Lighten up dark tiles

[THAIPHUKET]

Taking the good quality but dark tiles out is messy. Want tiles again. Simply over lay with new tiles? Anyone who has done it? Problems, such as raising the floor.?

[reflectionx]

you should be OK. I suggest to use DAVCO ULTRABOND to prep the surface and then Davco Super TTB dustless (the cheapest I've seen is from Maxxi at 204 per bag). You might also purchase Davco DAVELASTIC Latex additive. Instead of mixing the glue power just with water, you could use mix of WATER and DAVELASTIC 1:1 ratio.

Make sure that you use the proper trowel for your tile size. Anything larger than 30x30 needs 10x10mm or larger trowel, although we are using the 9x9mm from Weber, and is still ok (could not find 10mm anywhere).

Check the TTB manual here:

http://www.maxxi.co.th/uploads/manual/davco_super_ttb_dustless_20kg.pdf

[THAIPHUKET]

Thanks very much, pardon but I have no idea about such matters, Thai workers would do the job. Do you mean the new tiles can be layed over the old ones, or those must be first chipped off?

[reflectionx]

Thanks very much, pardon but I have no idea about such matters, Thai workers would do the job. Do you mean the new tiles can be layed over the old ones, or those must be first chipped off?

Yes, new tiles can be laid over old ones, no need to remove them first. BUT, the surface needs to prepared accordingly and proper materials should be used! Don't expect the Thai workers to do the job properly! They will most likely use some cheap glue cement and will not use some bonding agent, which will result in poor adhesion, tiles cracking over time, etc.

What is the size of your new tiles? Is it for bathroom or living room?

You should ask from them at minimum to use:

1. Clean REALLY WELL old tiles (cleaning the surface PROPERLY is something that they NEVER do!!!)

2. Use some primer over the old tile, e.g.:

http://www.maxxi.co.th/index.php/davco-ultrabond

3. Use good quality tile adhesive, e.g.:

http://www.maxxi.co.th/index.php/davco-super-ttb-dustless

(optional). If you have large (e.g. 60x60) non-porous tiles, you might consider strengthening the tile adhesive adding some sort of latex agent to the cement mix:

http://www.maxxi.co.th/index.php/davco-davelastic

Make sure that you show them this video HOW TO PROPERLY LAY TILES:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pyt2US_SSBM

4. Make sure that the use grout lines. I found that most of the workers do not use joints at all, which is against any regulations in the normal countries. The BARE minimum is 2mm joint, although, at least 3mm is recommended. I used 2mm forthe floor in the living area, which I regret now, as I should have used at least 3mm. If you want nice looking job, get tile spacers - they sell 2mm and 3mm Wever spacers at HomeMart for 69 baht per bag. Also, they do not seem to know how to properly apply grout. The grout MUST BE FORCED into the joints, which they do NOT do. They cut a rubber flip-flop and use it to apply the grout WTFFFFFFFFFF????? Buy them a proper grout tool, Weber makes one.

I find it ugly when I see tiles laid without joints. But there are other reasons why one must use joints. Check http://www.tcnatile.com/faqs/40-grout-joint-size.html

[THAIPHUKET]

That's a trove of info! It's the living room 30sqm. I'm in Chiang Mai too much building going on but fortunately I got a very good Thai team. Will buy suggested material myself.

Do you also have a suggestion what type of near clear glass doors to use to the almost un_fenc ed garden? I. E a door which cannot be opened with a toothpick?

[reflectionx]

Just make sure to babysit them. My workers are good in laying the tiles, but they did a mess with the grout. Don't make the mistake I made to assume they are good in everything just because they do something right.

Sorry, I have no idea about the glass door. Maybe look around for shops dealing with tampered glass?

Edited November 26, 2013 by reflectionx

[THAIPHUKET]

Fair enough. The builder just left and I explained your materials to be used and care to be taken. Knowing from past work he will stick to these instructions..............always allowing for T.i.T, this is Thailand.

Thanks for your input!