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Darkroom Floor--Laying Tile, any tips?

Sorry if I hijacked this thread, but I too am thinking if using the same flooring the OP going to use. However since I have no basement I am converting and unused bedroom into a darkroom. Currently it has carpet which I plan to remove. I had planned to use a leveling compound over the sub floor which is wood and smooth the floor out somewhat and provide a better surface for the tile to adhere to. I am probably going about this the wrong way so any thoughts would be appreciated.
 
After you take up the rug your best bet is to smooth the floor a bit and then put down new plywood underlayment nailed down very well and smoothed with leveling compound as needed. Then cover with closedcell sheeting, thinset, tile, grout, sealer--especially over the grout. At least that's what I've seen installers do. Even if you buy sealed tiles you can seal 'em when you seal the grout.
 
Looks like I'm going to do this in 3 segments. The first segment is almost complete (pictures to follow) and I have the 100lb roller in the back of the car. I'll roll that tonight and work on the rest of it over the weekend.
 
I got it rolled out and did a gray caulk line across the edges (I don't like that cove base stuff). Pictures to follow.
 
I did the second part last night. I have been to busy at work to get the pictures posted, but they are coming.
I wound up taking my small sink out so I could tile under the feet.

The third part will include the part under the Durst 8x10 enlarger. I'm still deciding if I'm going to put a track on the concrete and tile around it. Or if I'll put the track right on the tile, or just have the rollers run right on the tile.
 
Hey nothing wrong with commercial vinyl tiles in the darkroom. That's what I used with good results in my last darkroom. In my case I went onto particle board underlayment that was installed over 3/4" plywood subfloor. After it was installed I gave it a good coat of wax. The only mistake I made was not following the directions on the adhesive. On the first section I wasn't letting the glue tack up properly, and it didn't take long for me to figure out there was a problem. Once I started letting the adhesive tack up properly things went well. I found the floor easy to clean and care for. I also like the look. As far as water and chemical spills I had no problem with either, but I did clean up spill right away.

Roger
 
BASF has a product called Mastertop. it is an "Economical floor coating" It is acid proof, water proof and oil proof. 3 parts to a five litre kit A+B and C is the colour. All thrown together into can A and mixed. Before painting and concrete acid etch the floor, this is done by a weak acid water mix and is broomed over the surface. This is to clean and lightly pit the surface to allow good bonding. Allow to dry completely and then coat. Paints will wear quicker than a coating, The more money you spend on a floor coating the less money later. Just think having to remove every thing and redo it.
Pat
 
rtbadman said:
. After it was installed I gave it a good coat of wax. ..
Click to expand...

Yes, that is the next step. I wan to get some commercial strength wax. It my impression that the was seals the tiles between the cracks. The commercial buffers they had at Home Depot don't look much heavier than that 100lb roller I had to check out.

So, I'm thinking of renting the equipment to give the floor a professional wax and buff. With the light use the floor will get, I suspect that polish will last quite a long time.
 
Watch out with water on a freshly waxed floor ,could be slippery!!!
 

Wax will not waterproof the floor or the cracks. It will improve the looks and help in cleaning, that is all.
 
I'm going to use Armstrong S-495 VCT Floor Sealer or similar product, prior to wax.
 
Nice, I always liked vinyl tile. Looks like you are doing a great job on the installation.

Roger
 
Looks fabulous!
 
I thought there were child/slave labour laws to stop that sort of thing!


Steve.
 
So when are you coming over to do mine?

And I bet your son (I assume your son) thought he was having a good time doing that.
 
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