Laying mosaics: photo and video instructions
Sheet mosaic tiles are a good substitute for regular tiles. Due to its structure, the material allows you to create decorative panels with smaller drawings. To create an original pattern, you can combine colors, mix blocks and complement them with borders. Since the mosaic tile is attached to the substrate, it can be easily cut by separating the required number of rows.
To work, you will need the following tools:
- a drill with a nozzle mixer for the preparation of an adhesive mixture;
- trowel for applying the mixture;
- notched trowel with a tooth thickness of 4 mm;
- construction level for quality control;
- rubber grater for jointing.
Prepare the surface
To begin with, you should prepare the surface for laying the mosaic: we remove the old coating, dirt and dust. Mosaic is laid on a dry, clean and smooth surface. If the material is laid in the pool, a waterproofing layer and a reinforcing mesh should be installed. For the correct location of the mosaic, draw a revetted surface and take measurements: determine the location of the patterns, friezes, etc.
Cooking glue
Glue should be selected based on the surface to be coated (whether it is drywall, plaster, painted surface, etc.). Therefore, be sure to consult with the seller, today there is a huge number of adhesive mixtures, the preparation of which is described in the manufacturer's instructions. For cooking, you will need a container, a dry mixture, water and a drill with a mixer nozzle. By the way, when using glass tiles, white glue should be used, otherwise you will not get the desired shade.
Laying paper-based mosaic tiles
- Apply glue to the surface and level it with a notched trowel;
- We attach the mosaic sheets with paper to the top, maintain the distance, so that the size of the seams is always the same;
- After stacking several rows, return to the first row and dampen the paper with a damp cloth. After a couple of minutes, remove the layer of paper with gentle movements, as the glue has not yet “seized”;
- After removing the paper base, smooth the tile with a light tapping and remove any glue;
- After the glue dries, and this is about a day, you can start grouting the seams.
Laying grid-based mosaic tiles
The process is similar to laying paper mosaics. We also apply the adhesive solution on the surface and level it with a notched trowel. Then we apply a mosaic sheet so that the back of the tile is evenly immersed in the solution. We align the location so that the size of the seams is the same, and then proceed to grout the seams.
Stitching
Seams are closed not earlier than in a day. Before grouting, gently wash the surface from excess glue. As a grout, a special color mixture with a latex additive is used. After applying the trowel, the remaining mixture is removed with a damp sponge.