WALL AND FLOOR TILES.
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ported at each end upon parallel strips either fixed to the walls, or otherwise secured on a level.
4. It is not advisable to lay tiling upon a floor of boards, as it yields so much as to loosen the tiles.
5. For affixing tiles to walls, it is best to remove the plastering, and replace it by a coating of cement mortar, upon which, after setting, the tiles are imbedded with cement. A space, one-quarter of an inch in depth, should be left for the purpose.
6. Placing the tiles. It is best to work from the centre of the space, and if th£ design is intricate, to lay out a portion of the pavement according to the plan,.upon a smooth floor near by, fitting the tiles together as they are to be laid. Lines being stretched over the foundation, at right angles, the fixing may proceed, both the tiles and the foundation being previously soaked in cold water, to prevent the too rapid drying of the cement, and to secure better adhesion. The border should be left until the last. Its position, and that of the tiles, are to be obtained from the drawing, or by measuring the tiles when laid loosely upon the floor. The cement for fixing should be mixed thin, in small quantities, and without sand. It is best to float the tiles to their places, so as to exclude air and fill all the space between them and the foundation.
For fixing tiles in grate-cheeks, sides and backs of fireplaces, etc., equal parts of &md, plaster of Paris and hair mortar may be used. These materials should be mixed with hot glue to the consistency of mortar. The tiles should be well soaked in warm water.
Tiles may be cut in the following manner: Draw a line with a pencil or sharp point where the break is desired ; then, placing the tile upon a form board, or imbedding it in sand on a flag-stone, tap it moderately with a sharp chisel and a hammer along the line, back and forth, or scratch it with a file. The tile may then be broken in the hand by a gentle blow at the back. The edges, if required, may be smoothed by grinding, or by rubbing with sand and water on a flat stone.
Cement should not be allowed to harden upon the surface of the tile if it can be prevented, as it is difficult to remove it after it has set. Stains of eement, or the thin coating which is almost unavoidable, upon the surface of the tiles after laying, ma} r be removed by a dilute solution of hydrochloric acid, to be obtained of any druggist, and then washing w r ith warm water.
Mosaic Pavements and Pictures.
The finest example of mosaic paving, at least upon a large scale, was to be seen in the vestibule of the Imperial Pavilion, laid down by Italian workmen.
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