How to Put a Tile Mural on a Wall
Tile murals originated thousands of years ago, but are still used today to beautify public spaces and private homes. In particular, tile murals may be found in an entry area or as a kitchen backsplash. Whether you have designed the mural yourself or ordered it from an artisan, the installation of a tile mural on a wall requires a great deal of organization and patience. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Tile pieces
- Premixed, white ceramic tile adhesive
- Level
- Bucket with water
- Sponge
- Plastic trowel
- Grout (unsanded)
Instructions
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Installation of A Tile Mural on a Wall
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1
Lay out your mural pieces on the ground as they should appear on the wall. If you purchased your mural from a manufacturer, they will have the pieces numbered in the order they should be applied to the wall, along with a diagram with the numbered pieces.
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2
Make sure that the wall space where the mural will be placed is clean and mark the borders of the mural on the wall with erasable pencil marks.
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3
Nail a thin and straight, wooden bar---using a level is helpful---across the bottom edge of where the mural will be installed to guide you in creating the mural from the bottom up and keep tiles from slipping.
If you have time, install the entire bottom row of tiles to the wall with the adhesive and let tiles dry before completing the rest of the mural, recommends the Linda Paul Design Studio.
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4
Spread the white, ceramic tile adhesive with a notched trowel in a thin layer on the walls and then on the tiles, starting with the bottom row. Repeat with the rest of the tiles once the bottom row has adhered to the wall.
Use a thin layer of adhesive so it doesn't ooze out from around the sides of the tiles. Wipe away any excess adhesive with a wet sponge from the sides and front of the tile pieces.
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5
Work from the left-hand corner of the mural, placing tiles horizontally across the mural. Once you have completed an entire row, move back to the left-hand side of the mural and begin a new row. This will avoid confusion about the tile placement.
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6
Let the tiles dry on the wall for 24 hours once you have completed the mural.
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7
Apply unsanded grout to the space between the tiles using a plastic trowel. Use the wet sponge again (after cleaning the adhesive out of it thoroughly) to wipe away any excess grout from the front of the tiles.
To smooth the grout along the sides of the tiles (also called the "joints"), you may use your finger.
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8
Unscrew the wooden board from the wall you originally attached to the bottom of your mural space to keep the mural straight and even.
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Tips & Warnings
If you wish to take the mural with you in the event of a move, you should attach the mural tiles to a wooden backboard, and then attach the backboard to the wall with a drill.
