- 1). Cut the grout lines surrounding the damaged tile with a rotary tool and a grout cutting bit. The tool and bits are available for purchase from any hardware store and are used in a variety of home repairs and remodels.
- 2). Press a chisel into the cut grout line at an angle to the damage tile. Lightly tap the chisel with a hammer to pop the damaged tile out. Chisel off any excessive remaining thinset from the wall. A smooth surface is not necessary, but remove any high points from the existing thinset.
- 3). Spread premixed thinset across the back of the replacement tile to a depth of approximately 1/8th of an inch. Drag the notched edge of the notched trowel across the back of the tile to create grooves in the surface.
- 4). Press the tile into place. Hold a straightedge tool over the tile to make sure the surface of the tile is even with the surrounding pieces. Insert tile spacers between the tile and the existing tiles. Allow the thinset to dry according to drying times listed on the container.
- 5). Remove the spacers and spread grout into the gaps between the new and existing tile, using the flat side of the notched trowel. Hold the tool at an angle to the gaps to push the grout into place. Wipe off the grout from the tile with a damp sponge.
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