How to Finish a Ceramic Tile Wall

Finished ceramic walls are attractive additions to any home.

Ceramic tiles are versatile construction materials used for floors, walls, backsplashes and countertops. They are available in many sizes and shapes, and can be purchased individually or on large mesh sheets. After ceramic tiles are placed on the desired surface, such as a wall, they must be properly finished. Finishing a ceramic tile wall provides a professional-looking appearance.

Things You'll Need

• Bullnose tile
• Cement or thinset
• Notched trowel
• Grout float
• Sponge
• Water
• Grout finishing tool

Instructions

1. Insert a notched trowel into pre-mixed, cement-based mortar such as thinset. Spread a thin layer of mortar along the edge of the tiled wall where the bullnose tiles will go. The best locations for bullnose tiles, which have a curved edge on one side, are at the top of the wall, the bottom of the wall and anywhere the ceramic tile stops in the middle of a wall.

2. Place a bullnose tile into the cement, with the rounded side facing away from the other tiles. Press the tile in with your fingers to secure it to the mortar. Continue installing the remaining bullnose tiles until the entire top, bottom and possibly side of the wall is complete. Allow the tiles to dry overnight so that they properly adhere to the wall.

3. Insert a grout float into a tub of premixed tile grout. Scoop up some grout and wipe it onto the wall, using the float. Use the float to force the grout into the spaces between each tile. Add more grout until the lines between every tile are filled.

4. Wipe the surface with a damp sponge to remove grout residue. Rinse the sponge frequently as you wipe to remove the grout.

5. Place a grout-finishing tool onto one of the vertical grout lines and pull it along the length of the grout line to create a slight indention. Repeat the process with all of the remaining vertical grout lines and use the grout tool on the horizontal grout lines as well. Allow the wall to dry completely for at least 24 to 48 hours.

References

• Hometime How-to: Choosing Tile
• YouTube: The Tile Shop--Grouting
• The Tile Doctor: How-to: Walls Interior