Tile Mural Installation

Tile Murals: How we deliver:

We arrange secure courier delivery of your tile mural, carefully packed and delivered in protective boxes. Each tile is clearly pre-numbered, and a detailed visual layout guide is included to ensure accurate and straightforward installation.

How to Install a Tile Mural on an Unpainted Wall

We recommend that you find a professional tiler to install your beautiful tile mural.

Tools & Materials Needed

  • Tile mural (pre-numbered or mapped – this will be included with the delivery)

  • Cement-based tile adhesive

  • Notched tile trowel (8–10 mm)

  • Spirit level or laser level

  • Measuring tape & pencil

  • Tile spacers (2–3 mm recommended)

  • Tile cutter or angle grinder

  • Rubber mallet

  • Sponge & clean water

  • Grout (colour to suit artwork)

  • Grout float

  • Microfibre cloth

  • Tile Primer.

Step 1: Inspect & Prepare the Wall

  • Wall must be structurally sound, clean, and dry

  • Remove dust, loose sand, cement residue, or grease

  • Check for cracks or uneven areas and repair if needed

  • Surface should be flat within 3–4 mm over 2 m

👉 Apply a tile primer or bonding agent and allow to dry.

Step 2: Dry Layout the Mural

  • Lay the mural tiles on the floor first

  • Confirm:

    • Tile order

    • Orientation

    • Final mural dimensions

  • Identify the center line or baseline of the mural

  • Mark reference lines on the wall using a level

This step prevents alignment errors once adhesive is applied.

Step 3: Mix Tile Adhesive

  • Use a high-quality cement-based tile adhesive

  • Mix according to manufacturer instructions

  • Consistency should be creamy but firm (not runny)

  • Let adhesive slake (rest) for 5–10 minutes, then remix

Step 4: Apply Adhesive to the Wall

  • Use the notched trowel to spread adhesive evenly

  • Cover only 1–2 m² at a time

  • Comb adhesive in one direction for better adhesion

For large or heavy tiles, butter the back of each tile as well.

Step 5: Install the Tile Mural

  • Start from the bottom reference line

  • Place tiles firmly into adhesive

  • Use tile spacers for consistent grout lines

  • Press and lightly tap tiles with a rubber mallet

  • Check alignment frequently with a level

Work row by row, following the mural layout map.

Step 6: Cutting Edge Tiles

  • Cut tiles carefully where mural meets edges

  • Use a wet tile cutter or angle grinder with diamond blade

  • Dry-fit cut tiles before fixing

Step 7: Allow Adhesive to Cure

  • Leave tiles untouched for 24–48 hours

  • Do not grout before adhesive is fully set

  • Avoid moisture, vibration, or temperature extremes

Step 8: Grouting the Mural

  • Choose grout colour that complements the artwork
    (neutral colours usually work best)

  • Apply grout diagonally using a grout float

  • Push grout fully into joints

  • Remove excess grout with damp sponge

  • Final polish with a dry microfibre cloth

Step 9: Final Inspection & Sealing (Optional)

  • Check for hollow sounds (re-adhere if necessary)

  • Clean any haze

  • For kitchens, bathrooms, or indoor murals:

    • Apply a tile & grout sealer after 7 days

Installation Tips for Best Results

✔ Use laser level for large murals
✔ Neutral grout keeps focus on the artwork
✔ Photograph tile layout before installation
✔ Always follow adhesive manufacturer specs

Critical Additional Step for Pre-Painted Walls

If the wall on which the mural must get installed is already painted, then these additional steps are required:

How to Chip a Painted Wall (Hammer & Chisel Method)

When to Use This Method

  • Wall is already painted

  • Old paint layers are thick

  • Heavy tile mural or large-format tiles

  • Commercial or hotel installation where failure is not acceptable

Tools & Safety Gear

Tools

  • Masonry chisel (20–25 mm wide, flat edge)

  • Small hammer (brick or claw hammer)

  • Stiff brush or vacuum

Safety

  • Safety glasses (important)

  • Dust mask

  • Gloves

Step 1: Mark the Mural Area

  • Mark the exact mural footprint on the wall, but stop the chipping a few centimeters within the measured area.

  • Only chip where tiles slightly inside the area where tiles will be installed.

  • Keep edges neat and square

Step 2: Correct Chisel Position (Very Important)

  • Hold the chisel at a 30–45° angle

  • Flat edge facing the wall

  • Do not hold it straight on (90°)

👉 You are breaking the paint bond, not demolishing the wall.

Step 3: Start Light Chipping

  • Use controlled, light taps

  • Aim to:

    • Crack paint

    • Expose rough plaster

    • Create shallow pits (2–5 mm deep)

✔ Do NOT gouge deeply
✔ Do NOT remove large chunks of plaster

Step 4: Work Evenly Across the Surface

  • Chip in a random, scattered pattern

  • Space impact points ±30–40 mm apart

  • Avoid creating straight lines or grooves

Correct result:

  • Matt, rough texture

  • Paint broken and flaking

  • Plaster exposed in places

Step 5: Check the Surface

Run your hand lightly over the wall:

  • It should feel rough and uneven

  • No glossy paint should remain

  • Loose paint must be removed

If paint flakes lift easily → chip more in that area.

Step 6: Clean Thoroughly

  • Brush or vacuum all dust and loose paint

  • Wipe with a damp cloth

  • Allow wall to dry completely

Step 7: Apply Tile Bonding Primer (Essential)

  • Use a tile primer. 

  • Apply evenly with roller or brush

  • Let dry fully as per manufacturer instructions

This step locks down remaining paint edges and ensures adhesion.

You are now ready to do the tile installation- refer back to the 
section on unpainted walls at the top of the page.