How to install mosaic tiles
To install mosaic tiles is a job that requires experience, precision and patience. We always recommend hiring a tiler, preferably one who has experience in working with laying mosaic tiles. Do not choose a tiler who works to make meters and finish quickly; to install mosaic tiles requires more time and patience than regular tiles. For this reason, keep in mind that the tiler may take longer or charge more per square meter.
Want to install mosaic tiles yourself? These are the steps a professional goes through when installing mosaic tiles.
- Make sure the surface is completely flat, clean and dry.
- Choose the right adhesive depending on the surface and application. Please research the website or packaging of the relevant manufacturer(s). Some well-known manufacturers with good adhesives are: Eurocol , Mapei, PCI, Sopro (these are just a few, there are many more).
- Are you going to work with glass mosaics? Then make sure you have a clean white substrate and only work with white adhesive, otherwise the colour of the glue will show through the glass tiles. White glue prevents the mosaic tiles from looking less like the original colour than you expect.
- Apply the adhesive with an adhesive spreader or notched trowel. Preferably with a small toothing. Start in the centre of the surface and work outwards from there. Apply enough glue, but not too much. Spread the glue in a circular motion. Install the mosaic tiles before the glue hardens.
- Apply the first sheet of mosaic tiles in the middle of the surface. Measure it out or even better, use a tile laser. Also make sure you apply the sheet level to the surface by pressing down on the sheet with a grout float and checking this with a spirit level tool. This way all mosaic tiles are in contact with the glue. If the glue comes out between the joints, you have either used too much glue or pressed down too hard with the grout float. Remove the excess glue, for example with a spatula or small brush. Otherwise you will not be able to grout there later.
- Repeat this process until the surface is covered with the mosaics.
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