Tile transfers allow you to give your bathroom a face-lift without spending a lot of money. You won't replace the tiles; you'll add a tile transfer to each tile to simulate more expensive tiles. You'll also be giving the grout a makeover.
First, you will draw the design you want on tracing paper, so that the design will line up with the material used for backing. Then you will need to place carbon paper on your backer board, making sure that you cover the entire backing, which includes the edges.
Put your tile design atop the carbon paper, and line up the edges of the design with the edges of your backer board. Then trace around each mosaic design with a pencil, pressing down firmly. Follow the exact lines so that the design is accurate. Make sure to keep the paper motionless while you're tracing.
Remove the design and the carbon paper so you can see your tracing on the backer board. If you're not going to use it right away, trace over the design again with a waterproof marker, so you'll still see the design when you need the tile.
When you're ready to work on the tiles, scrape the moldy grout from the lines between the tiles. Mix a new grout paste and use a squeegee to apply it over the tiles. Make sure that all the lines and cavities are filled. Allow roughly fifteen minutes for the new grout to set up, and then wipe off the excess grout paste in a circular motion with a damp sponge. Be careful not to pull any grout out from the cavities. Rinse and clean the sponge in cold water, and continue this process until all the tiles are done.
You will use tile transfers to add color to your design, rather then using more costly tiles. Each tile transfer is cheaper than buying tiles, and it's easy to apply. Stick some Blue Tac on the back of each tile and position them on the walls until the layout and design pleases you. Then remove each tile, leaving the Blue Tac, and submerge the tiles in clean, warm water for about thirty seconds.
Slide each tile transfer off of its backing paper and place it in the correct position on the wall, after you take the Blue Tac off. Once you align them correctly, smooth out all the bubbles and wrinkles and dab them dry with a cloth. Continue this way until all the transfers are done.
Add a decorative strip to the top edge of all the tiles, to make cleaning more easy and to compliment the transfers. To keep the tiles mold-free, and to make the finish look neat, seal the area around the shower and vanity with waterproof PVC stripping. Cut the stripping to size and use fixing tape on the back of the strip. Ensure that the wall area that will be sealed is very dry and clean first. Then join the Coverseal strip with bonding glue, and apply your tile transfers to make a new and lovely pattern.