[Jim W]

I am doing a shower stall in 4 1/4 x 4 1/4" tiles (and smaller) on 1/2" cement board.
I have already started the first row applying the thinset with a notched trowel that has a small zig-zag tooth. The trowel has a label on it that says its for 6" and smaller tiles.
Everywhere I look on this site reccomends a 1/4 x 1/4 notch but I cant find anything related to my tile size.
What size is best for my tile size?

 

[Mop in Hand]

The notch should be as thick as the tiles.

 

[Jim W]

Darn it! Does that mean I have to start over? I know my tiles are at least 3/16 - the "V" notches are probably only 1/8 - The trowel was probably made for mastic - not thinset.

 

[Mop in Hand]

V-notched trowels are mostly used for mastic or glues. If your not too far into the project, if it were mine I would start over. Did you use Redgaurd over your CBU? If not, I would highly recommend it.

 

[Ron6519]

Darn it! Does that mean I have to start over? I know my tiles are at least 3/16 - the "V" notches are probably only 1/8 - The trowel was probably made for mastic - not thinset.

I don't think you have the correct trowel for ceramic tile. You're using a trowel for applying adhesive for a wood floor or sheet vinyl.
I've never seen an 1/8" notch for any ceramic tile. The smallest "V" notch for ceramic is 1/4"
The correct size trowel is listed on the bags of thinset or the pails of mastic.
Ron

 

[Jim W]

Thanks for all the help

This site is sooo useful

Jim