5. Other technique : adding cut tiles & edging technique

Adding cut tiles

Adding cut tiles is important when tiling a whole wall where cut tiles are likely to be needed at the corners at each end of the wall and at the skirting board and ceiling. If the tiling is to extend on to an adjacent wall, the horizontal rows must align, so extra care is needed when setting out.
At an internal corner, tile up to the angle completely on one wall so that its tiles overlap the edges og the tiles on the first walls. You can do the same thing at an external corner, using glazed-edge tiles on one wall to conceal the edges of the tiles on the other, provided the angle is truly vertical. If it is not, bed corner strip in the adhesive, set it vertical, then tile up to it.
Measure, mark and cut the sections of the tile needed to complete each row of tiling. Spread a little adhesive over their backs and press them into place. Then when tiling adjacent walls, place all the cut pieces on the first wall. Repeat on the second, overlapping the original cut pieces. If cut tiles are only needed on one wall, make sure they are overlapped by the whole tiles on the adjacent wall. When tiling external corners, set out the tiles so that, if possible, whole tiles meet on the corner. Overlap the tiles or to fit plastic corner trim.

Grouting

When all the tiles are in place, including any cut tiles that are required, it is time to tackle the final stage of the job -- filling in the joint lines between the tiles with grout. You should leave adhesive to dry for at least 24 hours before grouting. Ready-mixed grout is a little more expensive than powdered, but more convenient to use. You need a flexible spreader (usually supplied with the grout), to force the grout into the gaps, a damp sponge or cloth to remove excess grout from the faces of the tiles, and a short length of wooden dowel or a proprietary grout shaper to smooth teh grout lines. A clean, dry cloth will be needed to polish the tiles aterwards.
Apply the grout to the tile joints by drawing the loaded spreader across them at right angles to the joint lines. Scrape off excess grout and reuse it. Then use a damp sponge or cloth to wipe the surface of the tiles before the grout dries out. Rinse it, clean water from time to time. Then use a short length of wooden dowel or a similar tool to smooth the grout lines to a gentle concave crosssection. Allow the grout to harden completely, then polish the tiles with a dry cloth to remove any remaining bloom.

Alternative Edging Techniques

The edging techniques basically to finish tiling which make it possible to finish off an area of tiling or an external corner with a glazed edge exposed, it can be edged with wooden mouldings or plastic trim strips.
Wooden mouldings cab be bedded into the tile adhesive on walls, to edge worktops they can be pinned (tacked) or screwed to the worktop edge.
Plastic edge and corner mouldings have a perforated flange that is bedded in the tile adhesive before the tiles are placed. These mouldings come in a range of pastel and bright primary colours to complement or contrast with the tiling. Take care when fitting them to make sure they are vertical, checking with spirit level, otherwise they will cause problems when you come to add the tiles. Remember to allow a grouting gap between the mouldings and the tiles.
Other method is to use proprietary border tiles. These are special narrow tiles that come in a variety of widths, normally coinciding with standard tile widths, and usually have a glazed edge that can be exposed. Border tiles offer a wide range of patterns to choose from, and some even have moulded relief patterns for added interest. They can be used horizontally or vertically.