I am looking for insight on installing glass tile in a bathroom, both by the sheet and individually. How well does it cut, drill, and best method of application.
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I've watched it done and have done some ceramic tile myself but glass tile can be difficult if you don't have the proper tools. You need a wet tile saw to cut them and I would also recommend useing the sheets as much as possible. When using sheets, make sure the thinset gets through the backing material completely and back butter as much as possible. Unless the individual tiles are at least 3 X 3 inches minimum, I would avoid them at all costs because of the difficulty in getting them to look good.
Just my two cents worth and it's worth exactly that, two cents.
They cut easily with a wet saw and a diamond blade. All the cuts need to be hidden because you can't really smooth the cut edge. Use white thinset and be sure there are no voids on the back of the tile, cuz it will show. If your thinset is mixed a little too stiff, the ridges sould show through, so mix it just a tad bit wet so it flows completely when you press the tile in place.
"When asked if you can do something, tell'em "Why certainly I can", then get busy and find a way to do it." T. Roosevelt
Does that make it hard to put up on walls? I just ordered some small tiles (3/4") for a backsplash. That's good to know about mixing the mortar on the wet side.
zak
No, the tile still sticks well to walls. You might have to shim several places to9 support it so it doesn't slip a little, but the wetness difference is very slight. Just make sure it isn't on the dry side, and don't let it skin over before setting the tile.
"When asked if you can do something, tell'em "Why certainly I can", then get busy and find a way to do it." T. Roosevelt
'Trick' I use, especially if it's for small areas like a backsplash. Set the glass tile on the backer board first. This way you can work with the tile horizontal or flat and it's easier to get a smooth and even coat of thinset on the backerboard.
Then mount the 'assembly' onto the wall and grout.
Let's not confuse the issue with facts!
White Thinset, never gray.
Bruce
Between the mountains and the desert ...
FHB, Feb./March 2004; Issue #161.
Advocate
wet saw and a grinder ... no big deal.
Jeff
Buck Construction
Artistry In Carpentry
Pittsburgh Pa
why are you still awake?
nice long late afternoon nap.
me and the boy decided to camp out tonight in the living room ... he's back asleep after a 3am nature call ... might be safe to go in and lay down now.
let sleeping dogs and kids lie ya know ...
Jeff Buck Construction
Artistry In Carpentry
Pittsburgh Pa
I'd startle a sleeping dog before I'd wake up a child.
I am of a different mind from those that say wet saw, #1 as soon as you wet any 12 x 12 sheet with backing, the backing starts to disolve and can not be installed.
My suggestion, use a small hand grinder with a ceramic cutting disks, will be a little dusky and use safety glasses, for small cuts use an old fashion tile snips.
The other problem can be when you use glass tiles for trim it is usually a differnet thickness and will need to be built up first to bring the tiles level.
IF the tiles are small and used in a shower white thinset is the best , however I find it needs to be a little thick and use a small notched trowel as smal as possible to avoid thinset coming through and filling the space needed for grout.
George
Is your tile on a mesh backer or paper-faced?