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DIY tiling #02

Checklist:  Plan your shopping

The time spent planning and obtaining the right tools and equipment for your do-it-yourself tiling project is never wasted, and you will be rewarded with quicker, easier execution and a more professional finish. So do the groundwork properly. Study this brochure, consult your CTM sales staff if you have any queries and check that you’re fully prepared before you start.

Getting started

• At CTM we believe a great end result starts with good planning. So before you visit CTM to get everything you need for your tiling project, make sure you know what you will need in terms of tiles, tools and equipment.

• It is often advisable to replace fixtures such as a bath, basin or toilet while you’re tiling. Ask your CTM salesperson for advice and take any additional costs into account during your planning.

• Draw up a basic floor plan of the area to be tiled, indicating where the doors, windows and other fixtures are situated.

• Measure the length and width of the floor and walls and write these measurements down on your floor plan.

• If you are not tiling all the way to the ceiling, measure only up to the highest point to which you want to tile and show this measurement on your floor plan.

• To estimate your tile, adhesive and grout requirements, visit CTM’s website at www.ctm.co.za and click on “Tile Calculator”. This will give you a good idea of the quantities you need to purchase.

• Armed with this information, you’re ready to go shopping. Take your floor plan and this brochure along to your CTM store and tick off the items in the boxes, starting with the “You’ll need the right tools” checklist on the next page. Remember, your CTM salesperson is always at hand to answer any questions you may have.

Select your tiles

CTM stocks a vast selection of tiles, tools and materials for every DIY application. You can view some of the latest tile ranges on CTM’s website, but the best way to select your tiles is to visit your CTM store and ask for advice. Our staff will always be more than willing to show you around, answer any questions and provide any information you may need.

• Ask your CTM salesperson to help you work out the area you have to tile and the number of tiles you’ll need.

• Some tiles are better suited to certain areas than others, so make sure to tell the salesperson where in your home you intend tiling.

• Look at the displays in the store for ideas on how to combine colours and shapes. You may be inspired to tile other areas in your  home or to apply tiles in new and creative ways.

• It is best to order all the tiles you need in one go. The reason is that the tiles may vary slightly from batch to batch, and it may be difficult to find exactly the same shade and finish later.

• Your CTM salesperson will advise you to order 10% - 15% more tiles than your plan calls for. For one thing, if you haven’t cut tiles before, you’ll probably waste quite a few tiles before you become proficient.

• Use the space below to write down the name, shade and quantity of the tiles you order. These details can also be used to ensure that the right tiles are applied in the areas they’re intended for.

You’ll need the right tools

CTM stocks all the right tools for your tiling project, or you can hire the tools to save money. You will need the following:

General trowel: Used for applying mortar, plaster or adhesive

Grout squeegee: Used to apply and smooth out grout

Tile cutter-breaker: A compact tile cutter for scouring and breaking tiles

Wall trowel: A toothed trowel with 6mm notches that spreads the adhesive evenly on the walls

Floor trowel: A toothed trowel with 10mm notches for spreading adhesive on floors

Spacers: Ensure you get the right size for your tiles (see side of tile box for the correct size)

Tile cutter: For straight cuts; various types and sizes are available Tile files: To smooth off the sharp edges on cut tiles

Spirit levels: One smaller and one larger spirit level for areas of different sizes

Tile nippers: For nibbling away bits of tile to create various shapes

Rubber mallet: To tap the tiles firmly into the adhesive

Knee pads: Tiling a floor can take its toll on your knees…

Chalk line: Used for marking out straight and accurate tile reference lines

Scorer, sponge, pencil, tape measure: Essential tools for the job

Adhesives

Once you’ve selected your tiles, you’ll need the right adhesive to fix them to your walls or floors. Ask us if you are not sure which adhesive would be right for you.

Pro Grip Basecoat

The purpose of the basecoat is to prepare the surface so the adhesive will stick properly. A 5kg bag covers ±6m2.

___ x 5kg bags

Pro Grip Contractors

An all-purpose adhesive used for all cement-based surfaces or surfaces that have been pre-primed. All ceramic tiles (except porcelain, natural stone, Kilimanjaro and vitro-fired tiles), cement-based tiles and mosaics can be fixed with this adhesive.

Floor tiling (with 10mm notch trowel): 1 x 20kg bag covers ±3,5m2

___ x 20kg bags

Wall tiling (with 6mm notch trowel): 1 x 20kg bag covers ±5m2

 ___ x 20kg bags

Should only be used indoors.

Pro Grip Superior

Works the same way as Pro Grip Contractors adhesive, but is easier to work with, has more bonding strength and provides better coverage (this means it will go much further, saving you money).

Floor tiling (with 10mm notch trowel): 1 x 20kg bag covers ±4m2

___ x 20kg bags

Wall tiling (with 6mm notch trowel): 1 x 20kg bag covers ±6m2

___ x 20kg bags

Should only be used indoors.

Pro Grip Super Bond

An all-purpose adhesive used for all cement-based surfaces that have been pre-primed. It can also be used for all ceramic tiles (including porcelain), cement-based tiles, natural stone tiles, Kilimanjaro tiles, vitro-fired tiles and mosaics.

Because it already has bonding liquid mixed into it, Pro Grip Super Bond becomes virtually waterproof. This means it can be used in permanently wet areas, like around swimming pools or for shower floors.

Floor tiling (with 10mm notch trowel): 1 x 20kg bag covers ±4m2

___ x 20kg bags

Wall tiling (with 6mm notch trowel): 1 x 20kg bag covers ±6m2

___ x 20kg bags

Pro Grip White Super Bond

This is the same as Pro Grip Super Bond, except that it is white, so it may be used with products of a lighter colour where the adhesive will affect the colour of the laid tile, for example glass mosaics, light-coloured marble, etc.

Floor tiling (with 10mm notch trowel): 1 x 20kg bag covers ±4m2.

___ x 20kg bags

Wall tiling (with 6mm notch trowel): 1 x 20kg bag covers ±6m2.

___ x 20kg bags

Pro Grip Kilimanjaro

An all-purpose adhesive used for all cement-based surfaces that have been pre-primed. Should be used for all Kilimanjaro and vitrified tiles. Like Pro Grip Super Bond, it is pre-mixed with bonding liquid and ideal for permanently wet areas, swimming pool surrounds and shower floors.

Floor tiling (with 10mm notch trowel): 1 x 20kg bag covers ±4m2

___ x 20kg bags

Wall tiling (with 6mm notch trowel): 1 x 20kg bag covers ±6m2

___ x 20kg bags

Pro Grip Fast Set

An all-purpose adhesive with the same properties as Pro Grip Super Bond, except that it has a setting time of only 6 hours. Ideal for jobs that have to be completed in a hurry.

Floor tiling (with 10mm notch trowel): 1 x 20kg bag covers ±4m2

___ x 20kg bags

Wall tiling (with 6mm notch trowel): 1 x 20kg bag covers ±6m2

___ x 20kg bags#02

Pro Grip Mosaic Adhesive

A white tile adhesive specifically made for use with glass, ceramic and clay mosaics, but it can also be used for light-coloured stone tiles and marble. Can be used on all cement-based and pre-primed surfaces, including wet areas like shower floors. Can also be used as an adhesive plus grout.

Floor tiling (with 10mm notch trowel): 1 x 5kg bag covers ±1m2

___ x 5kg bags

Wall tiling (with 6mm notch trowel): 1 x 5kg bag covers ±2m2

___ x 5kg bags

Also available in a pre-mixed tub.

___ x tubs

Key it

An acrylic latex cement additive as well as a surface preparation for various applications such as tiling onto wooden surfaces, previously painted or gypsum plastered or bitumen adhesive, etc.

___ x 1 litre      ___ x 5 litres      ___ x 20 litres

Pro Grip Liquid Bonding

An acrylic latex cement additive that can be used with all Pro Grip adhesives and non-waterproof grouts. It makes the adhesive stronger and more water resistant. Pro Grip Liquid Bonding replaces the water in all adhesives it is added to. For example, if you normally add 5 litres of water to a 20kg bag of Pro Grip Contractors Adhesive, you will now add 5 litres of Pro Grip Liquid Bonding instead of the water.

___ x 1 litre      ___ x 5 litres

Pro Grip Pre Mix Flexible

A more elastic pre-mixed adhesive that can be used on any flexible surface such as wood, metal, gypsum board, etc. Not recommended for use in wet areas.

Floor tiling (with 10mm notch trowel): 1 x 1kg tub covers ±0,5m2

___ x 5kg tubs

Wall tiling (with 6mm notch trowel): 1 x 1kg tub covers ±0,6m2

___ x 5kg tubs

Pro Grip Tile Grout

Available in many different colours, for example dove grey, white and ivory. To improve water resistance, flexibility and stain resistance, you can add Pro Grip Bonding Liquid to this grout.

Approximately 1 x 5kg for every 8m2

___ x 5kg bags      ___ x 20kg bags

Pro Grip Waterproof Tile Grout

By using Waterproof Tile Grout, you no longer have to add bonding liquid to make the grout waterproof. It also maintains its original colour much longer than normal grout.

Approximately 1 x 5kg for every 8m2

___ x 20kg bags

Chemicals

CTM even supplies you with the cleaning materials you need once the job is done. Yes, we are there for you every step of the way!

Grout & Adhesive Remover

Used to clean the surface of the tiles after grouting.

___ x 1 litre      ___ x 5 litres

Pro Clean

Used after Grout & Adhesive Remover on unglazed porous tiles before sealing.

___ x 1 litre      ___ x 5 litres

Porcelain & Ceramic Tile Cleaner

Unlike Pro Clean, Porcelain & Ceramic Tile Cleaner can be used on a regular basis to clean tiles.

___ x 1 litre      ___ x 5 litres

Mould Buster

Used in places like bathrooms, kitchens, on patio furniture, etc. to kill mould. Do not use on chromed surfaces.

___ x 750ml

Sealants

We know you want to protect your tiles so they can look good forever. CTM has the right sealant for your tiles.

Deep Seal

Used to seal unglazed, porous tiles. Once sealed with Deep Seal, tiles will look slightly darker and keep their matt look. For tiles with a low to medium porosity.

___ x 1 litre      ___ x 5 litres

HP Sealer

Has extra stain resistance and is slightly thicker than Deep Seal to make it more effective on tiles with a medium to high porosity. As with Deep Seal, tiles will also appear slightly darker and keep their matte look.

___ x 1 litre      ___ x 5 litres

Grout Seal

Can be applied to porous grout that has not been waterproofed, even once the tiles are laid.

___ x 1 litre x 5 litres

Porcelain Tile Sealer

Best for porcelain tiles. Penetrates deeply and does not change the colour of the tiles.

___ x 1 litre      ___ x 5 litres

Shower Sealer

Use Shower Sealer to prevent damp from developing in showers.

___ x 750ml

Surface Sealer

Used to seal porous tiles when you would like a glossier look.

x 1 litre      ___ x 5 litres

Polishes

Sparkle Pro Shine

This polish is not wax based and therefore does not build up. It is

ideal for tiling where a high-gloss finish is required.

___ x 1 litre      ___ x 5 litres

Strippers

Bitumen Stripper

Used to remove bitumen and glue. Can also be used where carpet

tiles or vinyl floor coverings have been removed.

___ x 1 litre      ___ x 5 litres

Polish Stripper

Used to remove old built-up wax or polish that looks unattractive or

has become slippery.

___ x 1 litre

Sealer Stripper

A very strong stripper that can remove just about anything from a

floor, including paint, linseed oil and most types of sealants.

___ x 1 litre      ___ x 5 litres

TFC Purge

A mildly abrasive liquid paste to purge dirt and spots from polished

porcelain floors and other hard, colour-fast surfaces. May also be used

to remove the tough wax coatings applied to some polished porcelain

during manufacture.

___ x litres

CTM AT YOUR SERVICE

Remember, when in doubt, ask the CTM sales staff.

Good luck, and enjoy your tiling!