DIYbanter - View Single Post - Anyone recomend where to buy a complete set for tiling.

wrote:
I will be doing my first tiling next week.

You need a trowel (as you're _carrying_ adhesive on it, isn't this a
trowel rather than a float?). This should have notches appropriate to
the tile size - either wall or floor.

Then another trowel, which can be the nasty plastic freebie one - but
you need something tiny as well, just for that awkward corner under the
bath.

A "tile file" in both carbide file-shape and coated mesh (Plasplugs
cheapies)

Rubber squeegee for grouting.

A rubber tiler's sponge for grouting. This is _so_ much better to use
than an open-cell foam sponge.

Chalkline, levels, chinagraph pencil, OHP marking pen etc.

To cut tiles, get the _cheap_ Plasplugs electric wet tile saw. The
cheaper one seems to last longer than the expensive one. Either is
better than the all-metal Lucky Golden Hedgehog brand ones. If it's
more than a splashback with no cuts, then this really is worth having
as it's so much quicker and avoids waste tiles.

Then my favourite tool purchase this year, Screwfix's 50 quid laser
level (cross projector, not the whirling spot). This makes tiling _so_
much quicker and more fun. I love this gadget!

If it's a little job, buy some decent ready-mix tile adhesive. Don't
buy combined "fix and grout", don't buy cheap stuff (it's nasty to use
and doesn't have much "stiction"). But ASAP, start mixing your own
adhesive from dry powder - it's so much cheaper.

Couple of plastic buckets, including one old tile adhesive bucket (low
and wide) for mixing in.

Pack of foam pan scourers for general clean up. Adequate supply of
clean rags and vinyl gloves. Pair of tiling slippers (any cheap
market-stall espadrilles) - won't scratch the bath if you stand in it,
take them off before tracking plaster dust outside the bathroom.
Masking tape and dust sheets for dirt control before starting. Old
carpet for the bottom of the bath (put the plug in too). Vaseline for
the gold plate taps, to stop tile adhesive drips from sticking.

Nutrogena hand cream and barrier cream. Tile adhesive is hard on skin.

What else have I forgotten?