I was told to return an all purpose 3 gal tub of mastic that lowes guy recommended for inside alcove shower/tub ceiling 3x5 area.. Should I use unmodified thinset mortar ?.. I am using 6x6 porcelain tile on 3/8 hardibacker screwed to the ceiling and 9" surround at the top of an acrylic wall/ tub surround.. Is the unmodified thinset preferred for tiling on cement (hardibacker) or use modified thinset on the hardibacker board..? i'm going to get white or which ever shade closest to color of tile (almond in my case) .. another project I have is on the 1st floor bathroom,the subfloor is 5/8 plywood should i use modified thinset for setting the hardibacker 1/2 to plywood 5/8 subfloor followed by the manufactures screw instructions/fiber tape slightly spaced seemed to floor joists? And lastly,go back to unmodified thinset (almond) for setting the 12x12 floor tiles to the cement hardibacker? or just use modified thinset mortar throughout? thank you in advance

jon123

Okay, you got to see this guys tips Ceramic Wall Tile Tips particulary about which wall to start first, I'm inclined to think the backwall first than the two smaller sides and ceiling last.. And using 100 % clear silicon around the inside corners and shower flange. Keeping the tiles a 1/16 th along all inside corners and flange.. still haven't decided yet as spacer size but she wants it at least 3/16 or 1/4 will keep looking for something for bathtub alcove ceilings. One other thing, this guy likes to use 100% silicon caulk on all the cement board inside corners/seams..i would like using glass tape on the seams too prior thinsetting. Yes, I see it better waterproofing doing walls first ceiling last... no top grout line to fail..wall tile goes 1/16 to hardibacker ceiling and gets a bead of silicon before the ceiling shorts (cut to finish) are butted a 1/16th against the walls! Of coarse I will work my full tile from the bullnose to the back wall. I think I'm getting there, and with you here to help me and you probably will! lol

jon123

Okay, but was wondering about the insider corners "side walls meeting the back and likewise with the ceiling meeting the walls , wouldn't be better to keep it thin like a 1/16 rather spaced the same ? Or are you saying it will look unprofessional?The reason I ask is because isn't a 1/4 bead of silicon going to stick out against the sandgrout? I'll do as you say if you say keep it the same!

ballengerb1

Most of those disasters happened because people do not always follow the directions. I have used TrafficMaster several times with no issue but I stay on the project and don't let things harden too much before cleaning the grout. I big sponge and bucket of warm water and I my first wipe after about 10-15 minutes of setting the grout. Second wipe about 15 more minutes and I keep repeating the process until the tile looks clean and I can't hear any abrasive in the sponge. I usually wash down with white vinegar after about 4 hours and the guy who suggested cheese cloth is starting me thinking of another new approach, I may try his lemon oil next week. When finishing 1/4" grout lines remember that God gave you 8 free grout tools, 10 if you can use you thumbs. A wet finger running back and forth in a grout line can really give it a finished look like no other tool. I almost forgot about the inside corner question. You can go smaller than 1/4 if you want but i try to keep all grout lines the same size. I use those same 8 tools for silicon caulk in the corners.

massplumber2008

Also note Jon..that mildew resistant silicone/caulking come in different colors nowadays...look on line...For example, Kohler has a designer series of bathroom caulks to match their tub colors...Also, some of the grout manufacturers also make matching caulk colors....should be able to find one that closely approximates your grout color. Just wanted to mention is all.

Attached Images

 

ballengerb1

Now you got my thinking MASS. Didn't know Kolher had this so I'm going to search a few porcelain tile and grout companies. I do lots of shower and I'd like to get that perfect match. The stuff I've been using gives you clear, white and almond, period.

massplumber2008

Yeah...I stumbled onto this stuff about a year ago....I'll tell you, no more cracked grout or separated grout lines between tile and tub for me anymore....just this clean bead of color matched silicone. Have good day.

jon123

Yes mass/ballenger, did some research here last friday LATICRETE® International > Homeowners > Products > Stain Resistance Grouts/Epoxy Grouts picked up the matching sand grout color caulk too for tile corners/stall flange. plumber suppose to get started with waiste lines and possibly set tub tomorrow too. Really want the tub to wait until hardibacker is cemented/screwed level to subfloor before setting in the tub. Last night did the ceiling first took me awhile longer than I actually thought it would. 4 tile out for the tile cutter tomorrow to finiish round receased highhat..will do the 3 small walls tomorrow starting with the back and i'll wait a few days before using this expensive sealant grout. They certainly don't want to give you much for your money! lol sheesh 20 bucks + the c for 4 dollars more this groutplus better be worth it in the long run! I did mix the thinset gold in a small rectagular tub and used a small square trowel with the stardard 1/4 knotch. My first batch was to creamy and after 5 tile knew it was time for a dryer mix.. still took another mix to finally get that imperative consistency for ceiling work! lol it came out straight and looks very professional.. I even used a cedar shake to help clean out/even helped straighten grout lines, and was sure to sponge clean each finished row as i went .. and kepted the sponge water clean so the tiles did dry nice and clean. The caulk will be used last, after all trim/bullnose work is complete. I was sure to leave a grout line space on the outside dropceiling where the trim or bullnose will set flush with the ceiling!

jon123

mass, it is nice to know kohler has a match color for their tubs but, I most likely be using the same company products. This sanded grout color silicon based caulk is specified for their texture and grout colors. thank you too

jon123

I was wondering about the glow on the dark spectra plus and dazzle after waching their video ! might be good for home resale! lol

jon123

I have a question about another project, the bathroom upstairs i used the modified thinset for the ceiling and it was on hardibacker as was specified by manufacture for the 6x6 tile i mentioned.. the downstairs ceiling tub 3x5 is this new GP densarmorplus sheetrock, which is mold resistant waterproof fiber glass coated paper gypsum board.. should i be better off with a acrylpro plus mastic for the same tile ? The walls will be thinset to hardibacker, but wondering if this mastic will prove efficient as described by nmanufacture?