How do you install ceramic tiles on wall?

If you are re-grouting tile, all the old grout must be out, and the area free of dirt and grime. Before you begin you need to make sure of the following. * What is your grout spacing? If it is less than 1/8" you must use non sanded grout. 1/8" or large must use sanded grout. This is something to not be guessed at. Older style 4 1/4" x 4 1/4" usually need non sanded, but today grout spaces on the wall have become larger. If you use the wrong grout, you will be reducing this in short order. * You have no loose tile. Grouting over them will not bond them better to the wall. By leaving them, your grout lines will crack and allow water to make its way back behind the wall. * You have all of your supplies on hand and ready You will need the following supplies * Grout, enough to complete the entire job. * 2 tile sponges * 3 buckets at least 2 1/2 gallons * Good quality grout float - this is a rubber rectangle with a wood handle, used to spread the grout. * Matching silicone caulk * A clean lint free towel or rag * Sealer (not used the day of install!!) When looking for grout, make sure it is latex fortified. Epoxy grouts are great too, but are often hard for a do-it-yourselfer to work with. Grout comes in much larger bags then most people could work within the window it needs to be applied once mixed. Just like a cake recipe you need to measure carefully. Break the bag into four parts along with the mixing instructions. It is best to not "eyeball it" if you want a consistent color. Adding to much or to little water can leave the color off from the other mixed batches. The final mixture it should be about mashed potatoes consistency. Make sure all the thin set is off the face of the tile. Work in a 4'x4' area to start. Using your grout float start at the top of the wall. You want to go diagonal to the grout spacing. This will prevent your float from hitting the joints and marring the lines. Don't allow the grout to sit on the face of the tile longer then 20 minutes before you start wiping. Fill both of the remaining buckets with clean water. Have separate sponges for each bucket. The first water bucket will be for the first few wipes and the second for the remaining final clean up. Using your first sponge start at the top and wipe straight down without stopping. At the bottom of your grouted tile, move your sponge over flip it over and wipe up. Rinse sponge. Continue until your 4 foot area is wiped completely. With the second sponge and repeat the same process. This prevents you from spreading the grout all over the tile and actually takes off more. You want to continue this process until the tile is completely clean. You can at the end use a clean rag careful not to touch the wet grout. The tile is not clean enough if you can still see a film on the tile. This will dry on the face of the tile and leave it looking cloudy and dull. Once all the tile are completely grouted, take your silicone caulk and caulk all the inside corners and where the tile meets the floor, tub, or counter. The grout will need to dry for at least 3 days. Twice a day spray the grout with a water bottle. This helps the grout to dry evenly On the 4th day you can take your sealer. Follow the instructions on your product because sealers are applied differently. Most need to be applied 2 or 3 times. Allow this to dry over night and your job is complete. The best cleaner for ceramic and porcelain tile is vinegar and water. A half and half mixture will clean the toughest stains. Never use it on natural stone.