How to Replace a Duraceramic Tile

Removing the Old Tile

• 1

  Put on safety glasses, a dust mask and work gloves. If the tile you are removing is a floor tile, wear knee pads.

• 2

  Remove the grout around the tile using a grout removal tool. Work slowly and carefully to prevent damage to neighboring tiles.

• 3

  Place the blade of a tile removal chisel firmly against one edge of the tile, as close to the floor as you can get. Tap the handle of the chisel lightly with a rubber mallet. Repeat this along as many edges necessary to loosen the tile from the floor.

• 4

  Shore down the old adhesive to the floor level using the chisel or a power scraper. Remove the dust and debris with a hand broom or shop vacuum.

Placing the New Tile

• 5

  Remove your work gloves and put on rubber gloves. Apply DuraSet adhesive to the tile and to the floor where the old tile once sat, using a trowel. Allow the adhesive to set for the time specified on the container.

• 6

  Hold the new tile over the space and gently set it down onto the adhesive. Position it in place, with equal space around all the edges between the new tile and the existing tile. Press it down firmly once you’ve got it into the correct position.

• 7

  Fill a bucket with water and set it aside. Open the container of premixed grout. Dip the grout float into the container to scoop the grout up on one end of the float. Spread this over the tile seams. Add more grout if necessary to fill the seams.

• 8

  Remove excess grout by scraping the edge of the float over the tile at a slight angle. Dip a white scrubbing pad in the bucket of water. Wipe this over the tile surface to loosen remaining excess grout. Follow with a wet, firm sponge.

• 9

  Rinse the sponge out and go over the tile again to remove remaining grout residue from the surface of the tile. Dry the tile with clean rags. Allow the tile to remain undisturbed for 24 hours. If it is floor tile, avoid walking on it during this time.