Mosaic tiles are one of the original and economical ways to decorate the interior. This type of room decoration arose in ancient times, but to this day there are adherents of mosaic decor in the design of walls, countertops, mirrors, flooring. This article talks about mosaic patterns, materials for making tiles, and how to lay them on walls.
Materials for the manufacture
Modern interiors are often decorated with mosaic tiles. It differs from ceramic tiles in attractive appearance. Mosaic decor consists of a large number of miniature elements, with the help of which various patterns are created. For the manufacture of mosaic tiles, several materials are used, which will be discussed later in this article.
Ceramics
The most standard mosaic decor. Ceramic tiles are glazed, matte, and also imitate expensive natural materials (wood, stone, etc.)
Ceramic tile consists of clay and quartz flour, therefore it is absolutely safe for human health. From it you can create large paintings on any surface. Practical, moisture-resistant ceramics allows you to use it in the bathroom, shower, in the dressing rooms and steam rooms in country houses.
A rock
Strong and expensive material, the decor of it is durable, but has a lot of weight and looks somewhat rude. Therefore, it looks better mosaic of large stone elements, it is used in pools, showers, steam rooms and washing in bathhouses. Marble, jasper, slate, amethyst, onyx, lapis lazuli, malachite, travertine are used for laying mosaics.
Glass
For the manufacture of glass mosaics feldspar, sand, soda and metal oxide are used. A homogeneous substance is obtained by remelting these components at a temperature of 1600 ℃. Due to the high temperature firing, the products are very durable. Glass mosaic looks incredibly beautiful, it visually expands the space, makes it light and airy. When laying out elements, only transparent glue or grout is used so as not to spoil the appearance of the finished decor.
Mirror tile
Mirror mosaic is very popular, it visually expands the space of the room, smooths out all the irregularities of the walls. Reflection of various objects in it creates a spectacular illusion. Moisture-resistant material makes out rooms with high humidity: saunas, showers. Mirror mosaics are used in sports facilities, gyms, bars and clubs.
Schemes for laying mosaic decor
Before you begin, you need to make your sketch or use ready-made mosaic schemes. This decor has several layout options:
- Graphic drawing. The easiest way to add a pattern, it uses a tile of several colors.
- Concentric pattern. The composition consists of a central point from which the same lines diverge in a circle. It turns out a pattern with elements that are repeated in a circle.
- Repeating motive. The picture itself can be anything: in the form of waves, stripes or geometric shapes. The main thing is that all the elements of the pattern are repeated after a certain interval along the entire length of the mosaic.
- Chaotic calculation. In this case, a mosaic scheme is not required. All details of the decor are arranged in random order. You can mix elements of the same or different colors and shapes.
- Hexagon mosaic. Patterns for decor in the form of honeycombs can be very diverse. Sometimes such tiles are combined with square or rectangular, this allows you to create original compositions. Used for decorating walls and flooring.
- Local inserts. On a plain background lay out a certain pattern. A lightweight version of the mosaic, since there is no need to select and compose elements for the entire length of the mosaic decor.
- Picture. The most complex mosaic scheme, its layout requires a lot of patience and at least minimal artistic abilities.
Mosaic Layout
Before laying the mosaic on the walls, it is necessary to stock up with tools: nippers, a notched trowel, a knife, universal latex-based adhesive or special mastic, a rubber rigid trowel.
First you need to prepare the walls: clean them from contamination, align all the recesses with putty. Glass and ceramic tiles are laid on glue, mastic is not suitable for these purposes.
Next, you need to lay out all the elements of the mosaic on the floor or on a large table. This is necessary in order to see in which sequence to lay this or that element.
With a notched trowel, glue is applied to the walls and to the tiles, this contributes to better adhesion of the material to the surface. It is not recommended to coat the entire wall, since the solution hardens within 10 minutes. Mosaic elements are sequentially glued to the surface, removing excess solution.
To ensure that the seams are even, plastic marking crosses are installed between the tiles. The laid out tiles are pressed with a trowel. This will allow them to stick more firmly, air bubbles will come out, and the surface of the finished segment will be leveled.
After the entire mosaic is laid out on the wall, it is necessary to clean the surface of the finished decor from the remnants of glue. After two days, when the glue is completely dry, you need to start grouting the joints between the tiles.
Trowellings must be selected depending on the type of tile. They are applied to the seams with a rubber trowel at an angle of 45 degrees. After half an hour, the excess grout is removed from the tile first with a soft, dry cloth.
When working with mosaics, it is necessary to observe safety measures: protect the eyes with glasses, and the face with a fabric or gauze mask.