The segment of finishing materials is one of the widest in the construction industry. The wealth of offers is determined by a variety of technical and operational qualities, and textural differences. The tendency towards the removal of clear barriers between separate groups of facing materials is also clearly visible. This is evidenced by mosaic tiles used in the design of facade surfaces, in the decoration of internal walls, etc.
What is a mosaic tile?
In essence, this is a classic facing tile, but in a special format. It is distinguished by manufacturing materials, small size and styling configuration. The main division within this trim category is based on the material. The most common ceramic mosaic, characterized by durability and versatility of use. As a rule, ceramic mosaic tiles are laid in rooms with aggressive environments and high humidity.
The surface of high-quality ceramics not only resists passive factors of influence, but also purposeful treatment with detergents during the cleaning process. An interesting solution in the interior can be a glass tile mosaic.
By technical and operational properties, it resembles ceramics, but at the same time it provides a unique decorative effect, reflecting the directed rays of the sun or artificial light.
If you need a more durable material for flooring, you should give preference to concrete-mosaic elements, which are favorably distinguished by resistance to mechanical stress. But if you choose mosaic tiles for the kitchen or bathroom, it is better to give preference to glass ceramics.
The concrete base is not so tolerant to moisture and is more focused on use in conditions of increased physical exertion.
Where is it advisable to use the material?
Still, the material has become popular due to its decorative qualities. Therefore, this coating is often used in the design of pools, verandas, terraces, balconies and individual facade objects. The utilitarian use of mosaics in the kitchen also justifies itself both as a design solution and as a practical version of the lining, unpretentious in maintenance.
The choice of a specific location does not have any particular restrictions - you can complete the entire surface and a separate area. Laying is carried out both on the floor and on the wall. Problems can only arise when making uneven surfaces and ceilings.
The question of how to lay mosaic tiles on inclined surfaces is simplified by the manufacturers themselves, offering special equipment. Usually for such purposes mesh panels are produced that are easily fixed on the target surface.
The main task of the contractor is to technically provide a clamping force for the time stipulated by the technology for applying a specific adhesive composition.
Surface preparation for installation
The requirements for the surface on which the mosaic is planned to be applied are more stringent than when working with ordinary tiles. It must meet several conditions, including smoothness, evenness, lack of contamination and sufficient adhesive ability. To achieve these qualities, it may be necessary to perform wire brushing, priming and puttying.
But even under the condition of perfect technical condition, not every surface is suitable if it cannot provide adhesion to the adhesive solution. Especially when it comes to rooms with a constantly high level of humidity. For example, the question of how to lay mosaic tiles in the bathroom can be complicated due to the low resistance of the base rough coating to moisture.
The same cement composition or conventional plaster may well retain the original technical characteristics, but it will not be able to create optimal conditions for adhesion. How is this problem solved?
Due to the correct selection of the primer base. In this context, it is required not only to fill in defective areas, but also to provide a future bond of rough coating, glue and tile.
The choice of adhesive
Two categories of adhesive solutions are common that can be used in the process of laying tile-mosaic materials. These are modified cement compositions and more modern polymer mixtures. From the second group, experts, in particular, recommend the Ceresit line, in which you can find universal products for different coatings.
The highest requirements are imposed on the compositions gluing the tiles in pools and other places exposed to the intense impact of not just moisture, but water. How to glue mosaic tiles in such conditions? Bonding techniques will be standard, but special attention should initially be paid to the waterproofing ability of the mixture.
Typical moisture-resistant solutions based on cement and polymer substrates are unlikely to work here. It is advisable to immediately contact latex liquid adhesives, which are characterized by a high degree of wettability and elasticity. These include, for example, latex plasticizers like Isolastic and Latexkol-m.
How are mosaic tiles laid?
There is a difference in size between the traditional tiles and mosaic elements. Ordinary tiles are larger, which leads to differences in installation approaches. But even mosaic elements can have, if small, then intermediate average parameters. Such material can be laid according to classical technology.
Work begins with the application of glue on the work area. This is done with a notched trowel. The teeth are designed to form an uneven stacking of glue with waves - they must be to improve adhesion.
Now another question - how to lay mosaic tiles to maintain uniformity? You should start from the center, also treating each fragment with glue. Laying from the central part will allow you to make possible inconsistencies in the extreme areas where unsightly lines will not be so noticeable.
It is not possible to completely insure against uneven areas, since it is impossible to accurately calculate the laying of mosaic material by area. Edged tiles may remain around the edges, but this is also natural for this kind of material.
How to lay mosaic tiles on a grid?
The peculiarity of the mesh tile is that the installation is not done separately for each fragment, but in the whole panel. These are a kind of modular parts of a flooring ready for laying, in which tens and even hundreds of elements can be placed.
Mosaic tiles are laid on the grid according to the above scheme for glue. It is more convenient to carry out this operation for the reason that one approach allows you to paste over the site immediately on average by 50x50 cm. Of course, there are other output formats.
The basis on which the fragments of the mosaic are located is usually represented by synthetic polymeric material. Its structure is also endowed with optimal adhesion and waterproofing characteristics. More importantly, mosaic tiles on the grid allow the possibility of cutting a single panel into individual fragments.
Alignment
Conventional large-format tiles are adjusted individually. The master can determine by eye how precisely fragments were fitted relative to each other. In the case of mosaics, the situation is more complicated. If mesh panels, due to the initial location on one base, allow minimal height deviations in levels, then individual small fragments will have to be aligned additionally.
This is done using a spatula with a rubberized working area by applying to the material. But another question arises - how to lay mosaic tiles on the floor so that the position of the material does not stray during the application of the fragments?
In this case, the alignment is performed immediately as it is laid when the performer is directed to the exit. With the same spatula, groups of fragments should be pressed to the surface, controlling the location in height, length and width.
Seam cleaning and sealing
At the final stage, it is necessary to bring the coating to an aesthetically attractive state. To do this, it is necessary to clean the surface of the remaining particles of the adhesive solution. By the way, at this stage such a question could rightly arise - how to lay mosaic tiles with the formation of equal seams?
Usually the mosaic is applied with arbitrary parameters of the gaps, which is a design solution. In the case of a mesh panel, the seams are already almost perfect - they are imitated by gaps in the canvas.
If you want to form geometrically even lines, you can apply technological barriers located between the individual fragments of the mosaic. After laying, they are removed, and the seams are filled with special sealants, primers or the same adhesive composition.
Conclusion
Mosaic coatings with all the difficulties in laying give a unique decorative effect. This is not a new kind of cladding, but today it is experiencing another wave of popularity.
The additional attention of consumers is due to the fact that mosaic tiles in modern collections offer a huge selection of textures and textures. Manufacturers are developing classic output formats with neutral shades for the same bathtub or pool, and stylistic variations that recreate the natural texture.
Of course, individual episodes are devoted to specific subjects, works of art, etc.