Mosaic and tile design. Mosaic tiles in the bathroom

Mosaic as a finishing material in the bathroom can be used for both walls and floors. Among its main advantages are strength, resistance to moisture, extensive design potential. Actually, a mosaic can mean any material from small fragments - from tiles and glass to PVC and metal.

Modern mosaic panels are rarely laid out from loose elements. More often these are already typed canvases on a paper or mesh substrate. They are significantly cheaper than those coatings that need to be typed manually. The range of typesetting kits includes multi-colored or translucent materials, all kinds of images (very often -).

Bathroom decoration with non-standard mosaics

Mosaic can be used to cover all walls or only fragments - for example, for countertops, framing a mirror or bathroom, wall or floor panels, lining the surface of a bathtub or sink.

Stylish bathroom interior decoration with mosaics

Mosaic materials

The classic version of the mosaic -. It is characterized by strength, density, brightness of shades and accuracy of geometric dimensions.

Mosaic trimmed mirrors in the bathroom

From glass

Glass mosaic is translucent, smooth, shiny and incredibly durable. Such elements are made in delicate shades, decorated with mother-of-pearl coating or even gilding. Among the characteristics of glass mosaic:

• absolute moisture resistance;
• the ability to create a unique play of light;
• increased strength, resistance to mechanical stress.

The washbasin top is decorated with bright mosaics.

Advice. When using glass mosaic blocks, an appropriate grout should be applied to keep the panel clear and not cloudy.

Smalt

Smalt is a more expensive type of glass mosaic where metal oxides are added to the glass and the mixture is pressed under high temperatures. Mosaic elements are obtained, reminiscent of both glass and metal surfaces - the same shiny and opaque. The main advantage of smalt is its unique appearance and aesthetics.

It looks like smalt and tiles from it

Mirror

Mirror mosaic, as a rule, is used in fragments, and not continuous on the walls. With the help of such modules, a specific pattern is created. But you can also use mirror inserts for zoning - for example, decorating the ceiling with them or highlighting only one wall, so that the boundaries of the room seem to “leave”.

Mirror mosaic

metal mosaic

Elements created from pieces of metal are a special style and originality of the bathroom. Such a mosaic does not have to be exactly metal - this variety also includes a combined multi-layer coating in which a metal foil is “sealed” between glass pieces.

Metal mosaic suitable for high-tech style

Natural stone

Mosaic made of natural stone is a classic solution, durable and very beautiful. Various rocks are used here - from quartz and marble to onyx, malachite or jasper. The cost of coating will be directly proportional to the value of the stone, but this option is almost always classified as luxury.

Mosaic from natural stone

A spectacular stone mosaic will make the bathroom luxurious, even if it is used fragmentarily - only around the mirror, near the bathroom, as a floor panel.

Polymer materials

Modern bathroom mosaics can also be made from polymeric materials. With the help of PVC modules on the walls of the room, you can recreate any realistic image. The advantages of polymer mosaic include:

• the ability to select the sizes and shapes necessary for a particular image;
• easy installation, because the mosaic panel will be flexible;
• low weight - surfaces for finishing do not have to be further strengthened;
• no toxic components;
• universality;
• moisture resistance;
• resistance to temperature changes and various types of detergents.

Mosaic made of polymer materials

But no matter what type of mosaic you choose, you should also observe the subtleties of installation so that the surface really turns out to be of high quality and stylish.

Popular decor options

Among the popular drawings and decoration methods performed by mosaics, it is worth noting:

1. panel, created from elements of non-contrasting shades, recreating one of the traditional ornaments - ancient Greek, ethnic.



A panel is a picture laid out from a mosaic

2. Inclusion in decor pearlescent modules. They can be placed against the background of matte walls - you don’t even have to combine colors, because the difference will be visible precisely thanks to the mother-of-pearl coating. Such a mosaic looks solemn and bright.



Pearly shine

3. Creation gradient, a smooth transition from one color to another - here the combination of small mosaic elements will be more than ever in place.



By adjusting the number of tiles of different colors, we set the color of the site

4. Monochromatic layout. Quite a budget option for a mosaic, but still very effective. You can achieve greater expressiveness if you choose a contrasting grout for facing.



Mosaic tiles of almost the same tone

5. Mosaic of irregular shape- rectangles, rhombuses, circles. Here it is the form that will dominate, and not the color, so that more than two shades on one surface are not combined.



Round mosaic

6. Use zoning principle, placing horizontal or vertical stripes on the wall in the bathroom.



Stripes laid out from a mosaic of different colors

7. Floral motifs- from graphic and contour images to lush bouquets, single motifs or a cropped image of a flower, only one part of it in the macro technique.

Mosaic bathroom decoration ideas: photo

Mosaic tiles are one of the best bathroom tiles. With its help, you can focus on a certain section of the wall, make original panels, create an interesting ornament. Mosaic tiles can be used to decorate walls or floors.

Mosaic tiles are the most suitable material for bathroom decoration; it meets all the requirements of this room.

What is a mosaic?

Mosaic is an ornament created from several small ceramic, glass or stone pieces. In most cases, the pieces are rectangular in shape.

The main difference between a mosaic and a tile is its small size.

Mosaics for decorating surfaces have been used for a very long time. It was used in ancient Greece and Rome to create drawings on the walls of temples.

Mosaic is great for decorating rooms with a high level of humidity, especially for bathrooms.

Kinds

Mosaic is made from materials that have a solid texture. Most often, thermally processed clay is used, but you can also find wooden panels created from mosaics.

There are several types of mosaic tiles. One of the most popular is ceramic mosaic. Such mosaic pieces are well adapted to moisture, they are easy to lay.

The ceramic mosaic of different colors is presented on the market. From a large assortment, you can choose the right one for a particular interior. For the production of such a mosaic, ceramics with a porous structure are used.

Often you can find a stone mosaic coating. It is made of granite, marble, sometimes jasper. Due to the hardness of these materials, high strength and durability of the material is achieved.

Stone mosaic has good performance, excellent wear resistance.

Glass mosaic is obtained from glass, which is subjected to special processing, due to this, high strength is achieved. To make the surface matte, coloring components are added to the glass. Small glass tiles look very nice in the design of the bathroom.

Of particular interest is the smalt mosaic. Smalt is a type of glass that has an unusual property: it lies in the glow. Smalt mosaic looks different, it can change color depending on the light. Because of this feature, smalt mosaic coating is used to create bright drawings and abstractions.

Metal mosaic is rarely used. Usually such a mosaic complements the main pattern of the tile. A metal mosaic is a steel plate with a small thickness, the basis of which is rubber.

Advantages of mosaic coating

Mosaic flooring has many advantages. Translated from Italian, "mosaic" means "composition of small details."

The small size is the main advantage of this facing material.. This allows you to use the mosaic to decorate hard-to-reach surfaces, for example, those that have a rounded shape. This feature is of great importance for the decor of the bathroom - a room that has a small area, in which there are many bizarre shapes.

Another advantage - variety of forms. Mosaic tiles can have different shapes, and this is very important for interior design. Thanks to the polygonal pieces, the craftsmen create interesting compositions. The usual tile does not have such capabilities.

Mosaic is an eco-friendly material, almost all components in its composition are of natural origin. Mosaic tiles are safe for health.

One of the main reasons for the great popularity of mosaic tiles is durability. This material is easy to use. The main quality of the mosaic coating - high moisture resistance.

Ceramic mosaic tiles in the bathroom do not absorb liquid at all, the water absorption coefficient is zero. Due to this, the coatings created from the mosaic do not collapse for a very long time and do not need special care. They are easy to clean from dirt.

Mosaic has good resistance to mechanical damage and sudden temperature changes, does not fade, does not darken over time. Mosaic can be combined with ordinary tiles.

In the interior of the bathroom, mosaic tiles are great for placing accents, perform a decorative function and give the interior a special originality.

Patterns and images

The main feature of mosaic tiles is that it can be used to create unusual ornaments in various colors. Many drawings created from mosaics several centuries ago have survived to this day. This is the best evidence of the durability of such a finish.

In the interior of the bathroom, you can create an interesting design and lay out your favorite ornament using multi-colored mosaic elements. This occupation is not fast, painstaking, it will require effort and some skills: a professional will best cope with this task.

On sale there are ready-made mosaic blocks with a pattern already applied, it remains only to decorate the surfaces with them.

In the interiors of bathrooms, you can often find a colorful floral mosaic ornament. With such a pattern on the walls, the room is transformed, such a design causes genuine admiration. This decor is individual, as the design attracts attention with its uniqueness and reflects the preferences of the owners of the house.

Floral patterns in bathroom decoration are one of the most popular. Floral ornaments have smooth lines, natural energy comes from such decor. The atmosphere of freshness and lightness reigns in the room, a person feels close to the natural world. Sometimes even a small ornament of flowers is enough to transform the bathroom.

Mosaic can create not only floral, but also oriental ornaments. Against the background of oriental mosaic ornaments, a backlit mirror looks luxurious.

Mosaic in the bathroom can be combined with small pebbles. Small pebbles, when used with mosaics, are a very effective wall decoration.

A great option is to make a mosaic pattern on a marine theme. This image is best suited for the bathroom. The underwater world (exotic fish, algae) on the walls of the bathroom always looks advantageous. Blue mosaic on light surfaces is a classic decoration for a corner of cleanliness.

Using small pieces, you can create any image on the surfaces. You can use both multi-colored pieces for a unique design, and blocks with ready-made drawings. Laying such blocks is similar to picking up a puzzle.

You can choose a mosaic pattern, focusing on your personal preferences, fashion trends and the style in which the interior is decorated.

Bathroom finishing options

There are many options for finishing the bathroom with mosaics.

An old cast-iron bathroom can be decorated with mosaics and, thus, update it, transform the atmosphere.

In the bathroom, which is large in size, the decoration of the floor and wall surfaces with mosaic patterns looks spectacular.

A good option is to decorate only the bottom of the wall with mosaics, for example, next to the washbasin.
In the shower cabin, decorate the floor with mosaics, and around the mirror, make a three-dimensional mosaic frame.

An interesting but discreet pattern made from pieces of small tiles will make the wall decor exclusive, while the inhabitants of the house will feel peaceful in the room, because such an atmosphere inspires calmness, and this is especially important for bathroom design.

Using a small mosaic tile, you can focus on one of the walls. Thanks to this design technique, the design will turn out to be original and not too expensive.

Mosaic allows you to protect the work area from moisture and give the decor a twist and originality. It can decorate both a large area and small areas of surfaces.

Mosaic makes it possible to highlight a certain element of decor. With the help of these decorative pieces of ceramics, even a small bathroom can be divided into zones.

A large mirror installed on the opposite side of the entrance to the bathroom will also help zone the room: due to this, you will be able to visually expand the boundaries of the room. Decorate a section of the wall on one side of the mirror with a mosaic that has a rich blue tint, and decorate the other side with a light blue mosaic.

Mosaic inserts can be made not only near the mirror, but also next to other decorative elements, such as a shelf. You can decorate niches with mosaics: this will bring harmony to the room.

The facing with pieces of mosaic of the surface of the walls around the bathroom looks very aesthetically pleasing. A mosaic frame for panels is also a good solution.

Mosaic can be laid out beautiful panels. Such decoration of the wall surface attracts attention, besides, a section of the wall with such a design can become the main design element.

Mosaic is perfect not only for decorating walls, but also for decorating the floor.

Small tiles can be used to lay paths or make a rug. Mosaics are often used to decorate the floor next to the bathroom, and besides, this floor design is much safer than tiles.

Important! The material has a special texture that differs from ordinary tiles, and the likelihood of slipping on such a coating is much less than on tiles.

If the bathroom is finished in light colors, then you can lay out individual sections with a bright mosaic with a shiny surface. It is easy to do, and the result will be amazing: it will create a special atmosphere in the bathroom.

Mosaic tiles are also indispensable for finishing a multi-level floor. Stair steps are more convenient to decorate with small tiles than tiles with standard sizes.

For decoration, you can use both plain mosaic tiles and with a pattern. As a rule, designers combine several shades and thereby create spectacular compositions.

Design examples: find out how best to equip a small-sized bathroom, especially a combined one - design techniques for visually expanding a cramped space are described in detail.

You will find a detailed overview of bathroom mirror cabinets with and without lighting.

You can see photos of bathrooms with a corner bath in the article at:

Ways of laying tiles

There are a lot of options for laying mosaics. Most often, the mosaic is laid like a grid - this is the easiest option. This method allows the use of mosaics of any shape, but preferably monophonic.

The corner method consists in laying the mosaic in the shape of a rhombus. There is a mosaic of this shape on sale, but you can also lay diagonally a mini-tile that has a rectangular shape, while shifting the seams or placing them parallel to one another. The seams should match diagonally.

It is recommended to use two contrasting colors, because such a finish looks dynamic, allows you to level uneven surfaces, and due to this installation method, you can visually expand the room. Such a design is non-trivial, but it looks very beautiful.

Another styling option is a checkerboard pattern. To do this, use a tile of two contrasting shades, while the seams do not move. It is best to use a mosaic of black and white. This method is suitable for creating 3d drawings, placing accents with mosaics and smoothing out wall defects.

Advice. It will also be interesting to look at the striped pattern when horizontal and vertical stripes alternate. But keep in mind that such a pattern causes a visual curvature of the surface, which is not very pleasing to the eye.

In small rooms, you can do linear styling. In this case, different shades, textures are selected.

Lines can break, cross, move to the side. This allows you to visually enlarge the space. This method can be used in modern or high-tech interiors, eclectic design.

Mosaic can be laid in the form of a herringbone: in this case, plain tiles are used.
Laying is also done "in a run" or with a shift to the side.

Mosaics can also be laid on top of ordinary tiles. This technique is called "multi-layer finishing".

Decorating the bathroom with mosaics is a practical solution: such decor looks very attractive and, moreover, the mosaic is durable.

Mosaic tiles are an excellent cladding material that allows you to create beautiful bathroom interiors.

Photo gallery with design options

The bathroom is the most important room in the apartment. In it, each person does daily morning procedures, as well as rests after a hard day's work. Therefore, it is important that the interior of this room is pleasing to the eye, and besides, it is practical and calm. Regardless of the chosen plumbing, the main tone of the room is set by the walls. They are decorated in hundreds of ways, and one of them is the mosaic in the bathroom.

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What is a mosaic?

Mosaic is a pattern made up of small pieces of ceramic, glass or stone. Often these pieces are made rectangular, but this is not a prerequisite. This coating differs from the tile in size.

But time does not stand still. Mosaic of today is an affordable way to finish rooms with high humidity - kitchens, bathrooms, toilets. But what has changed in the last 2000 years? And what are its advantages over other finishing materials?

Types of mosaic coating

Mosaic tiles are made from solid materials. In stores today they are even sold, although the traditional raw material is baked clay.

Mosaics include:

• Ceramic. Fine ceramic bathroom mosaic tile tolerates humid environments, is easy to install, and choosing the right color among those offered on the market will not be difficult. Tiles are manufactured industrially from lightweight, porous ceramics;



• Stone. For the manufacture of stone mosaics, granite, volcanic tuff, marble, sometimes jasper and some other semi-precious stones are used. These are hard materials, so this lining is exceptionally wear-resistant, strong and durable;



• Glass. To create mosaic slabs, glass is treated in a special way, so that it becomes very durable. In addition, dyes and special ingredients are added to it to create a matte finish. Small glass tiles are one of the most beautiful types of mosaics in the bathroom;



• Smalt. Smalt is a type of glass with an interesting glow property. It looks different depending on the lighting, changes shades and therefore is often used to create abstract and colorful patterns;



• Metal. This type of mosaic in the bathroom is used infrequently, as an addition to the main tile pattern. The tile itself is a thin plate of brass or steel, planted on a rubber (rubber) base.

Material Advantages

Decorating the bathroom with mosaic tiles gives it the look of an old bath, this is the way the rooms for taking bath procedures were finished in ancient Greece. True, in those days there were no ready-made mosaic tiles, the patterns were made by hand with separate natural stones, this was a difficult and long task. All mosaic tiles that exist today are classified according to several criteria.

Tile material and brief characteristics

Production material	Brief characteristics
	The most common option, universal application. It has sufficient strength, impervious to moisture. The cheapest tile. Depending on the thickness of the mosaic, it can be installed on the walls or floor of the bathroom.
	A more expensive version of the tile, imitates ceramics. Has many color options. Advantages - the color does not change during the entire period of operation, when exposed to direct sunlight, the surfaces “play”.
	Mineral dyes are added to the composition, mainly used for finishing floors. It is rarely used for walls due to difficult care. Microcracks form on surfaces over time, in which various microorganisms multiply. It is very difficult to remove them from there.
	The artistic look of ceramics, original and beautiful, but the cost does not match the properties. Made from ceramic production waste, the increase in price from an objective point of view is unreasonable.

Depending on the method of fixing individual mosaic tiles to the canvas, there can be two types.

1. Individual plates are fixed on paper. The paper is pasted on the front side. This is an outdated technology for making mosaic tiles. The laying technology is complicated for several reasons. Firstly, it is more difficult to monitor the gaps in the joints of individual sheets. Secondly, the paper needs to be moistened and removed, and this is an additional waste of time and effort.
2. The plates are fixed on the reinforcing mesh on the reverse side. Such a tile is easier to work with, the front surface is visible during laying, it is easier to correct mistakes, the pattern and the distance between the seams are immediately visible. After the installation is completed, it is much easier and faster to rub the seams.

For bathrooms, you can use any ceramic tile, the choice depends on financial capabilities and preferences. The only wish is not to use tiles with uneven front surfaces, they are very difficult to clean. And in the bathroom, you need to wash the surfaces often, they accumulate a lot of dirt and residue from dried water.

It is much more difficult to work with it than with the usual one. Why? For ordinary tiles, a surface with a height difference of up to 4 mm is suitable; experienced tilers level the base with tile adhesive without any problems. During laying, they do not use a notched trowel, but an ordinary one, put a lot of glue in the corners and in the center of the tile. Then, with light taps and with a constant check of the position by the level, the height is leveled by one level. These, of course, are violations of the generally accepted theoretical technology, but in practice, professionals often use such a simplified method. The quality of laying tiles almost does not suffer, and the speed of work is significantly increased. We do not recommend using this method for beginners, they have too great a risk of making mistakes due to inexperience.

The base for the mosaic tiles must be perfectly flat, height differences are prohibited. The small size of individual mosaics will never be leveled; elevations or depressions will remain noticeable on the wall.

In addition, various types of glue can be used for ordinary tiles, this factor has almost no effect on the adhesion density. If he spoke, then the excess is easily removed from the seams, the final color of the grout does not change. It is also optional to make a primer, the tile has a large area and there is always a site with sufficient adhesion. With a mosaic, such actions are unacceptable. The glue should be only white, it is almost impossible to remove excess gray from the gaps.

Another problem is that mosaic tiles can only be laid under a comb. It provides gluing of each tile. If this is not followed, then they will fall out (for a mosaic pasted on paper) or will stagger (for a mosaic pasted on a reinforcing mesh).

bathroom mosaic tiles

Preparation of the base for mosaic tiles

We have already mentioned that the tile lies on a perfectly flat surface. Often the walls are leveled with drywall - quickly, evenly and cheaply. We strongly discourage the use of plasterboard for leveling bathroom walls. Its main disadvantage is low physical strength. With medium loads, for example, while washing, you leaned against the wall, it will bend. As a result, the tile will fall off. Drywall is used by construction companies, so they significantly increase the speed of work and, accordingly, their profits. As always, the customer pays for everything.

If you are finishing the bathroom with your own hands, then do not be too lazy to plaster the walls with a cement-sand mortar. We will give step-by-step instructions for laying ceramic tiles specifically for this option.

Step 1. Check the condition of the wall. In most cases, after ordinary plaster, it will have to be leveled. Check with an even long rail or level, apply it in different places and at different angles. Look at the gaps. It is much easier to detect irregularities with a light bulb. Put it on the floor, the light rays will indicate irregularities.

How to make a surface suitable for laying mosaic tiles?

1. Prepare the putty mortar and primer. Choose quality material, do not try to save money.
2. Thoroughly prime the surface. The fact is that a small putty in thickness will fall off in case of insufficient adhesion. Prime twice in transverse directions. Use a deep penetration primer, it will serve as an additional protection against moisture ingress.

   Deep penetrating primer CERESIT CT 17

   Dilute the primer in the proportions indicated on the canister. If there are concerns about its quality, then reduce the amount of water by about 15%. But in no case is it recommended to increase the percentage of water, even minor violations of the material preparation technology significantly reduce its effectiveness.

   A diluted, primer mixture lays down better, sets faster. However, deep-penetrating works best when undiluted.

   It is better to prime with a brush, not a roller. With a brush, you can carefully rub the liquid into the surface, while the roller will only wet it. In addition, all hard-to-reach places are processed with a brush, which cannot be done with a roller.

3. While the primer dries, prepare the plaster. Water is first poured into the container, and then the dry mixture is poured in portions. For stirring, it is better to use a mixer, if it is not, then you will have to stir by hand. Let the solution stand for five minutes, after this time, mix it again.
4. You need to plaster with a large flat spatula, rub the mortar into the plaster with maximum effort. Go through each place several times. Ignore if you have traces of a spatula, over time experience will appear and the surfaces will be smooth.

   In extreme cases, after drying, the traces can be removed with a sandpaper. It is better to fix it on a flat board or trowel, grind in a circular motion, do not press hard.

   If there is no sanding paper, and the marks are small, then you can smooth them out with a metal iron.

   Press it firmly at an angle to the wall surface and swipe it several times over the surface in different directions. In most cases, this alignment is sufficient.

5. Clean the surface of dust, it is advisable to use a vacuum cleaner.

Step 2. Measure the area of ​​​​the walls, purchase the appropriate amount of glue and tiles.

The margin for tiles can be made small, 5% is enough. The fact is that it is easily cut to the desired size at the seams, the minimum amount of waste. This ordinary tile can chip or have uneven edges and increase waste.

Step 3 Apply the primer very carefully twice. Do not miss this operation, we have already mentioned that mosaic tiles do not tolerate deviations from technology.

Step 4 Consider tile placement. If you plan to make a decorative mosaic border, then decide on its height and cladding material.

Step 5. On the wall, draw the lines for laying the curb and tiles. If there is little experience, then draw lines every three rows of tiles, this will make it possible to constantly control its position. The fact is that sheets of glued mosaic are large, and the larger the size of a unit of material, the more difficult it is to eliminate defects when the gap between them is violated.

Step 6. Prepare the glue. The technology is indicated on the packaging, follow the manufacturer's recommendations. Are there any concerns about its quality? Add a little primer to the water for dilution, about 10-20% of the total. The primer you will have from previous operations.

Important. The consistency of the glue requires very careful attention. For an ordinary tile, this is not so important, it lies from the bottom up, a cross is inserted into each seam to maintain the gap. The same cross does not allow individual tiles to slowly sink down over time. It is useless to use for a mosaic cross, they will not keep it from lowering. This means that the adhesive must be thick, but not so thick as to impair the coefficient of adhesion to the wall and tiles.

Step 7. Start work from the bottom row and the far corner. Glue should be applied twice. First with a flat spatula, and then with a comb. The height of the ridges is within 3-5 mm, choose the appropriate spatula and give it the proper slope. The better the glue is rubbed, the more securely each individual tile will hold. This is especially true for tiles on paper. Reinforced mesh increases the reliability of fastening, it is deeply immersed in the adhesive.

Practical advice. We have already said that it will be necessary to maintain the distance between the tiles by eye, it is very difficult for inexperienced builders. So that the inevitable flaws are hardly noticeable, stack it in a checkerboard pattern. Cut one whole sheet with a construction knife into two parts, start the first row with a half, and the next with a full sheet.

Step 8 Carefully place the first sheet in a horizontal position. If you need to trim it a little, then slowly move it with the palms of two hands. With significant or incorrectly directed efforts, the mosaic tile will fold like an accordion. To ensure a snug fit of all tiles, use a trowel, the larger it is, the better. Every 3-4 sheets, control their position in different directions with a long rail or level. If you have a laser level, great. Its lines are not smeared with glue, you can work faster. Do not allow gaps, it is very difficult to fix them later.

It is important to know that it is not recommended to completely remove the glued sheet, you can only correct the position on the wall. The removed sheet is difficult to prepare for reuse, especially if it is paper-based, the paper may get wet and tear during removal.

Video - Mosaic Laying

Practical advice. Pay close attention to piping outlets. Here it is better to put more glue than less. The rest will be removed, no problem.

In the same way, continue to work on the entire surface of the bathroom wall.

Step 9. If your sheets of mosaic tiles were paper, then it should be removed. It is necessary to start removing only after the adhesive has completely hardened, the time is indicated on its packaging, in most cases it is 24 hours. Wet the paper with a damp sponge, there should be enough water. Do not leave dry areas so that it can be easily removed, the entire area should be well wet. The paper must be removed all at once, otherwise the residue will be difficult to remove. Wetting time is approximately 2-3 minutes, there are missed places - do not tear off the paper, but repeat the soaking again. If everything is done correctly, then the ceramic tile will easily be released from the top paper.

For tiles on a reinforcing mesh, this operation is not needed, which greatly simplifies the process of performing work.

Step 10. Grouting.

As you might guess, mosaic tiles have a lot of seams. Practice shows that grouting takes no less time than laying. Moreover, it is rarely possible to do everything qualitatively the first time, you have to repeat the operation. For grouting, use bactericidal plastic materials. They are not cheap, but then redoing the wall cladding will cost even more. If the surface of all tiles is even, then it is easier to work. With a large rubber spatula, rub the mass into the seams, make considerable efforts, do not allow gaps.

We wipe the surfaces

The surface is dry - check the quality of work. All gaps found must be refilled with mass and then cleaned.

Some apartment owners, in order to improve the appearance of the bathroom, cover certain sections of the walls in the bathroom with decorative mosaic tiles with roughness or tiles of uneven height. There is a lot of fuss with them, you will have to rub and then clean each tile separately. How long this will take is impossible to foresee.

How to tile curved surfaces with mosaic tiles

The algorithm for working on such surfaces has its own characteristics. When the tile is pressed against curved planes, the adhesive is completely absent in the center of the ceramic tiles, and its thickness increases along the edges. Due to this redistribution of glue, the center of the tiles does not hold at all, and the sides take a long time to dry. To minimize the negative effect, it is recommended to paste over such surfaces with mosaic tiles with the minimum dimensions of the elements.

Technology of laying mosaic tiles on the bathroom floor

For these purposes, you need to buy a thick tile. The algorithm of actions differs in several points.

1. The floor must be waterproof. Use various impregnations for these purposes, they have excellent adhesion to both the concrete base and the tile adhesive. In addition, they have good waterproof properties.
2. Glue for tiles must be of high quality. Small size significantly increases the likelihood of undermining individual pieces of the mosaic by various household appliances. The biggest danger is an old washing machine. While drying clothes, it has a strong vibration, can "ride" on the floor. At this time, the legs cling to the protruding edges of the tile and tear it off the floor.
3. Grouting is carried out only with high-quality materials and very carefully. The presence of voids is completely prohibited. There are times when such air pockets are invisible at the top. To eliminate problem areas, rub the grout with great effort and several times in one place.
4. Keep in mind that the floor with mosaic tiles does not have slopes to drain water, it is useless to make them. A small angle will have no effect, and you cannot increase the slope. In this regard, the need to carefully carry out all construction activities to seal the floor increases significantly.

Answers to frequently asked questions

Can mosaic tiles be cut?

No you can not. The only option is that you are a professional and have a special diamond cutter. And then in that case, a tile with dimensions of individual elements of at least 2 × 2 cm and made on a reinforcing mesh will be cut. It won't come out on paper. The fact is that the diamond wheel of a professional cutter is water-cooled, the paper will get wet, the mosaic sheet will fall apart into separate pieces.

What if the gap in the corner of the room is larger than the width of the tile fragment?

The optimal solution is to accurately calculate the position of the plates and slightly increase the gap between them. But in this way you can do it if the increase in the gap does not exceed 2 mm, otherwise the appearance of the wall will deteriorate. To eliminate such problems, it is better to purchase special plastic corners. They are installed in the same way as under an ordinary tile. With the help of corner elements, a gap of up to five millimeters is eliminated.

How to accurately make a round hole?

While laying the mosaic tiles with a carpenter's knife, cut a square hole for the diameter of the pipe. Next, detach the mosaic elements from the cut out piece, you will need four pieces. There are two ways to remove sharp corners of squares.

1. First. Hold one corner of the tile with pliers, and gradually break off the second in small pieces with sharp wire cutters.
2. Second. Take a tile with pliers and grind the desired angle with a grinder with a diamond disc.

Important. There are two types of diamond blades: for cutting concrete and tiles. They have significant differences and cannot be used for other purposes. The concrete disc has long radial slots to remove large amounts of dust from thick concrete. These slots create vibration, under the influence of which the tile will crack. Discs for tile work do not have slots, they have shallow short grooves along the side planes.

Is it possible to restore the original appearance of a mosaic tile?

This can only be done if you have a supply of plates. It is impossible to pick up exactly the same mosaic in the store after a long time. Each batch of goods has its own differences, this is due to the peculiarities of the technological process.

If you follow all the recommendations, treat the work responsibly and carefully, then the quality of the cladding with your own hands will not differ much from the work of professionals. Do not rush, carefully consider each operation. Start laying tiles from the most inconspicuous corner of the bathroom. Even if small errors are made at first, no one will notice them. And during this time you will be able to gain a little practical experience in performing such complex facing work, there will be no more marriage.

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Finishing rooms with high humidity or direct contact with water is difficult to imagine without the use of ceramic tiles. Both of these factors are present in the bathroom, so decorating it with mosaics, as a type of ceramics, is quite justified, and artistic diversity, the affordability of many types of prices and the possibility of laying mosaic lining with your own hands make this material popular.

The mosaic impresses with its decorative effect and original look.

Let's consider what a mosaic is, the varieties of this material and the features of bathroom mosaic finishing technologies, depending on the types of chips (mosaic elements, mosaic modules).

What is a mosaic

A drawing, pattern or ornament made of small colored pieces of some material fixed on a plane is called a mosaic. The same name is used to denote the technology for performing such work, the finishing material itself and its individual elements (chips, mosaic modules).

Of the many varieties of mosaic technologies, do-it-yourself block (matrix) mosaics and mosaic decoration from multi-colored tiles cut or broken into pieces have become widespread.

Let's take a look at these two technologies.

Mosaic for the bathroom comes from different materials, a variety of textures and color palettes.

The bases are finished with block mosaics by laying matrices 327x327 or 200x200 mm in size on the walls or floor, which are pieces of mesh or paper on which mosaic chips of similar color are fixed in an orderly manner. If necessary, the matrix can be cut with ordinary scissors along the grid or paper to give it a different format. Mosaic tiles can be cut or pricked with special nippers. The format of the chips is a square with a side of 10, 15 or 20 mm.

Varieties of matrix mosaic by material

According to the material of manufacture, mosaic tiles are divided into the following types:

• glass;
• smalt;
• ceramic;
• porcelain stoneware;
• stone.

In addition to those listed, there are also metal, mirror and even gold mosaics, such laying of mosaics in the bathroom requires professional skills, and the cost of the material is many times higher than the price of the usual varieties of mosaic lining.

In matrix panels, the mosaic is laid out in straight rows, at a cost it is the most economical

Mosaic material from self-cut ceramic chips

This method of finishing, although it cannot compete on equal terms with the technology of facing with mosaic blocks in terms of aesthetics, is perfect for repairing a bathroom or a bathroom in the country. The material for such a cladding is made by hand - the chips of the desired size and shape are cut with a tile cutter from the ceramics remaining after the repair or substandard tiles purchased at a reasonable price. The modest cost of this type of finish makes laying such a mosaic popular among craftsmen, and with a sufficient assortment of homemade chips and skills to perform this work, the result can even exceed expectations.

Matrix mosaic cladding

Consider the laying technology used for do-it-yourself facing of surfaces with popular types of mosaics, taking into account the characteristics of the tile material.

The preparation of the base for the mosaic does not depend on the material of the tile and consists in leveling and priming the surfaces to be tiled.

Preparing the substrate for laying the mosaic plays an important role in how the mosaic will look later.

Preparatory work on the walls

You can level the base for the mosaic decoration of the bathroom walls with your own hands using any of the known methods, even with drywall sheets (GKL), since the chips do not require a high bearing capacity from the base. But when choosing this method, it must be taken into account that even moisture-resistant drywall (GKLV) does not tolerate direct contact with water and therefore needs enhanced waterproofing of both sides and ends of the material. Therefore, if it is possible to make leveling by plastering, then this reliable method should be preferred.

The priming of the walls is also done by hand with a moisture-resistant primer in two layers. As a primer, it is advisable to use an aqueous solution of latex, prepared in a ratio of 1:3.

Preparing the floor for laying the mosaic

Do-it-yourself bathroom floor surface is leveled with a screed from a cement-sand mortar prepared in a ratio of 1: 3. The coupler is performed with a slope device in the direction opposite to the front door, or (if any) in the direction of the ladder. The slope should be 5%. The finished screed is covered with a layer of cellophane for a week to prevent premature evaporation from the moisture solution, after which the film is removed and the base is allowed to dry until the surface acquires a uniform light gray color.

If there are only sinks on a flat floor, then its leveling can be limited only by grouting cracks with tile adhesive.

The floor is also primed with two layers of a moisture-resistant primer.

The quality of leveling the base under the mosaic is subject to increased requirements, since laying matrices will not succeed in hiding the unevenness of the base, and the mosaic will only repeat all the defects in the surface of the walls or floor. Differences in height of the base prepared for laying under the mosaic should not exceed 2 mm per 1 m of linear length.

Adhesive compositions for mosaic blocks

When laying the matrices on the walls in the bathroom, the choice of adhesive depends on the material of the chips and the characteristics of the substrate.

Adhesives for glass and smalt mosaics

When facing bases with glass or smalt mosaics, the adhesive should be white, since laying transparent and translucent mosaic chips on dark or colored glue is fraught with a change in color and loss of brightness of the finishing modules.

Examples of white cement-based adhesives for glass and smalt chips are Litoplus K55, CERESIT CM 115 or Mapei Adesilex P10. White polyurethane adhesives Mapei Keralastic T, SuperFlex Eco or Litokol Litoacril Plus can also be used.

Adhesives: Litoplus K55, Mapei Keralastic T, SuperFlex Eco and Litokol Litoacril Plus

For mounting matrices with opaque ceramic chips, tile adhesive of any color is used. The selection of glue in this case is carried out depending on the characteristics of the bases of the bathroom. On concrete, cement-sand plaster or drywall protected by waterproofing, ceramic mosaics must be properly fixed with elastic tile adhesives, such as Litoflex K80 Eco, Bergauf Mosaik or Superflex K77. When tiling ceramics on complex substrates (plastic, wood), it is better to use adhesives based on reactive resins.

Adhesives for porcelain stoneware and natural stone chips

Porcelain stoneware and natural stone are close in characteristics, therefore, the same adhesive compositions are suitable for laying blocks with chips from these materials. However, the variety of natural stone should be considered, as some types of natural marble may change color upon prolonged contact with water.

Mosaic from such marble is laid on fast-curing cement-based tile adhesives, such as Litoston K98 or Litoston K99, since these compounds quickly come into contact with water, preventing the wet alkali of the adhesive from changing the color of the chips. It is also possible to use polyurethane and reactive adhesive mixtures such as LitoElastic, Keralastic T or Elastocol, which do not contain water.

Adhesives: Litoston K98, LitoElastic, Keralastic T and Elastocol

If natural stone chips are resistant to prolonged direct contact with water, then the choice of adhesive material is made only with reference to the type of substrate.

If the surface of the walls of the bathroom is even ideally laid out with the same type of mosaic, then the result of such monotony will be deplorable - such aesthetics of the finish will ripple in the eyes. Therefore, the artistic solution for decorating the bathroom with mosaics is thought out in advance.

Elements of artistic solution

Wall cladding with mosaics can be diversified by using matrices that differ not only in color, but also in the material of the chips. In addition, when arranging such a finish, you can cut out fragments of any shape from blocks of a standard size with your own hands, cutting, if necessary, not only the base, but also the chips. In this way, you can clad the walls with different matrices in a checkerboard pattern, changing and alternating the color, material and size of squares or rectangles.

One of the auxiliary artistic elements used in the decoration of bathroom ceramics, including mosaic, is a border (frieze) - a horizontal border between lined surfaces of different colors or materials. The border on the wall can be made of various materials - tiles, mosaics, PVC (polyvinyl chloride) tiles. The adhesive for laying the curb is also selected depending on its material of manufacture.

Make sure that the distance between different sheets is equal to the gap between two mosaic chips

The width and configuration of the border should be in harmony with the dimensions of the room. At the same time, the color of the border or the background of its pattern are selected in contrast to the surfaces that it shares, and which aesthetically fit into the interior of the bathroom.

The horizontal laying of the curb is carried out under the control of the bubble level. If the curb is designed at an angle to the horizontal, then it is pre-marked on the wall.

Matrices with chips are laid on the walls from the bottom up, spaced from each other at a distance equal to the width of the seam between the chips. This arrangement of blocks forms a seamless surface finish.

First you need to mark the wall

The sticker of the matrices on the walls is carried out under the control of the bubble level, the chips in a row from corner to corner should be located without differences in height. At the same time, it is desirable to place the rows of mosaics bordering the border symmetrically with respect to the ceramic elements of the frieze.

Laying on the glue of mosaic matrices on a grid basis is done with a grid down, since the chips are attached to it with the back side. Matrices on a paper base are placed with the paper up, since the chips are glued to the base with the front side.

An adhesive composition is applied to the prepared wall with a flat trowel, which is leveled with a comb trowel with rectangular teeth 6-8 mm in size. The matrix is ​​applied to the project site, slightly pressed, and then the mosaic is leveled on the base with a rubber roller without excessive effort.

Mosaic grouting

The arrangement of the seams of the borders and the mosaic decoration of the bathroom is done by filling them with your own hands with a moisture-resistant grout with antifungal additives, for example, mixtures with the appropriate characteristics from the manufacturers Litokol, Ceresit or Atlas.

Mosaic grout can be chosen to match the tile or contrast with it, it depends on the artistic solution. In addition, the color of the grout of areas of surfaces finished with different mosaics and tiles of the borders may differ from each other.

If the grout is not done well enough, you can spoil the appearance of the mosaic

The grout is laid out on the mosaic and spread over the surface with a rubber spatula, “puttying” the seams. After half an hour, excess glue that has set but not hardened is removed with a damp rag or foam rubber. A day later, the mosaic is polished with a dry soft flannel.

Conclusion

Despite the elegance, showiness and apparent complexity of the mosaic finish, this type of cladding, taking into account the modern matrix design of the chips and the availability of technology, is quite within the power of even novice home craftsmen, who improve the quality of the mosaic with each square meter of the surface finished with their own hands.

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