getting glass tile and ceramic tile even (tiling, Home Depot, paint)

[superfly10]

posted this in the decorating forum... meant to post it here.

doing a small bathroom renovation. Using a white ceramic subway tile for the walls of shower and up 4 feet around the rest of the bathroom. Adding a glass mosaic (small glass subways) as an accent. The glass will be a 3" strip.

Issue is, the glass tiles are half the thickness of the ceramic tiles. Looking at ways to get them even. It's impractical to shim out the backerboard just for this strip. Don't think Ditra is meant for small tile.

Thinking of tiling up to the mark where the glass tile will go - applying a coat of thin set to the area the glass tile will go getting it as even and level as I can, to build it out a bit. Then, letting the thin set cure, sanding it to make it even as possible, then applying another layer of thin set and laying the glass tile.

Thoughts? This tile is colored glass, not painted in back, so I will see whatever is going on in back of it.

thanks!

[Omaha Rocks]

You should be okay building it up a little bit with Thinset, letting it dry, then using that as your base. I'll caution you, though, that it'll be a little tricky to get it flat, smooth and even.

I'd advise using a much finer-toothed trowel for the Thinset behind the little glass tiles. Less will get squeezed up between them.

I assume you're aware that you can get white Thinset, right? That'll make it easier to have a nice white with your tiles.


Good luck!

[superfly10]

thanks! yes, i got white thinset meant for glass tiles.

I as thinking of making a plastic tool to lay the first layer of thinset. Basically, something with a small lip on one side so I'll keep the height/depth of the thinset constant. then, sand a bit as I need.

[Omaha Rocks]

Originally Posted by superfly10

thanks! yes, i got white thinset meant for glass tiles.

I as thinking of making a plastic tool to lay the first layer of thinset. Basically, something with a small lip on one side so I'll keep the height/depth of the thinset constant. then, sand a bit as I need.

I think you're on the right track.

I've done quite a bit of tiling within the past couple years. Just finished the entire bathroom and kitchen for one of my son's house.

What's interesting is that, when I'm doing some kind of project myself, I notice that kind of project wherever I go. When I'm standing peeing at Home Depot, or some restaurant, I'm gawking at the tile work (instead of paying attention to what I'm doing!). It is surprising how many different "levels of workmanship" you see done by professionals. Some of the tile work is incredible, while some is just plain embarrassing.

That's my way of saying that you shouldn't be too hard on yourself if your tile job isn't 100% perfect and amazing. You're the only one who will see the tiny imperfections.


By the way, as a point of clarification, I'm in the BATHROOM any time I'm peeing at Home Depot or a restaurant!