How to Use Thinset for Tiles on the Wall
- 1). Find the ratio of water to dry mortar recommended by the thinset manufacturer. This will differ based on the type of thinset and latex content. Scale this ratio to the minimum amount you'll need to tile a small section. Thinset dries out quickly and will not hold the tiles to the wall if not fresh when applied.
- 2). Mix the dry mortar with 3/4 of the water recommended. Scrape down the sides of the bucket with a trowel to ensure it is thoroughly mixed. Add the rest of the water gradually until the thinset will drop off of the trowel, but not run off; it will need to be thick to hold the tiles on the wall.
- 3). Spread a small amount of thinset onto the area of the wall you are tiling. Spread only as much as you think you can apply tile to within 5 minutes. Use smaller trowel sizes for smaller tiles and large trowels for large tiles to ensure the proper thickness of mortar is achieved. Rake the wall with the trowel until the mortar is a uniform thickness before laying the tile.
- 4). Allow the thin-set to dry for 12 to 24 hours, or overnight, before applying grout to the tiles. Thinsets with latex added and those being used with glass tiles should dry for the full 24 hours before grouting can take place.
