How to change the tiles in the bathroom with your hands. The easiest way to replace cracked ceramic tiles. More expensive alternatives

Bathroom tiles are one of the the best materials, which not only has a pleasant appearance, high strength, but also long service life. It withstands temperature extremes and is tolerant of water. But even tiles can expire.

Over time, tiles become duller. It may show cracks or chips. One way to solve this problem is to replace the tiles. But doing a complete renovation in the bathroom is extra costs funds and time. There are other ways to update tiled flooring, which will be discussed below.

Replacing cracked tiles

For many, the situation is familiar when, from excessively strong mechanical impact the tile has cracked or cracked. For the sake of one or more damaged tiles, it is not at all necessary to start a repair, because it is enough to simply replace the damaged tiles.

It’s worth starting with the selection of tiles that are suitable in color and style. If you still have materials after the repair, that's great. Then you can simply replace the damaged element with a whole one. But what if there is no exactly the same tile left?

Procedure:

If the damaged element is located in a place that is unlikely to be looked at, then you can find a tile that more or less matches in color and exactly matches the size of the defective one.
If the tile is cracked open space, but you can’t find the same one, you can cheat a little. Instead of a damaged part, you can use some decorative element of the same size. If it looks strange in a single copy, then replace several whole tiles with the same decorative details. Yes, it is a little more expensive and troublesome, but what to do?
Finally, you can replace the cracked tile with a tile of the same size, but cover it with a vinyl sticker.

The next important question is how to remove the damaged tile and not ruin the rest?

Around the damaged part, the grout must be completely removed with a scraper.
Several holes are drilled in the center of the damaged part.
Next to the holes, you need to install a chisel and split the tile with strong but careful blows.
Fragments are also removed with a chisel, moving from the central part to the edges.
The composition on which the tile was glued is carefully removed from the wall.

Actually, that's all, you can install a new tile. There is a risk that new item will be eye-catching.

To prevent this from happening, follow these steps:

apply glue to the surface of the wall and level it with a spatula over the entire area;
install a new tile in the free space, and leave mounting crosses at the seams (then the seams will be of the same thickness);
if the tile protrudes a little, then lightly tap on it so that it snaps into place;
when the glue hardens, remove the mounting crosses and fill the joints with grout.

Renovation of tile joints

Sometimes from the kind of tile joints depends on the overall picture. For example, the tile looks great, but the seams are darkened or yellowed, chips have appeared on them, and due to this, the bathroom takes on an untidy look.

In order for the tile joints to always look like new, they must be properly cared for: use special means. Also needed good ventilation This will help prevent mold growth.

To return the seams to their former well-groomed appearance, updating the grout will help. For this you need:

remove the old grout with a spatula. You need to work with great care, as you risk damaging the tile. Can be used store funds to remove grout. After applying a special liquid, the composition softens, and it becomes very easy to clean the seams from the old grout;
prepare a new grout composition. It is recommended to choose a color for it to match the tone of the tile. But you can also try to beat the contrast;
apply a new composition with a rubber spatula;
when the grout dries, its excess is removed with a damp cloth or sponge. The tile needs to be well polished.

If the tiles in the bathroom are in good condition, updating the grout will give a great result, as if you just had a renovation.

The algorithm of work when replacing several tiles that are damaged for some reason is the same as when replacing one tile. The only difference is that you have to remove several tiles at once. It is easier if they are located next to each other, but if they are apart, then they must be removed very carefully so as not to damage adjacent elements.

To keep the tiles at the same level as the others, use mounting crosses. They guarantee the same width of the joints and allow you to install new tile smooth.

Vinyl stickers are simple, fast and cheap way make a cosmetic update of the tiles. Now manufacturers provide a huge selection of stickers in various color variations and with patterns, so you can easily pick up something to match the tile.

Keep in mind that vinyl decals will not last long. Over time, they peel off and need to be replaced. But at the same time, this is not only a disadvantage, but also an advantage, because you can periodically change the design of the bathroom.

Vinyl stickers are glued elementary. Remove from the back protective layer paper and attach the sticker to the desired surface, and then gently smooth it out. The main prerequisite is the cleanliness of the tiles. Before sticking something, the surface must be degreased, otherwise the sticker will begin to bubble after a while, and you will have to change it pretty quickly.

Painting

We talked about the use of vinyl stickers. But when painting tiles, the result will be more resistant. In doing so, you will be able to show a little creativity. You can simply completely repaint the tile, or you can apply a pattern to it. Let's consider both methods.

If the tile is old and has lost its presentable appearance, then it is easier to repaint it completely. To obtain an effective result, careful surface preparation is required, as well as a competent choice of paint.

With this decision, the stages of work will take place in the following sequence:

first, the tile is cleaned with detergents, and then washed thoroughly running water;
the surface of the tile must be degreased. Acetone or alcohol will help here. Just wipe the tile well with any of these substances;
it is necessary to remove the glossy layer, so the tile is polished with a fine-grained sandpaper;
a layer of epoxy primer is applied to the surface, which dries within a day;
the tile is polished again;
after the preparation, you can apply epoxy paint or special coloring compounds for tiles;
The first layer needs to dry for at least 12 hours. After that, a second layer is applied. If you are using light-colored paint, then you will need to wait until the second coat dries and apply the third.

Tiles in the bathroom correct operation can last more than one decade, but it also gradually loses its aesthetics and attractiveness. Replacing the same tile in the bathroom various reasons, the scarcity of time and funds is not always possible. How to update an old tile so that there is no need to break anything and rebuild? How to replace tiles? An idea comes to the rescue partial renovation. It includes updating the seams between the tiles, replacing individual tiles. In 90% of cases, this is enough, because it is the wear and tear of tile joints that is the main cause of aging and untidiness of tiles in the bathroom.

Tiles in the bathroom can serve quite for a long time, however, over time, it loses its attractiveness and aesthetic appearance.

Damage replacement

If the old tile has serious flaws (potholes, chips, cracks), it must be replaced. How to replace tiles? You can use a similar tile, choose a more or less suitable one in appearance, or, conversely, play in contrast.

Replacing a damaged tile: a - removing a lagging tile; b - breaking a damaged tile; c - removal of the old solution; g - applying glue; e - installation of a new tile; e - grouting.

The most difficult stage of work is the removal of damaged tiles. First you need to completely remove the tile grout (the process will be described below). The removal of the old tile must be started from the middle, for this you do not need to drill several holes around the perimeter. After removing the released central part, the remains of the tile can be carefully removed with a chisel, moving from the center to the edges.

After removing the remnants of the old adhesive, the surface should be treated with a deep penetration primer. After it dries, you can apply new glue, then lay and level the tiles. To leave the necessary clearance, you should use special crosses. At the end of the installation, the tiles must be glued to the neighboring ones using adhesive tape. This will fix its position. It is better to mark the new tile so as not to accidentally touch it during drying. On the last step you need to fill the empty seams with grout.

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Seam update

On the preparatory stage it is necessary to free the floor and remove everything unnecessary from the room (lockers, hangers, hooks). The simplest and fast method restoration of tile joints is their whitewashing and painting. The disadvantage of this method is the short duration of the effect, which often lasts no more than six months.

Another the easy way updating the seams is the imposition of a new grout on top of the old one. This method is used only with a sufficient depth of old seams and the presence of at least 2 mm free space for a new grout.

In order not to scratch the tiles, a special rubber spatula should be used for grouting.

You can apply paint to restore the color of the tile joints. The algorithm of actions is elementary: first, the surface is cleaned of dirt and mold, then paint is applied to the seam. After a few minutes, the remaining paint that has fallen on the tile is removed with a damp sponge.

The greatest effect can be achieved by completely replacing the old grout with a new one. To remove the old composition, it is necessary to use a joint expander or any other suitable object. You need to work carefully to avoid damaging the edge of the tile itself.

Sometimes the seams are closed cement composition. To soften it and make it more pliable, you need to use an acid cleaner. According to safety rules, work should be carried out with rubber gloves and goggles. You need to apply the cleaner to the seams with a brush and wait a while. After this procedure, the old grout will be removed easily.

To remove dry residues of old grout, the surface should be vacuumed and washed with soapy water. Subsequent work should be carried out only after the joints have completely dried. It usually takes at least a day.

On the next step the seams are treated with a penetrating primer and a new grout is applied. Grouting solutions set quickly enough, so it is better to carry out the work quickly and make the composition quite liquid. By using rubber spatula it is necessary to carefully rub the grout inside, filling the entire space.

Excess grout from the tile is removed with a sponge or spatula. The tile should be washed when the composition dries, but finally. Otherwise, it will be very difficult to clean it.

Vinyl film not only decorates the walls in the bathroom, but also hides all the defects of the old tile.

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Cosmetic update

Vinyl film. Inexpensive, waterproof vinyl flooring presented in stores in a huge assortment. Besides vinyl film perfectly hides all the defects of the old tile. The surface to be glued is prepared with an ordinary mild detergent. Then the film with the adhesive layer is transferred to the tile. If the pattern is large, you need to glue from the middle, gradually smoothing the film to the edges to avoid wrinkles.
Full color tiles. First you need to clean the tile with a detergent and degrease the surface with acetone, vinegar or an alcohol solution. Next, the tile should be sanded with a fine sandpaper to remove the gloss and treated with an epoxy primer to ensure the paint adheres strongly to the surface. Leave the surface to dry for 24 hours and re-sand with sandpaper. After that, you can start painting. You can use both a special paint for tiles and an epoxy composition. The paint must be applied with a roller. After finishing work, the tiles need 12 hours to dry. If a 2nd or 3rd layer is needed, apply them only after the previous one has dried. Completely the paint will dry only after 3 days. Only after that you can arrange furniture and accessories.
Applying patterns. You can paint an old tile with an ornament using a ready-made stencil. You can buy it or make your own from cardboard paper or plastic folder. Well suited balloon with car paint, which has strong adhesion, and the surface does not require pre-priming. Before painting, it is necessary to degrease and clean the surface well.

Replacing tiles entails a major overhaul of the entire bathroom.

But designers offer more acceptable options on how to update the old tile cosmetically so as not to disturb the comfort, cleanliness in the house and the family's financial balance.

Seam update

The beauty of the seams is just as important as the spectacular tile. Constant wiping of the joints with special chemical cleaners that kill germs and renew the surface, as well as good ventilation of the bathroom, will get rid of mold between the tiles.

Rules for cleaning damaged seams

Chips often form in the seams, from which a new grout will save. It is she who will radically not only update the seams, but also improve general form tiles.

Seam cleaning procedure:

with a spatula, completely remove the old grout;

fill the resulting recesses with a new grout;

after light drying, the grout is carefully cleaned wet wipe her surplus.

Complete seam replacement

to do this, you need to remove all the old grout;
if necessary, use a means to soften it. After applying it, after 2 or 3 minutes, the old grout will become soft, just like toothpaste;
then apply new grout according to the instructions that come with it.

The external effect after such a light cosmetic work as from overhaul. Therefore, it is better to carefully replace the grout than an expensive one.

Designers propose to apply a fashionable colored grout that will present the walls of the bathroom in a new way, changing it beyond recognition, but without much labor and money.

And as an option, they offer dark grout to light tiles and vice versa.

Partial replacement of tiles

Faded or broken tiles should be replaced. In order not to damage the quality neighboring tiles, do not immediately knock out the damaged ones with a chisel.

Gentle removal of unnecessary tiles

first, completely clean the seams around it with a special scraper;

then with a concrete drill we will make several holes in the central part of the tile;
now carefully remove this middle of the tile with a chisel,

after that, you can safely knock out the rest with a chisel from the center to the edge;
in the vacated place, carefully remove the remnants of the old grout and glue.

Replacing individual tiles

A new one must be tried on so that it is at the same level and in accordance with other tiles;
then we apply special glue to the new tile;

install it in a prepared place;
fix the new glued tile with special crosses;
check if it stands out new tile against the background of their old neighbors in height;
after the glue dries, remove the crosses;
carefully close the seams with grout;

after drying it with a damp cloth, carefully remove the excess.

Changing the design of tiles

There are two easy ways to cosmetically update bathroom tiles: with vinyl decals or high quality paint.

Waterproof Vinyl stickers of various colors and shapes will effectively turn boring tiles into a fashionable attribute, and even completely change the style. The widest range such stickers in ordinary stores and the Internet will fully satisfy even very demanding customers.

Their subsequent replacement is also not difficult - you can change the design whenever you want! The main condition for success is gluing on a perfectly clean, fat-free surface.

Drawing patterns on tiles with paint

This more durable and creative way to solve the issue, how to update the old tile, has several options and its own specific order:

Choosing a pattern for an old tile. Fashionable is the easiest geometric pattern: beautiful multi-coloured touches, squares or diamonds look modern and fit into the prestigious bathroom design.
Marking up the future drawing with a pencil and a ruler.
Cutting with a craft knife corresponding to the pattern of strips of insulating tape. For example, to get a square on a 10x10 cm tile, cut 4 strips of 10 cm each and 4 strips of 5 cm each.
Insulating tape sticker on tiles so that the desired pattern is obtained along the edges and in the middle of it, in this case square. We place the squares at a level of 10 cm from each other. Paste the joints with long pieces of insulating tape. At the same time, you should not fuss: in case of an error, the tape is easily re-glued,
Primer of the resulting patterns: gently with a small brush, sponge where the drawing will be later.

Primary coloring of a pattern in 3 hours after a primer. But do not speed up the drying process with a hair dryer or fans: dust and specks will spoil smooth surface, and dirt will always accumulate in these places.
Secondary painting is necessary if the tile is darker than the paint.
Removal of the insulating tape is possible only after a day.

If necessary, you can correct the drawing in some places with a thin brush or scrape off noticeable excess paint with a blade. For the next 24 hours, water must not be allowed to enter the painting, and it is also better to avoid humidity in the bathroom during this time.

Note!

Epoxy paint will retain color for more than 10 years even with regular and most thorough washing with any cleaning products that do not contain abrasive additives.

It is much easier to decorate a tile with an ornament using a stencil. You can buy it or make it yourself from cardboard, but it is better from an unnecessary plastic folder. For painting, you can use a spray of automotive paint from spray cans: it has a strong grip and does not require pre-priming.

For original splashing in the form of dew drops or sea water, dots - stars, you can use glass paint, which also has good adhesion even without a primer. Special paints for tiles, matt and glossy epoxy paints also durable and waterproof. But before painting, it is necessary to perfectly clean the surface to be treated from grease and dust.

With a thin brush, floral ornaments are easily applied by hand, even if not in 1 day, but the result is worth it. It is impossible to distinguish such an exclusive tile from an expensive designer one.

Another option for updating an old tile is a three-dimensional decor with a variety of improvised means, which is not difficult to implement on your own. All kinds of beads, small shells and a variety of pebbles will come to the rescue. Data decorative elements it is necessary to stick it on the tile, having previously figured out what the future pattern will be. They must be small so as not to fall off. Raised elements are difficult to clean, so the best option would be to place a three-dimensional decorative image in places that are less accessible to contamination.

Full color tile

How to update a tile if it is firmly held, but it looks depressing, and there is no desire to glue a new one because of repair dirt and money costs: it can be completely painted with special paints. This is the simplest, simplest, but also the most extreme, unpopular and unaesthetic way of renovation used in summer cottages, in rented apartments.

For a high-quality restoration, you first need to prepare the surface well so that the paint does not peel off after a month or two.

Basic rules for continuous painting of tiles

Preparing old tiles for painting:

we will remove the pollution from it with good detergents, but do not leave them on the surface;
degrease the surface with acetone, vinegar or an alcohol solution;
sand the tile with fine sandpaper to remove the gloss, providing the paint with strong adhesion - adhesion to the surface.

Surface treatment with an epoxy primer for stronger adhesion of the paint to the surface - it will dry only after a day.

Re-sanding with sandpaper. In this case, the paint will penetrate deeper, and therefore last longer.

Coating tiles with tile paints, but you can also use epoxy paint:

apply paint with a roller evenly;
give 12 hours to dry;
we paint the tile with a second layer, and if the color of the tile was much darker than the new one, then we paint it a third time, but only after 12 hours.

Complete drying of the paint will come only after 3 days. That's when it is necessary to arrange and hang everything in its place: both furniture and accessories.

Required to update tiles

Dust mask, goggles, gloves
Skin #100
Acetone, vinegar or alcohol solution
Roulette
dummy knife
Level
Automotive, glass or epoxy paint
Regular and sponge brushes
Epoxy primer
Masking tape or insulating tape
Detergent Comet or Cif.

Overlapping tiles with other material

Putty mass on the primer will make the bathroom spectacular "marble". Subsequent sanding and painting with colored and then clear varnish will make the new coating durable.

Silicone sealant will help repair even hopeless places.
It is better to lay out the washbasin and bath area with Premium class ceramics, followed by its strong gluing and even screwing.
Any waterproof material(for example, with plastic) you can effectively drape the damaged area and enjoy your new bathroom.

A successful solution to the problem of how to update the tile will be backed up by self-confidence and the desire to quickly create coziness.

Of course, the most practical way the finish of the bathroom is tiled.

But, unfortunately, not everyone can afford such an expensive pleasure.

And then the question involuntarily arises, how to replace the tiles in the bathroom.

Despite the practicality of the material, it can not be used. To do this, you should find a cheaper option.

There are many other ways to replace tiles. They will be much easier to apply, and most importantly, help save money.

Undoubtedly tile is ideal and practical option for a bathroom, a toilet and other rooms with the increased humidity.

This is due to some circumstances:

There is a high degree of humidity in the restroom. The walls are in constant contact with water, not all materials will withstand such interaction.
The tile is strong enough. When an object falls, it is more likely to remain in its original form than, for example, a panel.
This material is impact resistant chemicals, which are capable of leaving marks on the surface.
Tiles are easy to care for. limescale, water, foam, toothpaste and dirt can be easily cleaned with a damp sponge.
Tiles, when exposed to temperature, do not emit any harmful substances, therefore it is an ecological material.
She has the perfect look. Now construction market filled various types this material. With the help of tiles, any design is embodied in reality.

Although tiles have more advantages than disadvantages, it makes sense to consider other ways.

Possible options

Often people are interested in how to replace the tiles in the bathroom on the wall? When choosing finishing material for the bathroom, the basic requirements of the room should be taken into account.

These include: moisture permeability, practicality and, of course, aesthetics. The following materials may help with this question:

special plastic panels
waterproof wallpaper
dye
mosaic
wood trim
fake diamond

If the question arises, how to replace the tiles in the bathroom on the floor, the solution is simple. The most acceptable option in this case would be an artificial stone or self-leveling floor.

Regarding the replacement of tiles on the walls, we will talk in more detail below.

Before changing the tiles in the bathroom to another alternative, you need to make sure that new material will be no worse than the tiles tested over the years.

Plastic

When replacing tiles with a cheaper one, you should first turn your attention to plastic panels. With them, you can create a perfectly flat surface that will be resistant to moisture.

When the area of the bathroom is large, which is extremely rare, you can not remove old material, and install the panels on top. When choosing as a panel finish, installation time will be short. This is due to the fact that one panel has a large coverage, so less installation steps will be required.

There are two ways to install panels:

using liquid nails
on a prefabricated frame

When the surface is uneven, it is better to use the second option. The frame can be made of metal or plastic profile. Wooden planks are also used.

But they should be treated with an antiseptic in advance. This will keep them from rotting. Since the bathroom is still very humid .

The joints between the panels will not be noticeable due to the ribbed surface. Therefore, at first glance, it seems that the surface is solid. The main thing is to find the most quality material which, when heated, will not emit harmful substances.

Wallpaper

In general, using wallpaper in the bathroom is impractical. In rare cases, people use them as decoration. But at the same time they buy special waterproof wallpapers.

You need to glue them on a perfectly flat, pre-treated surface. Glue must also be moisture resistant.

Widely used in the bathroom wallpaper made of special fiberglass. They themselves protect the walls from moisture. Also, many people use liquid wallpaper, which can be painted in any color.

The color schemes of this material are varied, but it is not practical for this type of premises.

Dye

A good alternative to tile is paint. The main advantage of this material is protection against fungus.

Caring for painted walls is very easy. With paint you can create unique design. In addition, the paint washes well with various cleaning products.

Walls must be well leveled before painting. What will require additional costs. This is usually done with plaster and primer.

Paint can be applied in the following ways:

with a brush
roller
using a sprayer

Most effective option last. But before starting the procedure, you will need to take out the bathroom, toilet and furniture so as not to get dirty. In the absence of the possibility of removal, you can cover them. Paint is good because it can be applied to walls and floors.

The most budget way

As mentioned above, tile refers to the best option for finishing the bathroom, but it also applies to the most expensive option.

The rest of the materials for finishing the bathroom will be much cheaper. In addition, you can make repairs with their help yourself, without seeking the help of craftsmen.

To myself economical material can be attributed to the use plastic panels. This is due to the fact that for this you do not need to align the walls, and, accordingly, spend money on additional material.

It can be easily installed. And the construction market includes many color schemes this item. If the panels are correctly installed according to all the rules, they will serve for a long time.

How to put PVC mosaic on glue in the bathroom - on the video:

Plastic panels

The material is attractive for practicality, simple installation technology and affordability. The variety of types of plastic panels, different in texture, color solutions and sizes, is striking. They can have a glossy or matte finish. The most demanded PVC panels white color, pastel colors and imitation natural stone- onyx, marble, etc. You can purchase panels that are difficult to distinguish from tiled cladding.

Decorate bathroom interior modern style possible with plastic panels

This bathroom finish does not require alignment of the walls, it is moisture resistant. It is advisable to use panels for the ceiling. The disadvantages of the material include not very high strength characteristics. If you neglect the careful sealing of the seams, mold may appear on the inner surface of the panels. The material is attached to the crate.

Wallpaper in the bathroom - unusual, but quite possible

Good alternative tiles in the bathroom - the use of wallpaper, which is recommended to be combined, for example, with tiles or decorative panels. The usual paper version is unsuitable for the bathroom. You can only use products with the marking "three waves", indicating increased moisture resistance. The facing material is coated with a water-repellent layer, withstands temperature changes and is immune to the penetration of hot steam.

Vinyl or fiberglass moisture-resistant wallpaper is a great replacement for boring tiles. But this option for changing the interior requires the use of a moisture-resistant primer, and the glue must contain antifungal components.

Vinyl wallpaper with 3d glitter will look very unusual on the walls of the bathroom.

Very practical in bathrooms - washable wallpaper. Their surface is covered protective film and less susceptible to the damaging effects of moisture.

Washable wallpaper for bathrooms

As additional protection from moisture, the joints of the canvases are smeared silicone sealant. Wallpapers with bright, colorful patterns and patterns are perfect. It should be borne in mind that the life of the wallpaper in the bathroom is quite short. The option will be of interest to lovers of frequent changes.

Glass and mirror tiles

Glass tiles are an elegant and original, but rather expensive way of finishing. The material is durable, does not deform, long time does not lose its attractiveness. An extensive range of formats and colors allows you to implement almost any, even the most daring, design ideas. Such a surface is hygienic and safe. It is easy to care for it with glass cleaners.

Mirror tiles on the ceiling in the bathroom will visually expand the space.

An excellent choice for a bathroom can be a tile imitating granite, phosphorus, silver, or a material with the effect of an icy surface. For connoisseurs of original and elegant design, glass tiles truly open up unlimited possibilities. This cladding is suitable for both walls and floors.

Mirror tiles - lovely decoration for the bathroom

An excellent effect can be achieved by combining ceramic and glass tiles, especially since the same thickness of the materials somewhat simplifies working with them. Calling on your imagination to help, you can create unique, inimitable compositions.

Bathroom interior combines glass and ceramic tiles

Often, glass decor is used to decorate the bathroom, which is produced in the form of tiles. different color having a thickness of 4 mm. Their size is usually 100x100 or 65x65 mm. Such facing material used to create decorative panels and mosaic patterns.

Mosaic on the bathroom wall

A great alternative to bathroom tiles is mirror tiles. The room, lined with such material, has an exclusive, stylish look. At correct selection adhesive mixtures, the tile is securely held on the surface for a long time, it is not afraid of either heat or moisture. Mirror tiles visually increase the space of the room. More often the color of the reflective layer is silver, but other dyes (blue, gold, pale pink, etc.) can also be used.

Plastic mirror panels look like tiles, but it is a flexible material suitable for applications not only on flat surfaces. With large panels Finishing work are moving faster. This is facilitated by the low weight of the sheets. The panel is a plastic base coated with a reflective film. It can be transparent or glossy, sometimes it has a decorative pattern. It can be given any shape using an ordinary clerical knife.

Plastic mirror panels

You can list all the ways to design a bathroom for a long time, especially when you consider the many various ways combination of materials. Nobody better specialists who know all the intricacies of working with each specific finish option will not complete this task. Therefore, in the absence of practical skills and experience in this area, the most rational decision there will be an appeal to professionals.