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I'm now going to show you how quick and easy it is to waterproof a shower area before tiling
using a handy kit called Ardex WPC. There's a common misconception that you don't have
to waterproof if you're tiling, but you really do need to waterproof backgrounds like plaster
and plasterboard, as they are not water resistant. Tile adhesives and most grouts are water resistant,
and won't stop water from getting through to the background. This can lead to costly
damage when the background hasn't had a layer of waterproofing applied.
Ardex WPC comes in a handy kit which contains everything you'll need for the job; a simple
step-by-step instructions guide, 20 metres of self adhesive mesh tape for strengthening
any corner sections, and 5kg of the WPC liquid and powder.
First apply the mesh tape into any corners or board joints. The tape can be cut to length,
and should be pressed formly into the edges. The tape is self adhesive, so it's easily
held into place and bonds well to both horizontal and vertical surfaces. The next step is to
waterproof the area with Ardex WPC coating. For filling corner joints and sealing any
holes or gaps around pipes, you'll need to mix a slightly thicker mixture. See the pack
instructions for this. Apply the thicker mixture with a spatula to fill all joints and corners
around the tray. Add the Ardex WPC powder to the liquid and
mix to a paintable consistency. For shower or wetroom walls and floors, it's easiest
to apply the coating with a roller. Much like painting. Then touch up any areas around pipes
with a paintbrush. The coating dries to a darker colour, providing a visual aid as to
when you need to apply the second coat; approximately thirty minutes after the first. Ardex WPC
dries to a textured surface which is ideal for tiling onto. Tiles can be fixed onto the
second coat of Ardex WPC after about sixty minutes.
The Ardex WPC has now created a waterproof background to tile onto. After just ninety
minutes, you are ready to start tiling with the confidence that you're not going to suffer
from any water damage in the future. Scoop up a small amount of Ardex D30 Wall
Tile Adhesive and apply it to your wall using a 6mm Notched Trowel. Press and twist the
wall tiles into the D30 adhesive; starting at the moment, and working upwards. One row
of whole tiles at a time, using Spacers to ensure uniform joints. Once the adhesive has
hardened, the tiles can be grouted, using Ardex EG8.
Before you do the job, carefully check that your tile joints are clear of any excess adhesive,
and that you've removed any tile spacers. Ardex EG8 Tile Grout is resistant to most
household chemicals and it's durable and easy to clean. EG8 has all the properties of a
traditional apoxy grout, but it's really easy to mix and apply; much like a cement based
grout. Empty the hardener liquid component into the container of powder. Mix together
and transfer some of the mix back into the container to check all the hardener has dispersed.
Use a Mixing Paddle and drill to mix the grout to a smooth mortar. Leave for about one minute
and mix again for a further thirty seconds. Mix to a good creamy consistency.
Customers tend to love this grout because it's dirt resistant and easy to clean. Using
a Grout Float, apply the grout into the tile joints, working in diagonal sweeping movements;
one way, then the other, to push out any small pockets of air. Wait for the grout to partially
set, and damp down the tile surface to soften residues before washing them off with an Ardex
Professional Tiling Sponge and clean water. To finish the job, we're using Ardex ST Silicone
Sealant. Simply cut the nozzle, load the gun, and apply to internal shower joints and around
the shower tray perimetre. Ardex ST is available in six colours that closely match the most
popular Ardex-Flex Grouts, and can also be used with moisture-sensitive natural stone
tiles. All the products shown in this video and more
are available right here at wallsandfloors.co.uk