How to Tile Arches on Windows & Doors
Adding tiles to the archways of windows or doors can add a crisp clean look to any space. It is an environmentally friendly and sustainable method of interior decoration. Using glass tiles on the archways of windows and doors inside a home is an excellent way to pull in natural light. The light will shine onto the tiles and reflect into the interior of the home. With the proper tools, installing tiles in an archway is easy.
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Remove paint or wallpaper from archway. Fill any holes with putty. Smooth the entire surface using sandpaper.
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Clean the surface of the archway using household detergent. Allow to dry thoroughly.
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Apply painter's tape around the archway edges to prevent excess mortar from damaging other surfaces.
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Spread grout with a notched trowel onto the archway. Begin at the bottom of the arch and place tiles firmly into the grout. Place one spacer between each tile to make room for additional grout.
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Level each row of tiles after pressing them into the grout. Make necessary cuts to tiles to ensure proper fit. Shape accordingly.
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Use bendable shim strips to hold inverted tiles in place until they adhere to the grout. Remove strips after grout dries.
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Use your finger to add grout in between tiles. Remove excess with a damp cloth or sponge. Allow grout to dry.
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Clean tiles with household detergent and clean cloth. Use a glass cleaner to add shine.
References
Resources
Tips
- Shaping tiles can require some additional skill. Consult a professional on the proper techniques for shaping.
Warnings
- Always wear safety glasses when cutting and shaping tiles.
Writer Bio
Residing in Morgantown, W.Va., Heather Preston began writing professionally in 2010. Her work has been published on Web sites such as eHow and Travels.com. She holds a Bachelor of Science in design and advertising from West Virginia University and is currently attending Fairmont State University as a graduate student in the Master of Business Administration program.
Photo Credits
- reflection of flash of light in glass tiles image by Foto_AR from Fotolia.com
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