the grout has begun to set up, go back over the tiles, cleaning off any remaining residue. The best way to do that is clean your sponge, wipe across the tiles once, then turn the sponge over and wipe across the tiles once again.
Rinse out your sponge each time you make these two single passes. You'll also want to replace the water in the bucket frequently. Working this way, you'll eventually be able to remove all the film from the tiles.
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