Inconsistent Timelines

I am reading some great information in these forums, and learning quite a bit! Thanks for getting this information and experience out there. For those of us with minimal experience, this is a GREAT tool to have in our toolbox. So, on to the question...
As soon as I have all the material on hand, I will be pulling all the tile from a shower enclosure, as well as pulling the tub. Everything is being stripped down to the studs. I already know some of the basics--how to put the tub in place, correct order for the vapor barrier, green board, concrete board, et. al. for the walls, and how to tile. Unfortunately, I cant seem to find a time frame for drying and setting!

I know that the waterproofing agent that I am putting over the concrete board needs 24 hours. I know that the thinset that I will be putting over the mesh tape ALSO needs 24 hours.

I am presuming that after I put up the tile I should wait ANOTHER 24 hours before I apply the grout, but I have seen a few sites that say it only needs to be up there a couple of hours before I add the grout. Additionally, there is another site that says TWO DAYS between tiling and grouting!

And then there is the silicon in the expansion gap between the tob and the bottom row of tiles. Again, some sites says a day or two, another site (this one by a major supplier of the sealant) states that you have to wait TEN DAYS!

And with all this taken into consideration, at what point should it be "safe" to put my grandkids in the tub?

Thanks for everyone's help and input!

Tim

 

Good rule of thumb is 24 hrs between each process. Day 1 waterproofing, day 2 tile, day 3 grout, day 4 sealer, etc. You could push it faster, but you should use special materials or risk wrecking your hard work. After the final process (silicone) I would give it a couple of days for everything to cure before introducing water.

 

I agree with Tolyn. Besides in the process of doing it yourself, most people will need a day between each phase just to rest, get tools ready and be prepared.

 

Well, if the government shuts down and I get furloughed, at least I will have a project that will keep me occupied!

Thanks for the advice!

Tim

 

You can put the grandkids in the tub at any time. But you can't turn on the water I know it is frustrating, but it all requires time, and what the others have said will hold true for a really boss job.