Unleashing Your Inner Handyman: How to Repair Tile Around a Bathtub
Deep within us all exists an intrepid DIY'er, a fearless master of tiles and grout, ready to take on whatever home repair challenges come our way. There's nothing quite as satisfying as doing a job yourself, especially when it's as straightforward as repairing the tile around your bathtub!
Prepping the Battlefield: Get Ready to Square Off with your Tile
Now, before we dive in, you need to gather your trusty tools. Here’s what you'll need for this tile-slaying task:
- Hammer and chisel (For the old tiles that just refuse to go in peace)
- Notched trowel and grout float (Main stars of the tile relay)
- Tiles (Spares from the original installation are perfect, but if you don’t have them, a match from the local tile shop will do)
- Tile adhesive and grout (Your tile's forever friends)
- Sponge and bucket of water (For polishing your handiwork)
Dismantling the Old Guard: Removing Damaged Tiles
Carefully, using your hammer and chisel, begin chipping away at the damaged tiles. Start from the centre of the tile, working your way outwards. Extracting these stubborn tiles may seem like you're in a high-stakes game of Jenga, but with a bit of patience and some elbow grease, victory will be yours!
Remember, in this game, the goal is to mitigate damage to surrounding tiles, so take your time. Slow and steady gets the tile, after all!
Removing Tile Adhesive and Grout
Leftover adhesive and grout can crash the party even after the old tiles have been escorted off the premises. Again, employ your chisel and hammer to sweep away the remnants, ensuring the surface is as smooth as your designated tea spoon.
Step into the Limelight: Installing New Tiles
Now, this is where things truly get spiced up - it’s time to introduce the new tiles to their forever home. Slather up some tile adhesive on the back of the new tile using your notched trowel. Ensure the adhesive is evenly spread. Firmly press the tile into place, applying even pressure across the tile.
For an extra dash of style, maintain a steady 1/8” gap between tiles (most tile spacers are shaped to do just that!) Then let the tiles rest and let adhesive bond. A good overnight sleep should suffice!
Grouting: It’s more than Filling Gaps
Dawn on the second day of your DIY quest marks your final tiling challenge: grouting.
Mix your grout according to the instructions provided, and spread a generous portion over the tiles using your grout float. The trick is to sweep diagonally over the tiles so the grout fills every crevice.
Once the grout haze appears, carefully wash away with water using your sponge but, be gentle; you're cleaning, not scrubbing. Once you've left the grout to dry as per the provided instructions, your masterpiece should be complete!
Big Reveal: Sparkling New Tiles Around your Bathtub!
And just like that, you've unravelled the professional DIY'er within you! Look at the transformed tile around your bathtub, gleaming and free from damage. Isn’t it quite a sight?
Pair your victory dance with a documentation of your adventure: click a photo, shoot a video, and share your success with fellow DIY'ers online, showcasing not just your gleaming bathtub, but also your newfound skill.
Next On Your DIY Adventure...
With your sparkling new tiles in place alongside a healthy dose of DIY pride, what’s next? Maybe you'll tackle that leaky faucet? Or perhaps, you'll repaint the worn-out front door?
Whatever you decide, remember - You're more than capable. After all, DIY is not only about home improvement, it's about self-improvement. It's about whipping up a storm inside that bathtub and proving that there's no task too small or too large for your ambitious heart to conquer. So, keep that hammer swinging, DIY'er! Until our next home-improvement adventure!
Remember - You own the house, so own the repair. Happy DIY'ing!