Today there is a huge number of different finishing materials with which you can create original interior indoors, focusing on any area or finishing the entire surface. These products include mosaic tiles, whose decorative possibilities amaze with their diversity.
Types and composition
A wall in a room lined with mosaics, or an entire swimming pool - in any case, the result from using such products will exceed all expectations. Moreover, you can entrust the laying of tiles to a specialist or do it yourself. But in order for the work to be carried out efficiently, a suitable adhesive composition is necessary. Most of the modern and domestic producers building materials offer the consumer special adhesives for these works.
It is quite difficult to select the highest quality adhesive composition, which will allow you to save on consumption for 1 m2 of working area, since each type of product has individual characteristics and properties.
Types of mosaic glue are classified based on its composition. Three main types of products can be distinguished.
Dry composition
It is produced by adding white or gray cement to the mixture, thereby setting its color. Cement adhesive must be prepared for the work - the powder is mixed with water or latex in the specified proportion. The composition can be elastic, highly elastic and hard. Each of the above adhesive solutions has a narrow scope of application, based on the type of surface from which it is necessary to fix the tiles.
A rigid mixture is used when working with a smooth mineral base, you can safely process brick or plastered walls, foam blocks, concrete surfaces. Dry mixtures have positive feature, which concerns their low cost. For non-standard cases, experts prefer to choose mixtures with good elasticity. The use of such products makes sense in situations where it is necessary to lay mosaics on surfaces that do not absorb moisture and have little resistance to temperature fluctuations, for example, for covering “warm” floors.
Elastic compounds perfectly secure products to a base that is subject to vibration, which is important for premises located in buildings located close to the metro or railway.
Dispersion adhesives
This mixture can be used immediately after purchase for mosaic work. It is a one-component adhesive, the main advantage of which is ease of use. The mixture is convenient to apply to substrates in residential premises, since it does not generate any waste or dust when performing the assigned tasks. To treat the surface you do not need a lot of product, the mixture does not dry out and does not lose its properties, it does not need to be kneaded, since the glue in the container is already completely ready for use. After finishing the lining, the container with glue must be tightly closed with a lid. The ease of use of the product more than pays for its cost.
Two-component adhesive
The reactive composition includes a hardener and a base, which react with each other, due to which the product acquires the ability to reliably fix the tiles. Products where the base is an epoxy or polyurethane component are more in demand.
The solution is needed to perform labor-intensive tasks associated with tiling surfaces with mosaics.
And since it does not contain water, the adhesive is used for substrates that are susceptible to moisture, in particular stone surfaces.
It is also successfully used for glass, wood and plastic products.
To work correctly with this glue, you need some experience.- it is applied to small area with quick and precise movements, as the mixture instantly hardens, after which it can no longer be used.
Therefore, an extra adhesive mass The two-component composition must be promptly removed from the mosaic, since over time it will be quite problematic to remove it from the tile.
Which one is better to choose?
In order not to make a mistake in choosing the composition, it is necessary to take into account the specifics of the base being decorated, the area of operation of the room and the conditions. And also, before purchasing mosaic glue, it would be useful to take into account the time allotted for covering the base. For those cases where very little time is available, it is better to prefer quick-drying products.
A strong and smooth surface will be an ideal base, since the application of the composition will not have any obstacles, the mosaic will be securely fixed on such a wall or ceiling.
Finishing plaster or cement screed can be done with high quality using any product. Decorating uneven surfaces, laying mosaics on waterproofing or old ceramic tiles is best done with a highly elastic mixture.
An important nuance is the type of mosaic. Based on the specifics of the products, a choice is made adhesive composition for work.
For glass elements, you need to carefully select the fixing mixture, since glass tiles are very capricious in terms of installation. Through transparent glass elements the base and materials located below are visible. For this type of mosaic, it is worth buying a white mixture.
Gray composition applied under the tiles can spoil the ornament of the composition, which will negatively affect appearance surfaces. You can opt for an adhesive solution that contains white cement or products based on polyurethane based.
If mirror glass mosaic on a paper base, which is often laid in swimming pools, is used for decoration, elastic glue of any color, even black, is suitable for the work. Such compositions, which will function with moisture, additionally include liquid latex.
Mosaic on mesh or paper does not have fundamental differences in terms of choice of glue. However, the technology for laying sheets requires markings to be applied to the base for an even pattern. When fixing such a mosaic, you need to ensure that the reverse side of the material is completely immersed in the composition.
To select the appropriate adhesive for mosaic tiles natural stone, for example, marble elements for decoration, its variety is first taken into account. Because some breeds may change their color when exposed to moisture. For such work, it is better to purchase a cement or reactive composition.
Ceramic mosaic tiles are resistant to water, so in this case it is necessary to select the adhesive composition based on the type of surface to be covered.
For “diamond” mosaic tiles, which are the most expensive type of decor, allowing you to create unique design indoors, special adhesive compositions are used; they are included by the manufacturer in the product package and are sold together.
How to use it correctly?
The mosaic canvas consists of large quantity elements on a special basis - mesh, paper, and foil backing. This product configuration provides a high level of flexibility, and the products can be cut into pieces of the desired size.
The adhesion of the adhesive to the base increases if the surface is primed.
Based on the base of the mosaic canvas, gluing the product is carried out using a certain technology. The tiles on a construction mesh base are simply fixed to the surface. No further additional work is required. Cloths on a paper base are first attached with the back side facing out to soak the base, after which it is removed.
After the product has been attached to the base, it must be leveled and recessed into the surface to ensure a uniform arrangement of the elements. Remaining adhesive in the joints between tiles must be removed while it is still fresh, using a spatula. What follows is the most labor-intensive process– grouting of seams between parts.
Stamps
There are cases when, in order to save money, craftsmen use regular or silicone tile adhesive to cover the surface with mosaics. However, many compositions turn out to be unsuitable for such work due to their consistency, since they will be too thick or, conversely, liquid. In the latter option, the canvas simply will not stay on the base, and the presence of aggressive substances in the composition can harm the decorative material.
Mosaic tiles look more decorative and noble compared to ordinary tiles, which is why mosaics are increasingly being chosen to decorate a kitchen backsplash or bathroom.
Such tiles easily fit on any curved and radius surfaces, which allows you to realize the most original design ideas.
Mosaic harmoniously combines with other finishing materials - tiles, natural and artificial stone, wood, metal. Using such combinations is one of the most profitable design techniques to date.
Contrary to popular belief, laying mosaic tiles is not very difficult.
The fact is that modern mosaic It is produced not individually, but in whole sheets, in which the tiles are firmly held on a flexible mesh base. This greatly simplifies and speeds up the installation process.
It is enough to take a responsible approach to the preparation of the base, choose the right adhesive composition and be careful so that the result of the work will bring pure pleasure.
What glue and equipment do you need to purchase for laying mosaics on a grid?
To lay mosaic tiles you will need following materials and tools:
- styling adhesive;
- mosaic tiles;
- grout for seams;
- tape measure, pencil;
- building level;
- small grinder + discs for stone/ceramics;
- container for mixing glue;
- drill mixer;
- notched spatula;
- rubber spatula;
- water container + sponge;
- forceps;
- felt or flannelette rag.
Regardless of which mosaic you choose - ceramic, glass or natural stone, it is always recommended to choose adhesive only white.
Otherwise, after complete drying, the tile may acquire an undesirable shade.
- Ceresit CM 115 - adhesive for mosaic and marble tiles. Designed for laying mosaics (including glass) on any non-deforming base. Suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, can be used in underfloor heating systems (inside buildings).
Ceresit CM 115 eliminates the appearance of dark spots on translucent cladding, is resistant to tile displacement during installation, is environmentally friendly, water- and frost-resistant.
Ceresit CM 115 is sold in bags of 5 and 25 kg, costing on average 200 and 600 rubles, respectively.
- Bergauf Mosaik is a universal adhesive for all types of mosaic tiles. Made from powdered white cement with the addition of natural mineral fillers and modifying polymer additives.
Designed to perform facing works inside and outside buildings, suitable for use in rooms with high humidity(bathroom, kitchen, toilet, etc.).
Bergauf Mosaik glue is sold in bags of 5 and 25 kg, costing on average 180 and 500 rubles, respectively.
- Axton Mosaic Adhesive - a budget option quality tile adhesive from Leroy Merlin. Allows you to quickly and reliably glue glass mosaic tiles onto the mesh.
Has good adhesion and high strength. When used with a latex additive, it can be used to line swimming pools. A 5-kilogram package of glue costs about 150 rubles.
Instructions: how to properly glue mosaic tiles on a mesh in the bathroom
The work of laying mosaic tiles is carried out in the following sequence:
1. Preparing the base. Glue mosaic on a grid on the wall in the bathroom or at kitchen apron should only be done after careful preparation of the base.
It is necessary to clean the surface from dirt and dust, old peeling coatings - anything that can impair the adhesion of materials.
If the wall surface is not completely smooth, it should first be sanded using grinder or grinders with a disc for stone or ceramics.
If unevenness on the base exceeds 2-3 mm, it is recommended to level the surface using leveling mixtures. A completely dry, durable, clean and smooth surface is an ideal base for laying mosaics on a grid.
2. Marking. It is recommended to apply markings to the prepared surface, which will help to carefully glue the mosaic panels.
First, the sheets of tiles are laid out on the floor so that the distance between the sheets corresponds to the gap between the tiles themselves.
After this, measurements are taken and the entire diagram is transferred to the wall, not forgetting to control it using building level position of the canvases vertically and horizontally. Proper marking allows you to hide cropped areas.
3. Preparing the glue. The properties of any glue are guaranteed by the manufacturer only subject to strict adherence to the proportions and technology of preparing the solution.
Principle of glue preparation different manufacturers is the same: pour into a clean, dry container mortar, is filled with water in the specified proportion and mixed using a drill mixer until a homogeneous creamy consistency is obtained.
The prepared solution is left for several minutes, after which it is mixed again.
4. Applying glue. The adhesive solution is applied evenly to the wall using a notched trowel, and the surface area should not exceed the area of the number of mosaic sheets that can be laid within 3-5 minutes (otherwise the glue will dry out).
The optimal thickness of the glue layer is 2-3 millimeters. If there is more glue, then when pressing the mosaic, the excess mortar will fill the seams between the tiles, which will complicate the grouting process in the future.
. The prepared mosaic sheets are applied to the marked area with a mesh base. Gently, without excessive pressure, level the canvas on the surface.
All prepared canvases are laid in the same way. If necessary, special tongs are used to split the material.
6. Grouting joints. 24 hours after laying the mosaic, you can start grouting the joints. For this they use rubber grater, with the help of which the grout is rubbed into the joint spaces with smooth movements.
Excess material is removed with a damp sponge. After the grout has dried, the surface is polished using a felt rag.
VIDEO INSTRUCTION
Here are some practical tips to help you lay mosaics better.:
- When choosing an adhesive, consider the type of substrate on which it will be applied.
- Check the consistency adhesive solution to avoid displacement of the mosaic sheets during installation. Glue that is too thick dries quickly, which complicates the work process.
- It is recommended to prepare the glue in small portions, taking into account low consumption (about 2 kg per square meter). It is not recommended to try to dilute thickened glue residues, since its properties have already been lost.
- During installation, do not allow the glue to leak beyond the seams - this will make it difficult to grout them in the future.
- Optimal temperature regime for laying mosaics on a mesh - 15-25 C.
When decorating a kitchen or bathroom, mosaic tiles are often used; they consist of small fragments and allow you to create interesting design interior If you plan to work with such material, consider some of its characteristics. Let's take a closer look at the sticker rules.
Easy installation thanks to the base
Features of the material
Mosaic – separate species cladding, which are small elements often measuring 1x1 cm. The seams between them must be kept the same to create the feeling of a complete picture. In this case, several small elements are assembled into larger ones, connected by paper or mesh.
The last option is radically different. In this case, the material is fixed reverse side on the adhesive solution, that is, in the final position.
It is much easier to maintain an equal distance between the fragments of the mesh mosaic, since they are pre-fixed to the base.
There are two types of material:
- Ceramic. It can be matte or glazed. Has a more massive appearance. Less whimsical regarding the choice of styling product.
- Glass. It looks more impressive and has a translucent structure. It is important to choose the right glue and grout for it.
Types of tiles for finishing
Surface preparation
Before laying the mosaic on the mesh, it is necessary to treat the base. This type of cladding is subject to more stringent requirements than conventional tiles.
The surface to be coated must meet the following conditions:
- Flatness. This is perhaps the basic rule. The plane must be perfect. Mosaic is capable of absorbing any level changes, this is due to its small size, V in this case Even applying a thick layer of glue won't help. The surface is carefully plastered and rubbed. If the distortions are significant, it is better to build a base of plasterboard.
- Purity. Before further work It is important to get rid of dust and dirt. This is especially true if you sanded the surface after plastering.
- Primer. To finally get rid of dust and increase the adhesive properties of the base material, it is recommended to thoroughly prime the surface. For this purpose, compositions are selected deep penetration.
Only after carrying out the above-described manipulations do they begin to apply glue to the base and lay the mosaic.
A prerequisite is surface leveling
Glue solution
Next important point concerns the choice of adhesive for laying mosaic tiles on a grid. The question is in some ways key; the final type of cladding depends on the choice of composition. The following options are possible:
- Homemade solution. For its production, cement, fine sand without impurities and water are used. All ingredients are mixed to the desired consistency. Keep in mind that this composition is not always suitable for mosaics.
- Standard tile adhesive. This is a mixture of Portland cement and sand with modifying additives, used in laying tiles on familiar surfaces. Because it's different gray, this option is only suitable for installing opaque tiles.
- Polymer glue. It is based on special components that harden when dry and reliably hold the cladding on the surface of the base.
- White glue. The same cement mixture as standard gray, but with components that preserve the white color of the solution, which is especially important when laying glass mosaics.
Types of tile adhesive
Please note that specific options are possible, for example, when finishing drywall or wooden surface. The glue is selected individually in each case.
Laying technology
To better understand how to properly glue mosaics on a mesh with your own hands, let’s take a closer look at the process technology. First of all, let's arrange the mosaic fragments in the order planned by the drawing. For ease of subsequent installation, number them.
Laying begins from the bottom. First, apply glue to the primed and dried surface. A small layer will be required. Smooth it out with a notched trowel.
To fix a fragment of a mesh mosaic, take it in your hands and bring it to the surface treated with glue. Place it in the position as planned by the diagram and carefully lean it against the solution.
Laying mosaics on a grid
Do not press down the tiles with your hands so as not to disturb the evenness of the base. For this purpose, use a flat spatula made of soft material or a large sponge - smooth the surface evenly.
Check each row for level. The mesh goes deeper into the solution, but mosaic fragments remain above it. Don't forget about even gaps at the seams.
Final processing
Upon completion of installation, the surface is cleaned of any remaining adhesive solution and allowed to dry slightly. Afterwards, the final surface treatment begins.
The final stage of finishing
The following mixtures are used for grouting joints:
- Cement fugue. Based on Portland cement containing modifying components.
- Latex grout. Contains latex particles to improve the properties of the mixture.
- Epoxy resin. Durable waterproof material.
- Liquid glass. A transparent viscous mass that hardens in air.
Some mastics contain glitter; this option is perfect for decorating glass mosaics. Knowing the rules of installation, you can easily create unique interior in the bathroom, lay out the walls and floor in the pool or home sauna, or decorate the kitchen apron.
Any interior of the house, be it a kitchen, be it a bathroom, a bedroom, a corridor, a swimming pool, can be decorated with mosaics. Quite often, mosaics are supplied already glued to a mesh, which allows you to carry out work quickly. But we will try to explain on the pages of our website how to properly glue mosaics on a grid so that all the rows are even and beautiful.
| Mosaic is a material that is used for finishing works, the size of tesserae is from 1x1 cm to 10x10 cm. The traditional size is tesserae up to 5 cm in size. Moreover, it can look not only in the shape of a square, but also there is a round mosaic, diamond-shaped, rectangular and others. A pattern from this material is laid out using a special table on which the matrix is placed. This is a form with cells for each tessera. This way, identical seams are created for each mosaic mesh. After the master assembles the mosaic, it is fixed on a special mesh using special glue. |
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Another one of original solutions mosaic - pebbles, assembled on a grid in large fragments with gaps between elements of different sizes.
There are grids different types, but the best are polyurethane-based mesh. It adheres very well to mosaics and can be installed in damp areas. Most cheap option mesh - gauze. This type is the most common among domestic mosaic workshops. This option is suitable for gluing on the wall, but for floor use it is better to use it for areas with low traffic. In high traffic areas, fabric mesh mosaics can become loose and fall off very quickly.
The mesh on the mosaic is fixed only on the reverse side of the material. This is a fundamental difference from the paper-formed version of the mosaic mesh.
What types of mosaics are made today:
- Ceramic mosaic. Can be produced as individual tesserae, or the material can be sawn from tiles standard format. Manufacturers use cutting material only highest quality, which is why this type of mosaic is quite expensive. Ceramic mosaic tiles on a grid can be installed in any area of the house in a simple manner. cement mortar, provided that the ceramics themselves are intended for floor use. I would also like to note that ceramic tile, mosaics on a ceramic mesh go well together and designers quite often use this installation option when creating an interior.
- Glass mosaic or glass mosaic. Such material is baked in specialized factories from special fir, consisting of ground glass and dye, after being fired in a chamber or conveyor or pass-through oven, the material acquires high strength and is absolutely not afraid of water. There are options that have a translucent structure, which allows you to paint the reverse side with different paints and get very unusual design material. Glass mosaic on mesh is used mainly for wet areas, you can especially often see it in swimming pools.
- Mosaic made of natural stone. This is perhaps the most impressive mosaic, since in addition to the beauty of the mosaic itself, natural aesthetics are added to the material. Together this is the beauty of this option. finishing material for framing a bathroom. Most often, such mosaics are made from granite or marble.
Mirror mosaic on the grid is decorative option design and does not apply to finishing work. Decorating is considered in other interior design work.
How to prepare a surface for laying mosaics on a grid
The surface on which it is planned to subsequently lay the mosaic on the grid can be of absolutely any shape; the grid can be laid on any curved surface, but in this case certain rules must be observed general rules, which are presented to the wall or floor before applying glue.
— important stage work when laying mosaics on a grid.
Here's what you need to do to the surface before laying:
- Make sure the surface is level. How ideal the installation will be later depends on this parameter. Differences on the surface cannot always be pulled out due to the thickness of the glue; it is best to plaster and rub the surface. It should be borne in mind that if the deviations and distortions of the surface are large and cannot be eliminated with plaster, then it is best to break the old base and make a new one using drywall.
- Make sure the surface is clean. All dust and dirt must be removed. If sanding was carried out, the accumulated dust must be removed using a vacuum cleaner and a clean rag.
- Don't forget to prime. Before laying any similar material, always prime the surface, this increases adhesion and sticking to the surface. Deep penetration primers are most effective at this stage of preparation.
Once these conditions are met, you can begin to apply glue to the surface and then install. Gluing mosaics on a mesh is quite a difficult process and it is better to entrust this work to professionals.
Which mesh meets the standards?
Of course, you should not lose sight of this point. In addition to the base, it must be securely glued to the mesh and mosaic.
This can be checked quite simply. Take the net in your hand and move it easily. The mosaic should not fall off the mesh. Even in the sagging mode, the tesserae should remain on the mesh and should not fall off.
If the mosaic falls off the mesh, this means that the adhesive composition has dried out and become unusable, or the material itself has been subjected to an impact that has torn it from the mesh, for example, in case of improper storage.
If the tesserae fall off the mesh, the material should be replaced by the supplier, or asked to be re-glued and brought into compliance. If you use such material, then most likely the craftsmen will have difficulties during installation and your interior may begin to ripple. In manual mode, laying the material exactly is quite problematic and not many mosaicists can do this. Even an artistic panel needs to be able to be properly prepared for transportation and transfer for installation. You can see in the photo how to put the mosaic on the grid into the packaging. Two parts of the panel are laid through a gasket front side to each other and then firmly fixed in the package. Many studios make this a blunder, although it is very important for the entire styling process.
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Small mosaics on mesh are produced quite rarely, this is due to the fact that attaching them to the mesh is too difficult.
Please note that now marble mosaics on mesh are often counterfeited and instead of natural stone, porcelain stoneware with a marbled surface is used; this material is cheaper than real marble. To protect yourself, ask the seller for a certificate for the material and make purchases in specialized stores.
How to prepare adhesive for mosaic tiles on a grid
Mosaic adhesive is different from tiled option, since it is necessary to use a two-component composition. It is this kind of glue that can reliably glue the mosaic on the grid to the base. Before reading about how to glue mosaic tiles on a grid, choose the right adhesive composition.
These are the glue options that can be used in the work of a laying master:
- Standard adhesive, based on a cement mixture, like for tiles. This mixture is not suitable for use in a swimming pool, since only a highly qualified specialist will be able to select all the necessary ingredients for this type of glue. This option can be used for opaque mosaics made of ceramics and natural stone for laying on the wall in the hallway or for a kitchen apron. The method of gluing mosaics on a ceramic mesh corresponds to how it will be indicated below.
- A solution based on individual ingredients that are mixed independently. Cement, fine sand and water are used to make it. Likewise, this mixture is suitable for ceramic and natural stone mosaics, but is not suitable for laying glass mosaics.
- Glue with latex additive. It is usually white, which makes it visually immediately different from its purely cement counterparts. It is used for laying mosaics on mesh in the pool and wet areas, for example, in showers and toilets. Two-component mosaic adhesive on mesh is the most effective option, but also the most expensive.
- Glue with polymers, it consists of polymer components, after mixing and laying such glue becomes like stone, it hardens very strongly and can firmly hold the mosaic to the base. Glass mosaic on mesh can also be glued with polymer adhesive.
- Other options. Adhesive manufacturers do not sit idly by and are constantly improving their adhesive compositions. Therefore, you can also find glue with an inscription - for glass mosaics or for mosaics made of natural stone. It is also worth paying attention to the recommendations that mosaic manufacturers make, since it is clear that the manufacturer is interested in ensuring that its material is presented in the most presentable way.
Rules for laying mosaics on a grid
The master must know how to properly lay mosaics on a grid with his own hands. This experience must be acquired not in theory, but in practice. Famous manufacturers they even issue special certificates to craftsmen who have been trained in this craft and have confirmed their skills real projects. Unfortunately, in our country such masters can be counted on one hand; quite often self-taught masters do this. If your interior is important to you, try to find and engage a real specialist in mosaic installation.
At the same time, you, as an observer, should be aware of the main stages of installation:
- Layout. Mosaic on a grid is laid out on the surface so that there is a clear picture of the color match. If the master skips this stage, then a surprise may await him in the middle of the work; there may be a grid of a different format or color.
- Numbering. After the material is laid out, it is best to number it, this will make it easier to correctly lay the mosaic on the grid on the surface.
- Assembly. After laying out, the material must be put back into the boxes in the reverse order.
- Marking. Mark the surface, approximately as when laying tiles, using lacing or a laser ruler. This final stage before installation. It remains to figure out the stage of how to glue the mosaic on the grid onto the base. The size of the mosaic on the grid is most often 32.7 x 32.7 cm, so you can make a preliminary design project for laying the mosaic.
- Laying. After this, you can begin laying the mosaic on the grid. The mosaic is laid on the wall from bottom to top. First, apply glue, use a spatula with a large tooth to level it on the surface, and then glue the mosaic onto the mesh. The glued fragment must be carefully leaned against the glue and fixed, then you need to tap the surface evenly with a special flat spatula so that the mesh is completely and evenly fixed. Then you will have to repeat this with all the other grids being laid. You can even use special crosses for laying between the seams so that the width of the gaps between the individual meshes is the same. Be sure to check the depth of immersion of the mosaic in the solution; the mesh should go completely into the solution, while the mosaic should rise above the glue. After all the meshes have been glued to the surface, you need to leave the time recommended by the glue manufacturer for complete drying. You cannot walk on the laid mosaic on the mesh while the adhesive composition is setting; this can only be done after the glue has completely dried and the mosaic has been completely fixed.
Stone mosaics on mesh are thicker, so the glue consumption will be greater compared to the consumption when laying glass mosaics.
Finishing work during installation
As soon as the mosaic on the mesh sticks to the base, you need to clean its surface from any remaining adhesive solution and begin grouting the joints.
Fusion mixtures can be divided approximately as follows: adhesive mixtures depending on the basis:
- Cement;
- Latex;
- Epoxy (creates a waterproof hard layer);
- Mixed.
Today, grout is produced that has various effects, for example, sparkles, as well as a chameleon color, when the grout becomes the color of a mosaic, even if two are standing next to each other. different colors, such a mosaic conveys the color of two elements and the seam becomes almost invisible.
Mosaic on a grid, photos of which have already been shown here more than once, will help create unique interior solutions. Designers all over the world include such mosaics when developing design projects. We are sure that this article helped both beginners and professionals learn something new, and when the mosaic on the bathroom grid is installed in your home, it will delight you every morning, afternoon or evening. After all, such beauty cannot cause bad emotions... |
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Mosaic can create any mood, even this...Adhesive compositions for mosaic tiles on a mesh make it possible to securely attach this visually impressive and very popular finishing material to the wall surface these days.
Mosaic tiles - magnificent DIY decor
The species we are interested in facing material is a composition of many ceramic, glass, mica small elements that are combined into small tiles on a building grid. Such products have increased flexibility. They can be cut into separate parts without the slightest difficulty, without using any special tools. The appearance of mosaic tiles on a grid allowed home craftsmen to create full-fledged panels and entire paintings on the walls of their homes.
Mosaic tiles in the bathroom
Earlier similar work could only be performed by professionals. After all, they had to glue each piece of the mosaic separately. Such an event required scrupulousness and maximum attention from the master. Now the need to call a specialist to decorate the walls in the kitchen or in any other room with mosaics has completely disappeared. Any person who is comfortable with his hands and has minimal skills to perform construction work, can purchase the tiles he likes on a grid and independently engage in the most exciting process - decorating his home.
Next we will talk in detail about the technology and rules for laying mosaics. But first, we will describe the adhesive compositions that can be used to install tiles on the wall. Manufacturers produce different kinds glue. All of them are characterized by certain qualities and features of use.
Mosaic adhesive - dispersion, cement or reactive?
There are three types of compounds that can be used to glue tiles onto the mesh. They are given below:
- dispersive;
- cement (otherwise called dry);
- reactive (consisting of two components).
Cement tile adhesive
Dispersion adhesive is considered acceptable in cost and quite easy to use. It consists of one component. You do not need to stir the composition, add water or any other solvents to it. The adhesive is ready for use immediately after purchase. hardware store. The undoubted advantage of dispersion compositions is that they do not lose their properties during storage. You can open the glue, use a certain amount of it, and then close the lid tightly and leave the jar until next repair. Another advantage of working with such a composition is the absence of dust and dirt. Gluing tiles with a dispersion compound is a pleasure! But only on condition that the amount of finishing work is quite modest.
If you need to veneer not one small wall, but several large surfaces, it is better to use cement glue. It can be made on the basis of gray or white cement. Such compositions are elastic, rigid and deformable (with very high level elasticity). For installing tiles on clean and smooth plastered or brick wall It is recommended to use rigid compounds. But elastic variations of glue are used for cladding complex surfaces. For example, those that are susceptible to temperature changes or vibrations.
Flexible adhesives are commonly used in kitchens and bathrooms. It is also indispensable for finishing uneven walls in other rooms. Elastic compounds are also used for surfaces made of foam and aerated concrete blocks. They can be used for installing mosaic tiles on a grid on concrete screed. In terms of price, cement adhesive is cheaper than dispersion adhesive. But it must be mixed with water or latex immediately before use. This operation should be performed using construction mixer. Naturally, when stirring the composition, you will not be able to avoid dirt and dust in the room. For this reason, few home craftsmen buy cement mixtures in order to glue the mosaic yourself.
The most expensive is reactive glue. It consists of two components - a hardener and a base, which can be epoxy and polyurethane. It makes sense to purchase such a composition in cases where you plan to glue mosaic tiles on a wall made of natural stone, plastic, wood, metal or glass surface. Before use, the adhesive components are mixed. They enter into chemical reaction and literally in a couple of minutes we get the finished composition.
It is necessary to use mixed reactive glue as quickly as possible. It dries out very quickly. And after hardening it becomes unsuitable for finishing work.
How to glue tiles on a mesh - let's understand the technology
To lay mosaic tiles, standard tools and Additional materials. You will need paint brush or a roller for performing priming work and the primer itself, a regular spatula (with its help you will level the glued products and lightly press them), (it is used to apply the adhesive), a mixer, a grout mixture for seams, a container for glue. After preparation the right tools start preparing the wall surface for covering it with mosaics. You will need to remove the remnants of the previous coating, all the dirt on it, level the surface if necessary and sand it.
Laying mosaic tiles
Note! There is no need to carefully level the walls to install tiles on the grid. Mosaic products, due to their flexibility, can level out the unevenness of the surface being tiled. The next step is to apply a primer to the wall. Treat the surface with confidence. There is no need to skimp on the primer. There is no need to wait for the treated surface to dry completely. After priming, immediately mix the adhesive and begin laying the tiles. This process is carried out as follows:
- Apply adhesive to the wall using a notched trowel. Try to distribute the composition evenly over the entire surface. If desired, you can also apply glue to the back side of the mosaic.
- Place the tile in the intended place and carefully, using a spatula, press it in. Immediately check the accuracy of the installation of the mosaic vertically and horizontally (you can use a regular school ruler for these purposes, although it is better to use a building level).
- Similarly, install the remaining parts of the created panel on the grid.
- The glue (regardless of its type) will set in about 25–40 minutes. You will need to remove its build-up from the surface of the tiles with a cloth slightly moistened with water. Be sure to do this operation. When the glue hardens completely, it will be very, very difficult to remove its remains from the mosaic..
After 48 hours, proceed to the cladding you have made. Use any suitable grout compound. They need to carefully fill all the seams on the panel. This operation is easiest to perform with a simple rubber spatula. After this, wipe the mosaic tiles and enjoy the results of your work. As a grout, you can use compositions based on liquid glass, epoxy resin, latex or Portland cement. There is one caveat here. If you decide to glue mosaics in the kitchen, it is advisable to purchase epoxy grout. It creates a waterproof and very durable layer on the surface of the tile. In other rooms you can use any of the above compositions.
Create unique interiors in your home using mosaic tiles. Make your home original and cozy!