For a tub or shower enclosure we recommend that you start with the back wall first unless you are also tiling the ceiling in which case you would start there. Spreading the adhesive Use the mastic that is waterproof so that it will hold up well under moisture conditions. This is very important. If you are applying wall tile in areas not exposed to water you can use a mastic that is not waterproof. All the rest of the tiling techniques still apply.
Epoxy adhesives are also available but their drying times can be difficult to control.
They are more appropriate in areas where high impact strength darkroom perhaps. Spread the adhesives on the wall using the flat side of the trowel. Once you've applied adhesive on a wide area, flip the trowel around to the notched side, run it at a 45 degree angle to create wide grooves. The valley will only show a thin film. When applying the adhesive be careful not to completely obscure your working lines.