How to Lay Stargazy Teal Wall Tiles in a Bathroom

Quick answer

To lay Stargazy Teal wall tiles in a bathroom, start with a clean, flat surface, apply a flexible adhesive, and use tile spacers for even gaps. Grout after 24 hours, then seal the tiles to protect the hand-screened finish.

Step-by-step installation guide

1. Prepare the wall surface: Ensure the wall is clean, dry, and flat. Fill any holes or cracks and sand smooth. If the wall is painted, score the surface with a utility knife to help the adhesive bond. Apply a primer if recommended for your substrate. A common mistake is skipping the primer on painted walls, which can cause tiles to peel off later.
2. Plan your layout: Measure the wall and mark a vertical center line. Dry-lay a row of tiles on the floor to check the pattern and spacing. Use a level to draw a horizontal reference line at the height of the second row of tiles, so the first row sits on a straight line. Don't start from the bottom edge—the floor may be uneven. Start one row up and cut bottom tiles to fit.
3. Apply adhesive: Use a flexible tile adhesive suitable for bathrooms (waterproof). Mix according to the manufacturer's instructions. Apply adhesive to a small section of the wall (about 1 square meter) using a notched trowel held at a 45-degree angle to create even ridges. Applying too much adhesive at once can cause it to skin over before you place the tiles, reducing bond strength.
4. Place the tiles: Press each tile firmly into the adhesive, twisting slightly to ensure a good bond. Insert tile spacers between each tile to maintain consistent gaps. Check regularly with a level to keep rows straight. For Stargazy Teal, handle each tile gently to avoid chipping the hand-screened surface. A common mistake is not checking level after every few tiles—small errors add up quickly.
5. Cut tiles as needed: Measure and mark tiles that need cutting to fit edges, corners, or outlets. Use a manual tile cutter for straight cuts on these 13 cm tiles. For curved cuts (e.g., around pipes), use a tile nipper or an angle grinder with a diamond blade. Wear safety goggles and a dust mask. Cutting hand-screened tiles can chip the surface; practice on a scrap tile first.
6. Grout the tiles: Wait at least 24 hours for the adhesive to cure. Remove tile spacers. Mix grout according to the package directions and apply with a rubber float, pressing it into the gaps at a 45-degree angle. Wipe off excess grout with a damp sponge before it hardens. Don't wait too long to wipe—dried grout is difficult to remove and can leave a haze on the tile surface.
7. Seal the tiles: After the grout has cured (usually 48 hours), apply a penetrating sealer to protect the hand-screened finish from moisture and stains. Use a clean cloth or sponge to apply the sealer evenly, following the product's instructions. Buff off any excess. Skipping the sealer on hand-screened tiles can lead to water damage and fading over time.

Product facts

• Stargazy Teal: Stargazy Teal tiles are 13 x 13 cm, hand-screened in Cornwall, and available on a choice of three base tiles. The hand-screening means each tile has a unique texture; always order a sample to check the pattern and color before buying in bulk.