How to Re-tile an Old Shower Wall
- 1). Use your wide drywall knife to spread a very thin, smooth layer of thinset mortar over the surface of the wall, filling in any holes or gouges left by the removal of the tiles. Let the mortar set for a day.
- 2). Measure across the wall to find the middle. Draw a vertical line through the middle, using your level. Extend the line up the whole length of the wall.
- 3). Apply thinset mortar over the lower two or three feet of the wall with a notched tiling trowel. You will still be able to see the vertical line through the mortar.
- 4). Press the bottom row of tiles in place along the base of the wall, starting at the center line and working your way out toward the sides. Put spacers between the tiles, along the floor, to create spaces there. Cut the tiles at the ends of the row to fit, using your tile saw.
- 5). Hang the next higher row of tiles in the same manner, working from the middle outward. Repeat for each row, working up the wall. Use the tile saw to cut around the shower head and other fixtures. Do the whole wall.
- 6). Let the thinset mortar set overnight. Remove the tile spacers.
- 7). Press grout into the lines between the tiles with a grout trowel, filling all the lines except along the sides and bottom of the wall. Wipe up the excess grout with a damp sponge. Let the grout set overnight.
- 8). Caulk the line along the sides and bottom of the wall. Let the grout and caulk set for two more days.
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