How many sq/ft of 12" wall tile can a DIY'er like me sanely do? I was going to start with a 36 sq/ft area. My worry is the clean up.
The Lacticrete instructions say to mist and cover with paper to hydrate the grout. Do you do that?
Depending on the temperature and humidity, I have trouble trying to grout more than about that area before first, the grout in the bucket starts to cook off, and second, it gets harder than I'd like to start to shape the joint and clean up the tile. It takes time to ensure you get all of the grout joints well packed, and most grouts don't have a very long pot life.
Any concrete prefers ample moisture to fully cure. I've never covered things to restrict evaporation, but have periodically misted my tiled counters for a few days after installing the tile. It can't hurt, I'm not sure it is necessary unless maybe it's really breezy (windows open), or it gets direct sunlight. The grout will only become stronger if you do, it may or may not be a problem if you don't. I have not run tests.
THe last three projects (a shower, tub surround, and a couple of floors) I did neither, and those have been holding up fine - grout nice and hard, no cracking, no color issues. That's not a huge sample, though.
For max performance, it never hurts to follow the instructions!