TLS setting techniques

[TwoStar]

I just bought the TLS. I am wondering if there is a better technique than others for setting the tiles. Do I backbutter, stick em on, then set the tile? Do I trowel on the floor, stand the straps up, then set the tile?

I had a little trouble getting coverage on my first job using a 3/8x1/4 trowel. If I backbuttered I didn't get enough on the floor, and vice versa. Just curious if there is a step that is REALLY important that I am not aware of.

[cx]

Sean, there is a very long thread in the Professionals' Hangout about the Tuscan Leveling System.

It'll take some scrolling past alla nonsense posts, but there's a world of real-life information in there.

You can also type words like tuscan into the Advanced Search feature, ask for Titles, and find dozens more discussions about the product and its use.

[Tiletim]

here ya go: TLS vid.

[TwoStar]

I have watched many videos and read many posts on this product. I am really just wondering if there is something that I don't know. I see how it works. I think it works well. In some posts it says to backbutter, the video is troweling on the floor. I did both, tucked the straps in after setting(not hard) the tile and then leaned on it. It still lifted the tile off the mud. I had to tear three of them up. I can chalk it up to the learning curve, but I want to learn. That's why I am wondering if there is something that I don't know. Should I be using a bigger notched trowel? The floor was leveled flat beneath.

[Houston Remodeler]

Sean,

The problems you are having sound more like regular tile setting problems and not much to do with TLS. Back buttering is the best way to set all tiles, but not essential when setting most tiles, while using TLS or not.

Can you be more specific with your problems? Pics?

[Tiletim]

pay closer attention to the vid,

Mick & Ernie are back buttering the tile, keying and combing the floor with a 1/2" trowel.

how big is your tile?

it took me about 10 sq/ft to get the technique that I was comfortable with.

[TwoStar]

The tiles were 12x12s. I know, I know...too small for TLS. The tiles are not beveled at all, so I figured it was a great first job to practice on and see how it works. I usually use a 1/4x3/8 trowel on this size tile. The trowel was new. It just seemed like maybe I should have used something bigger because the TLS strap-base's thickness was holding the tile up. Of course, you are talking to a newbie with the TLS so maybe a couple more bathrooms and experimenting and investigating will be in order.

[muskymike]

Hi Sean, you should use 1/2" notch trowel then stick your straps in lightly tapping the tile and backbuttering.

[TwoStar]

Does that go for smaller tiles, too? Is that just the way the TLS works?

[ceramictec]

yes. the straps need to slide under the tile so the 1/2" trowel
and back-buttering gives you to correct bed.

[Houston Remodeler]

12x12's are not too small for TLS

[TwoStar]

I know they are not too small...just per sq ft they are more expensive. That's all.


Thanks for the advice guys.

[ceramictec]

some clamp just the 4 corners of the tile if you want to use less and still get the advantage of the TLS

[TwoStar]

What about the corner breakage? Is this only on certain tiles? Sizes?

[Houston Remodeler]

I don't like the idea of using one strap & cap on the corner of 4 tiles. My thinking is you'll run the risk of having a gap under the base of the strap when you tighten the strap.

Just sayin....