Recess Light in Tile Wall

If you have to replace a wall fixture, and the tile cutout doesn't match the new fixture's shape, you can replace the old tile with pieces that have been trimmed to fit the new fixture.

Solution: You can remove the tile and replace it with pieces that have been trimmed to fit the new fixtures.

Materials:
sturdy putty knife
grease or wax pencil
masking tape
replacement tile that matches existing tile
hammer
tile nipper
clamp
tile saw (usually a coping saw or hacksaw with a tungsten-carbide rod blade
hand-held tile cutter
notched trowel
combination grout/mastic
grout float
grout sponge
grout remover
caulk gun/caulk
safety glasses
 
Steps:

1. Turn off the circuit breaker for the light fixtures, and remove the fixtures from the wall. This usually involves removing the mounting screws and disconnecting the wire nuts.

2. Use masking tape to cover any surrounding tiles that you don't want damaged.

3. Use a grout remover to remove the grout surrounding the tiles you want to remove. Then wedge a sturdy putty knife behind the tiles to remove them from the wall. You may need to tap the putty knife with a hammer. After the tiles are removed, use the putty knife to scrape away any remaining adhesive.

4. Set the new tile in place and hold the new fixture over it (you may need an assistant to help you). Trace around the fixture with a grease or wax pencil to mark the new tile for cutting.

5. Trim the tile using tile nippers, a tile cutter or a tile saw. If you're using a saw, clamp the tile to a sturdy surface, such as a workbench.

6. Use a notched trowel to apply mastic adhesive to the back of the tile (a technique known as back buttering), and press the tile into place. Be sure to keep the grout joints spaced evenly. You may want to tape the tiles in place while the adhesive sets.

   B7 Tile adhesive usually sets in a few hours, but be sure to check the manufacturer's instructions to allow proper drying time.

7. Use a grout float to apply a small amount of tile directly to the tile joints. Work the grout straight across and diagonally to be sure it gets all the way into the joints.

8. Wipe excess grout off with a damp sponge. When the grout dries to a haze, buff the tiles with a clean soft cloth.

9. Wire the new fixture according to the manufacturer's instructions, and secure it to the wall. Then apply caulk around the base of the fixture where it meets the tile.