Mosaic fits perfectly into any room design and gives it originality. You can lay the mosaic on the wall or floor with your own hands. The article describes the work plan, preparation secrets various surfaces, recommendations were given.
How to lay a mosaic on a wall and floor with your own hands, step-by-step instructions for laying a mosaic on a grid
Mosaic is a current solution for rooms with high humidity. It fits perfectly into any room design and gives it originality. It should be noted that the mosaic is easy to care for - just wipe it occasionally with a cloth and detergent.
This decor is considered one of the most durable; it lasts for decades without losing its original form. However, to achieve this you will need to properly prepare the wall and learn the nuances of installation.
Mosaic on the wall: a modern solution for the interior
Mosaic - universal solution for any interior. They place it in the bathroom, toilet, kitchen, and swimming pools. The fact is that mosaic retains its appearance in rooms with high levels of humidity, while it protects the walls from fungus and mold.
The mosaic looks more interesting than tiles, the docking points are invisible with high-quality work. Nowadays, types of decor are popular that are suitable not only for the bath and toilet, but even for the living room and hall. They have an original color and texture, and thanks to their unique properties and durability last longer than decorative plaster.
Laying mosaics on the wall with your own hands
The main point to keep in mind when laying mosaics is that the surface should be as smooth as possible. Tile is not flexible, so it can cover small defects. At the same time, the mosaic will repeat all the surface irregularities, which, naturally, will look ugly.
Any surface is thoroughly cleaned of dust before installing the mosaic and covered with high-quality primer. The choice of adhesive is based on knowledge of the material. Depending on the type of decor, glue based on polymers or cement is selected. For drywall and plaster, use regular tile adhesive. Another composition is useful when it comes to decorating plastic or wooden products.
The color of the glue depends on the composition. Gray color characterizes cement mortar, white - polymer.
For laying glass and bright color mosaics use transparent composition, if the decor is dark, then gray will do. If you do not pay attention to this nuance, then there is a possibility of getting a blurry, “dirty” shade.
How to lay tiles on the floor correctly
First you need to prepare the surface and tools. The equipment is dismantled (bathtub, toilet, sink). The covering that is currently on the floor is removed, the floor is cleaned of dust, and wiped with a wet rag. After this, the order of work is as follows:
- check the floor slope (no more than 0.8 centimeters);
- cover the floor surface with soil using a roller;
- wait about half an hour;
- carry out the layout dry, starting from the pipe, not the corner;
- tenderloin tributary the right size(do not forget that there is a seam between the tiles);
- dilution of tile adhesive;
- apply a small amount of adhesive with a notched trowel (about two or three tiles);
- wipe the tiles from dust and dirt, without using water;
- lay the first row of tiles;
- wedge using construction crosses;
- check the slope angle of the row;
- remove excess glue.
A master can lay tiles in a standard-sized bath in three to four hours. An unprepared person will need several days for this.
How to glue a mosaic on a wall in a room
Installation of mosaics on the wall depends on the size of the parts and the type of surface. Glue is selected differently depending on whether it is brick, plasterboard or concrete wall. The laying plan looks like this:
- select the area where the tiles will be laid;
- attach a pattern to see how well it will fit;
- draw a line on the ceiling - the base of the lower border;
- place the first row along the line;
- note the location of vertical seams;
- Apply glue to the ceiling along the entire length with a notched trowel;
- apply the mosaic to the surface, press with a special spatula with a rubber sticker;
- check if the seams are the same width;
- repeat the manipulations for the next row.
The grout is used within 1-2 days after installation. Next, wipe the surface of the mosaic with a sponge.
How to stick tiles in the bathroom and kitchen
After preparing the walls and preparing the glue, they begin cladding. The tiles are laid from bottom to top, a lath is used to ensure level. The slats are nailed to the corners and aligned plumb. Note that:
- The bottom row of tiles is laid with a gap so that later the mortar can be poured for laying tiles on the floor;
- if all the tiles do not fit entirely, then laying begins with cut pieces;
- After fixing the tile, tap it with a spatula or a hammer with a rubber pad;
- after laying the row, check the correctness of the level;
- trims will make the corners aesthetically pleasing;
- it is necessary to use construction crosses for separation;
- You can remove an incorrectly placed tile within an hour (depending on the quality of the glue).
Remove any remaining sealant using a rag. This allows you not only to smooth out unevenness and roughness, but also to increase the service life of the coating.
How to glue on the mesh
Mosaic on a grid looks aesthetically pleasing and fits into any decor. It lies not only on flat surfaces, so it can be used to create original design solutions. Contrary to popular belief, laying mosaics on a grid is quite simple. Work algorithm:
- preparing the base (you need to use a grinding machine if the walls are not smooth);
- clean the wall from dust, dirt, moisture;
- make a layout plan (lay out the sheets on the floor so that there are no gaps, transfer the diagram to paper, and then to the wall);
- make markings on the wall (control is carried out by level in both coordinates);
- preparation of the adhesive composition (selected depending on the type of mosaic);
- applying glue (with a notched trowel up to 3 mm, on one or two mosaic plates);
- laying with a mesh base on glue;
- leveling the sheets with a dry cloth and hands;
- repeating the steps for all tiles.
After 24 hours, grouting is carried out. Excess glue is removed with a special grater, and then the surface of the new mosaic is polished with a felt rag.
Problems with laying mosaics arise due to the fault of the master himself, who carried out incorrect markings. There is only one recommendation for this - carry out the marking several times, check it carefully, and use a level. It is important to consider other nuances:
- glue is selected depending on the type of surface;
- the glue should have a medium viscosity (liquid will flow, but thick will dry quickly);
- dilute the composition a maximum of 2-3 times;
- do not allow leakage through the seams (difficult to remove);
- Do not work at temperatures exceeding 25 degrees.
Laying tiles and mosaics yourself is not difficult. It is important to adhere not only to the algorithm of actions, but also to control the work using equipment and measurements, and choose high-quality materials.
Useful video
The updated design of the kitchen and bathroom will help give the apartment individuality and unusual style. You can quite successfully cope with the task yourself. To do this, you will need to learn how to glue a mosaic and feel free to get to work.
Mosaic ˗ is one of the types facing material, consisting of small rectangles or fragments of other shapes (triangles, ovals, rhombuses, etc.). The variety of shapes, structures and colors opens up possibilities for flights of fancy when decorating the interior.
Manufacturers offer big choice facing material. The mosaic can be pieced or assembled into a specific picture on a silicone, paper or polymer base. This assembly method greatly simplifies the work of a craftsman of any level.
A feature of modern mosaics is that the fastening substrate can be used during installation as a reinforcing material, which is a definite advantage when performing the work.
Kinds
The composition of the mosaic is quite diverse. The main materials used to produce cladding:
- Ceramics (tiles).
- Glass (mirror, smalt).
- Natural stone.
- Artificial granite.
In order to understand which mosaic to choose, let’s take a closer look at the material from which the cladding is made.
Ceramic mosaic, better known to us as tiles, is produced by firing clay. The durability and environmental friendliness of such a material is the main advantage when choosing. Available in glossy or matte surface, or has a pattern on the surface. Withstands loads well on floors and stoves.
Glass is the most popular and most famous, used since ancient times. Opens up a wide selection of decorative design. This also includes mirror puzzles - puzzles made using the technology of creating mirrors, the edges of which are polished. Good for decorating small rooms, as it visually expands the space.
Compared to tiles, laying mosaics on the floor and walls in the bathroom costs from 30 to 100% more. Requirements for foundation preparation are increasing, productivity and manufacturability of processes are decreasing. Therefore, ceramic, glass, metal, porcelain mosaics are more often used either for original interiors, or for cladding curved surfaces of complex configurations, and not entire bathrooms.
According to the requirements of the standards SP 29.13330 and 109.13330, the floor covering of the bathroom must be lower than the level of the finished floor in the adjacent room, and made together with wall cladding made of waterproof material. Mosaic is a flexible type of tile due to numerous seams between small-format decorative elements.
According to operational and design features mosaic finishing material in the bathroom is used for finishing the following structures:
- “wet areas” – walls adjacent to plumbing fixtures;
- vertical enclosing structures - walls, partitions, boxes along the entire height;
- floors – covering the screed, laying on top of a warm floor;
- elements of plumbing fixtures - lining of the drain, walls of the shower stall, sides of the bathtub, "moidodyr";
- architectural elements - arches, ramps, columns, niches, podiums.
For example, it is almost impossible to tile a radius wall or shower tray standard sizes. And when using mosaics with your own hands, finishing curved surfaces does not cause difficulties, even with insufficient qualifications home handyman.
Types of mosaics
The mosaic module is called a card or chip and consists of tesserae - a square 4 mm thick with a side of 1 - 5 cm. Non-standard tesserae are less commonly used - crushed ceramics, oval rhombic, triangular, trapezoidal elements made of glass, stone, metal. Based on the construction material, mosaics are classified as follows:
- glass– colored in mass clear glass, costs from 700 rub./m²;
- smalt– opaque glass produced using a special technology (sintering with high temperature), costs from 5,000 rubles/m²;
- metal– stainless steel or aluminum, price from 6,000 rub./m²;
Metal mosaic in the bathroom. - ceramic– tesserae of square and arbitrary shape, costs from 1,000 rubles/m²;
- stone– ornamental and decorative rocks (lapis lazuli, jasper, onyx, travertine, marble, granite, gabbro, diabase), production cost from 1,500 rubles/m²;
- porcelain stoneware– used only as a floor covering, costs from RUB 1,200/m²;
- wooden– only when treated with an antiseptic, varnish, costs from 2,000 rubles/m².
Stone tesserae are usually thicker than glass, ceramic and metal elements mosaics. Metal mosaic is unsuitable for flooring, since the material is unpleasant to the touch due to its high thermal conductivity. The standard size of mosaic cards is 30x30 cm, the width of the seams is 2 mm.
The second significant parameter for the classification of mosaic modules is the type of fastening of tesserae inside them:
The paper mosaic is glued “blindly”, since it is glued to the sheet with the front side. The paper is wetted, then cleaned off with a damp sponge after the tile adhesive has completely cured. Therefore, it will not be possible to correct the relative position of the squares immediately after gluing.
The main advantage of paper mosaic maps is their low cost compared to mesh mosaics.
The tesserae are glued to the PVC polymer mesh with the back side. That is, during the finishing process, their relative position can be adjusted, and the fallen squares can be glued back up immediately. The mesh does not need to be torn off; it additionally increases adhesion to the base, quality decorative covering and durability of the cladding.
Adhesives for mosaics
The choice of mosaic adhesive is influenced by several factors:
- thickness and dimensions of tesserae inside the mosaic module;
- material of mosaic elements and type of their assembly (mesh, paper);
- base material;
- curvature of the decorated surface.
Traditional tile adhesive containing a medium, coarse fraction of sand is not suitable for mosaics. In the instructions included with panels and mixes made of ceramics, smalt, natural stone, metal, it is mandatory to indicate which solution should be used to glue the mosaic inside the bathroom on our own, and what mixtures to use at the last stage for grouting.
The most popular adhesives are:
For wet rooms the choice of glue depends on its water-repellent properties.
Mosaic laying technology
The mosaic cladding technique is basically the same for straight, radius surfaces, and areas of complex shapes:
- leveling the base;
- waterproofing if necessary;
- markings for the size of modules, panels;
- cooking adhesive composition;
- applying glue to the base;
- distribution with a notched trowel/trowel;
- laying mosaic maps;
- aligning them with each other and along the marking lines;
- grouting joints.
If you plan to cover the entire walls, then first you need to lay the mosaic on the bathroom floor to adjust the level before marking vertical structures. Decorative inserts from mosaic, not adjacent to floor covering, can be laid on the walls before laying the floor.
Renovating a bathroom interior with mosaics is economically justified only when creating exclusive interiors. Or if it is impossible to decorate curved surfaces with other finishing materials.
Under 30x30 cm tiles, the tile adhesive is distributed evenly, the seams are filled 1/3 - 2/3 without additional effort. In mosaic maps, the size of tesserae is often 2.3x2.3 cm, and the number of seams increases by 24 times. If you accidentally press on a point, there is a high probability of excessively immersing the square in the solution and squeezing the glue out of the seam. If the grout is another material, the glue will have to be cleaned out of numerous seams, at least 1/3 of their depth.
In places where enclosing structures covered with mosaics meet each other, with other finishing materials, and plumbing fixtures, the best technical solution is cutting at 45 degrees. Polymer corners and other additional elements are incompatible with small-format decorative elements.
Embedding the mosaic.
Unlike decorating walls/floors, laying mosaics on structures and parts of plumbing fixtures inside the bathroom is done as needed, and not just during cosmetic or major repairs. The main problems of tiling the floor/walls of a bathroom with mosaics are:
- the need to treat the seams with a special waterproof varnish when using white cement-based glue;
- pressing the mosaic modules with rubber-coated graters to ensure uniform distribution of force on all tesserae;
- rolling mosaic cards rubber rollers for similar purposes;
- impossibility of using SVP (self-leveling tiles) systems;
- editing relative position squares.
The height of the spatula or trowel tooth can be adjusted empirically for the specific type of glue used. To do this, purchase an extra mosaic module to experiment with the thickness of the adhesive layer. In practice, you can immediately buy a spatula with a comb tooth height of 3 mm, tested on all types of mosaics and adhesives.
Tool
To cladding shower stalls, walls adjacent to bathtubs, sides of plumbing fixtures, floors and false panels/plasterboard boxes, you will need the following tools:
- a notched trowel or spatula with a comb profile height of 3 mm;
- tape measure, string, pencil;
- plumb line, level, square, preferably a laser plane builder;
- usually a rubber spatula;
- containers for preparing mixtures;
- polyurethane grater;
- rubber mallet;
- knife, rubber roller.
It is impossible to cut mosaic modules with a tile cutter; you will need an angle grinder with a diamond blade. Elements that accidentally fly out of the cards - tesserae - are installed back with tweezers.
Preparing the base
Before decorating enclosing structures with mosaic modules, wall surfaces must comply with the requirements of SNiP and SP:
- perfectly flat smooth surface;
- the strength of the base is higher than that of the cladding;
- surface treatment with waterproofing material (not always necessary).
The algorithm for preparing the base for a mosaic is extremely simple:
- grinding the surface of an angle grinder with a stone disc or diamond equipment for unevenness less than 3 mm;
- leveling the surface with putty with plane differences of 3 – 5 mm;
- plastering along beacons with “blocked” corners, a winding line where walls meet floors;
- installation of gypsum plasterboard systems for covert wiring of communications, installation of suspended plumbing with installation systems.
Ordinary primer does not belong to the category of waterproofing materials. Primer can reduce glue consumption, increase adhesion to the base, nothing more.
Rolled mosaic is incompatible bitumen waterproofing. Typically, painting and coating materials are used that provide a continuous film layer over the entire surface of the wall/floor without breaks. Better to use coating waterproofing on cement based, because its adhesion is similar to tile adhesive.
Laying
The most difficult option is to decorate the floor and walls with mosaics from top to bottom. In this case, the mosaic inside the bathroom should be laid out in a certain sequence:
- floor – marking from front door, the most significant left/right wall, laying in the reverse order from the far corner to the opening, starting with trimming the tesserae;
- walls - first you should lay out the mosaic above the bathtub, then tile the lower level to avoid trimming in the most visible areas;
- radius surfaces, niches - when tiling a bathroom with your own hands, the adhesive composition is distributed with a “comb” over curved surfaces, the modules are rolled out with a roller.
Depending on the qualifications of the home craftsman and the quality of fastening the tesserae inside the mosaic modules, the cladding can be glued in several ways:
- in a row or ledge from the corner;
- diagonally or horizontally;
- from below or from above.
It is possible to properly glue small-format cladding indoors in winter only after 24 hours of adaptation of the brought materials to the microclimate of the room. Work at temperatures below +5°C is not economically viable, since the mosaic will fall off and everything will have to be redone.
For trimming, the matrix is clamped between two pieces of hard sheet material(Fibreboard, OSB, GVL) to simultaneously fix all the squares motionless along the cutting line.
Grout
Depending on the composition of the tile adhesive, grouting the mosaic joints is possible after 4 – 24 hours (two-component, cement composition, respectively). Ready-made dispersion adhesives harden after 10 – 12 hours.
Unlike porcelain tiles/tiles, mosaics are often laid and grouted with the same adhesive. An exception is glass mosaic, which is mounted on white cement glue and rubbed with a polymer two-component transparent composition.
For seams of metal, ceramic, porcelain stoneware, and stone mosaics, multi-colored polyurethane grouts or compositions with special properties (luminophore, glitter, chips) are used.
Thus, laying expensive mosaics inside the bathroom allows you to tile surfaces of complex shapes. Or implement projects of high decorative value.
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Mosaic tiles have long been used as finishing material for kitchens and bathrooms. Previously, craftsmen had to lay out each individual element, so laying the mosaic took a lot of time. Now the process has been significantly simplified thanks to mosaics produced on mesh or paper.
Distinguished by its originality compared to ceramic tiles, mosaics allow you to decorate a room and realize your boldest fantasies in the interior. In order to decorate a wall or floor with mosaics in a high-quality manner, you need to understand the features of this process.
Laying mosaic tiles in rooms with high humidity and temperature changes is justified by the high wear resistance and durability of the material. In this case, it is necessary to distinguish between the process of gluing mosaics and tiles.
Mosaic - finishing material, repeating all the irregularities of the base. Its installation is carried out only perfectly flat surface without defects. The shape of the surface does not matter, but it must be thoroughly cleaned of previous coatings. Any unevenness can affect the final result.
Mosaic happens:
- glass;
- ceramic;
- metal;
- concrete.
Choosing the Right Glue
Laying mosaic tiles can be done using various adhesive mixtures:
- Homemade solution based on sand and water. This is the simplest and cheap option, which is based on fine sand and cement High Quality. The shade of the adhesive mixture depends on the type of cement used. For glass surface This option is not particularly suitable; it is also better not to place it on a plasterboard wall (the base may become limp).
- Standard tile adhesive. This option provides fairly good adhesion, but has a greenish color, which can ruin appearance finishing.
- Polymer based mixture - optimal choice for rooms with high humidity. It is based on polymer components that ensure quick drying and good fixation. This glue is suitable for any mosaic.
- The epoxy composition ensures reliable adhesion. On this basis, the cladding can last more than 10 years. The only disadvantage of this option is its cost (this is the most expensive mixture).
- If the material is glued to the countertop, then it is better to use liquid nails instead of tile adhesive.
The difference between mosaics on paper and on mesh
Mosaic tiles on mesh and paper backing are the most popular types of finishes. The second option is cheaper, but it does not allow you to control the seams between individual elements.
Each type has its own rules. The mosaic on the mesh is glued face down, and after the glue has dried, you can immediately proceed to grouting the joints. To install paper-based mosaics, the sheets are applied to the surface with the paper side up, after which you must wait at least a day to continue the process.
Cladding stages
The use of mosaic tiles is quite common: they are used both for finishing a room and for decorating individual elements. In this case, the tiles can be laid on the floor, on the wall, on the ceiling, on the windowsill and on the countertop.
The technology of laying mosaics is not very different from laying tiles, but requires more responsibility. A convenient point when gluing mosaic tiles is their flexibility, which allows you to stretch or narrow the seams.
Glass mosaic is most often used for swimming pools, although it can also be found quite often on walls and floors as panels. Laying glass mosaic should be planned taking into account lighting, because horizontal backlight will display all errors.
Tools required for installation:
- 2 spatulas (smooth and serrated edge);
- roller or rubber grater;
- building level;
- knife;
- pencil and ruler.
To lay tiles on the floor, it is better to use more durable material: stone, marble or porcelain stoneware. Laying marble mosaics is an ideal option for a bathroom interior. This is the most durable material used for flooring. In this case, it is necessary to monitor the color of the selected glue: it should be white, not grey. This is due to the fact that marble quickly absorbs everything and changes its color shade forever.
When arranging a kitchen, bathhouse, or cafe, wooden mosaic cladding is used. This option has a lot of positive properties: strength, soundproofing, durability and uniqueness.
Preparing the foundation
Putting mosaic tiles necessary only on a prepared base. After removing the remnants of wallpaper, paint and other coatings, you need to check the plaster. A prerequisite when preparing to lay tiles is to apply a primer to hide traces of dust and improve adhesive properties. After priming and checking the walls using a level, you can proceed to the next stage.
We carry out the markings
After the primer has completely dried, the surface is marked. First of all, you need to decide how the mosaic will be laid. The choice will depend on your imagination and preferences. In addition to the classic one, there are other options for laying out mosaic tiles:
- alternating matte and glossy types;
- combining mosaics with tiles;
- pixel mosaic;
- panels and paintings;
- use of hexagonal mosaic.
The location of the mosaic pieces must be carefully marked. When making a sketch, pay attention to following points:
- if there are slopes and boxes in the room, the drawing begins to be laid out from them;
- if there is one in the room decorative element, then it has priority;
- Try to hide all possible undercuts in a corner or at the bottom of the floor.
After the sketch is drawn up, it is transferred to the wall.
Apply glue
Gluing mosaic tiles is not difficult, but you need to choose the right glue. When choosing an adhesive composition, the surface material on which the tiles are laid matters. To prevent the appearance of an unwanted shade, it is better to choose white glue for glass mosaics.
As for the preparation of the glue, the solution is prepared in accordance with the requirements specified on the packaging. After studying the instructions, apply the glue to the surface using a rubber spatula.
It is undesirable to apply glue directly to a surface with a large area, because... it dries quickly and forms a film on the wall. It is better to dilute the amount of glue that will be used immediately.
Laying on floors and walls
Laying mosaics with your own hands should begin with those places that catch your eye the most. Unlike laying technology ceramic tiles V in this case there is no need for additional support - if the work is done evenly, the mosaic will not slip or fall off. Given the high flexibility of the material, you should not press it with your hands - because of this, the sheets may lie unevenly. The optimal tool in this case would be a silicone roller.
Laying mosaic tiles on a grid:
- In this embodiment, the sheet is turned with its front side towards itself, and its back side is completely immersed in the glue.
- The sheet is gently pressed with a rubber spatula.
- The distance between the mosaic pieces is checked (it should be the same).
- The remaining adhesive is removed from the tiles, which are left to dry completely.
Laying on paper base:
- Turning the sheet of paper with the paper side towards you, glue it to the wall and tap it with a spatula to distribute it evenly.
- After laying the second line, we return to the first and blot the paper with a damp sponge until it begins to easily peel away from the surface. Remove paper from the mosaic from the top corner, getting as close to the surface as possible.
- After removing the paper backing, the seams and tiles are leveled with a small spatula.
- Before applying grout, the tiles are left to dry for 24 hours.
We produce grout
Grouting is carried out only after the solution has completely dried, and for this a minimum of 2 days must pass. The facing surface is cleaned with a brush and warm water. If there are smudges of glue at the joints, its remains are removed with a knife or sharp blade.
The mixture is diluted according to the instructions and applied at an angle of 45°. The grout is left to dry for 20 minutes, after which it is cleaned with a dry cloth to remove any remaining mixture. Then it is washed with water, and after drying it is polished.
Mapei grout is a win-win option from the Italian manufacturer. Its only disadvantage is that it quickly sets to the surface.
Many people associate mosaic tiles with exotic oriental baths and luxurious swimming pools, but today the range of its use is much wider. Finishing with exquisite mosaics can add a special charm to the design of an ordinary bathroom, kitchen or living room. The decorative capabilities of these tiles allow designers to think boldly and originally. In implementing design ideas, craftsmen are helped by a special mosaic glue, the use of which guarantees high-quality, reliable fixation of each fragment.
Mosaic glue - find the differences...Manufacturers offer various options mosaic glue. Each of them has its own characteristics. These qualities determine in what situations the glue will be used.
There are three types of it:
- cement or dry;
- ready-made, also called dispersive;
- two-component or reactive.
Let's look at them in more detail to decide what glue is needed for the mosaic.
Cement
It is produced using white or gray cement, which accordingly determines the shade of the mixture. Before use, dilute with water or mix with latex. There is a hard, elastic and highly elastic (deformable) cement adhesive. A product of the first category is appropriate in standard situations when it is necessary to veneer a smooth, clean surface with a mineral base. You can confidently apply cement mosaic adhesive to a brick or plaster wall, to a work area made of aerated and foam concrete blocks, to a cement or concrete screed.
Important advantage dry glue - low price.
In more complex cases, it is recommended to use elastic and highly elastic mosaic adhesive. This applies to surfaces that do not absorb moisture or are susceptible to temperature changes (exterior work, facing “warm” floors). Deformable adhesive firmly fixes the mosaic in rooms with high vibration, for example, in houses and apartments located near the metro or railway. The high elasticity of the composition allows you to compensate for all fluctuations.
Dispersive
This is mosaic adhesive, ready for full use. It contains only one component. The main advantage of dispersion adhesive is its ease of use. There is no need to mix anything before use. There is no need to dilute the mixture with water and use a construction mixer. It is convenient to work with dispersion glue in a living room: there is no dust from it. This is an excellent tool for minor repairs: material consumption is minimal, ready mix does not dry out and does not lose its qualities; it is enough to close the container with the remaining glue tightly with a lid until the moment when it is needed again. The mentioned factors fully justify the higher cost compared to cement-based adhesive.
Reactive
This is a composition whose ingredients (base and hardener) interact with each other when mixed. chemical reaction. The most popular products are polyurethane and epoxy based. Two-component mosaic adhesive is designed to perform the most difficult tasks. It does not contain water and is therefore suitable for materials sensitive to it, in particular for some types of natural stone.
Excellent fixation of mosaics on surfaces that do not absorb moisture: glass, metal, wood, plastic.
Working with a two-component mixture requires some skill. You need to apply it to a small area, moving quickly and at an accelerated pace. The glue dries quickly and becomes unusable. If you don’t wipe off its remains from the mosaic while it’s still fresh, it will be very difficult to scrape it off later.
Choosing mosaic adhesive: what to consider?
What is the best mosaic adhesive? The choice depends on the type of tile itself, on the characteristics of the surface being decorated, on the purpose of the room and its operating conditions. In addition, before deciding which adhesive to use for the mosaic, it is necessary to take into account the time allotted for completing the work. If time is limited, it is recommended to use a quick-hardening mixture.
Mosaic type
Cladding made from glass elements, the most whimsical in terms of styling. Through the transparent pieces you can see what's underneath. In this case, it is best to use white mosaic glue.
Fixing composition gray, visible through the glass, can distort the design design.
Ceramic tiles do not require such careful treatment; almost any mosaic adhesive, regardless of color, is suitable for laying them. The dense structure of ceramics reliably hides all traces of menial work; here more attention should be paid to the nature of the surface. The adhesive for natural stone mosaics is selected taking into account the characteristics of the material itself. It is undesirable to expose some types of stone to moisture; when working with them, it is recommended to give preference to quick-hardening or reactive adhesive.
Surface character
A smooth, durable surface is the most successful basis: mosaic adhesive is easy to apply and the tiles are held securely.
On plaster or cement screed It is easy to fix the cladding with any fixing compound. If it is necessary to place elements of future decor on uneven wall, on a surface with waterproofing or on top of old ceramics, you should use mosaic adhesive with a high elasticity index. It can be made on an epoxy or polyurethane basis.
Character of the room
Facing a surface that will not be subjected to heavy loads and increased influence of moisture does not require anything special. It is a completely different matter to lay mosaics on substrates that are under constant exposure to water.
The mosaic adhesive in the pool must meet special requirements. The most important are the following:
- good wettability or ability to absorb moisture;
- high elasticity, which ensures reliable fixation of the tiles to the surface.
In very humid environments, glass tiles should be installed using a waterproof mosaic adhesive with an adhesion rating of at least 2.5 megapascals. Thanks to this, the adhesion between waterproofing materials pool and glass will be strong and durable. Mosaic adhesive with the addition of liquid latex provides a more reliable fixation.
Important! The adhesive for laying mosaic tiles in a pool must last at least two weeks after all work is completed. Only after this can the container be filled with water. Work in a swimming pool located outdoors cannot be carried out at temperatures below +5°C.
How to lay mosaic tiles: step-by-step instructions
- The first thing you need to do is prepare work surface: sand it well so that there are no irregularities, remove dust, dirt and remnants of the old coating. To more accurately fix the tiles, it is recommended to make markings on the base to be tiled.
- By selecting best glue for a mosaic in this situation, it needs to be stirred. The exception is a one-component ready-made composition. When calculating the proportions of ingredients, you should follow the manufacturer's instructions so that the mixture is not too liquid and not thick.
- Mosaic tile adhesive is applied with a special notched spatula. Glue solution must be evenly distributed over the surface to be treated. For stronger adhesion, you can lubricate both the base and the tile.
Important! The back side of the glass mosaic must be covered with an even layer of glue. If you apply the fixing mixture only to the wall with a notched trowel, the resulting grooves will be visible through the transparent material.
- Regardless of which mosaic adhesive is used, it is necessary to achieve maximum adhesion between the surfaces. To do this, you can gently tap the tile, pressing it in a little. In order for the mosaic to lie flat, you need to adjust the position of its individual elements.
- After one to two days, you can grind the seams. You should start cleaning the mosaic no earlier than twenty minutes later. It is not recommended to use a sponge that is too wet for this, as water may damage or wash away the grout.
Mosaic on grid or paper
Modern manufacturers of materials for interior decoration strive to simplify the process of their use as much as possible. Adhesive mosaic is no exception. Now there is no need to spend a lot of time carefully arranging each individual element. For the most comfortable work, a mosaic was created on a mesh or paper base. This technology allows you to lay the pattern in blocks rather than small pieces.
Manufacturers are straightforward - mosaic glue and period Mosaic adhesive on mesh or paper does not have any fundamental differences. But before laying the tile sheets, it is advisable to mark the surface so that the pattern comes out smooth and beautiful. During the gluing process, it is necessary to ensure that the fiberglass mesh, which is located on the back side of the mosaic, is evenly immersed in the solution. Paper base connects tile fragments from the front. After gluing, the cladding must be moistened with a sponge, and then carefully remove the soaked material, being careful not to move the mosaic.
Important! Special attention It is worth paying attention to the seams between the tile sheets. Their dimensions must exactly match the distance between the individual mosaic fragments.
So, what will help you choose the right mosaic adhesive: user reviews, expert advice or manufacturer’s instructions? Needs to be taken into account useful information from different sources. In addition, they will help you make your choice important factors discussed above.
