How To Store And Fix Mosaics

Mosaic tiles offer an incredibly flexible and stylish way to add interest to a room. They can be used in many different ways such as creating feature walls or as a way of defining an area such as a shower enclosure. Fixing or laying mosaic tiles can be a daunting task but with the latest tips on 'how to store and fix mosaic tiles' from ceramiktiles.com an excellent result can be achieved.



Storage

• To protect your mosaic tiles, always store them in a covered place away from dampness. If the sheets become damp, mosaics can become detached from the paper or net they are attached to.

Preparation

• Firstly ensure the surface the mosaics are going to be fixed to is flat, firm, dry and clean from any loose particles.
• Before starting to fix the tiles with adhesive you are advised to do a dry run and position the sheets over the surface to be covered.
• To help you fix the sheets in straight vertical & horizontal line, use a ruler and spirit level to draw guidelines over the surface.
• Remember when you transfer the sheet measurements to the surface being tiled, allow for grout joints between each sheet. These should be the same as the spacing between the individual pieces.
• If you want to be particularly creative and plan to create a picture using mosaics it is really important to mark on the surface the right position of the picture and organise the rest of tiles around this central image.

Fixing the mosaic tiles

• Start by preparing the adhesive by following the manufacturer's instructions. Your tile supplier will be able to advise you on the best adhesives to use.
• Then check that the consistency of the mixture is strong enough so the mosaic sheets remain in position and do not slide after being fixed. Apply sufficient adhesive to the wall in a shape of a column for about six sheets at a time, suggested depth of adhesive is 3mm.
• Start fixing the tiles from top to bottom.
• If the mosaics are on paper, the paper must face you when attaching the tiles to the adhesive.
• If the mosaics are on net, the net side needs to be attached to the adhesive.
• Take the first sheet by the upper end and carefully move it into position and then softly attach it to the surface.  Make sure you are happy with the position before pressing it more firmly into place. You can use a rubber trowel to help you press the sheet against the surface.  Do not press too hard as you do not want the adhesive to squeeze out.
• Do the same for the next sheet but be careful to leave the same distance between the sheets as there is between the individual pieces. Make sure you position the sheets in order to get all the grout lines aligned. Repeat this process for the next four sheets.
• Once the first six sheets are laid and you are happy that they are aligned and are straight both vertically & horizontally, remove any excess adhesive from the grout lines.
• Continue the same process with the next column of six and remember to always tile from top to bottom.

When using mosaics on paper only

• Once the adhesive is dry, which is normally after 24 hours, remove the paper using a damp sponge. It is really important to take care and remove all the paper. Wash the tiles with clean water in order to remove any possible remains from the paper adhesive.

Completing the grout lines

• The grout line colour plays an important role in the finished appearance of the wall. There are many colours available and you should choose a grout colour which combines well with the mosaic.
• Once the adhesive is set, normally after 24 hours, you can start the grouting. This is an important stage where care needs to be taken.
• Grout lines (i.e. where you are going to grout) have to be dry, clean and free of dust.
• Prepare the grout mixture following the manufacturer's instructions and make sure that it is smooth, consistent and easily spread. Place some of the grout on a rubber trowel and fill all the grout lines, leveling them at the same time.
• Make sure you do not leave any excess grout in joints or on the mosaic surface; you can always refill the grout lines.
• When the mixture is starting to dry and before it has hardened wipe the mosaics with a dry cloth, to clean of any excess grout before it sets. As soon as the mixture starts to harden, you will need to wash the tiles with a damp sponge. Correct grout lines are normally clean and slightly sunken from the tile surface.

Maintenance

• For daily cleaning use a neutral cleaner designed for everyday use. If you're unsure as to which product to use, your tile supplier will be able to recommend a product. Do not use polish, oils or acid products.
• For occasional cleaning you may be able to use slightly acidic products but always follow the instructions from the manufacturer. As soon as you have finished, wash the tiles several times with water. Please be very careful as some mosaics can be damaged by acidic products.

Ceramiks Ltd is a leading importer and retailer of wall and floor tiles with over 30 years' experience providing retail customers and the trade with an excellent choice of tiles and accessories at highly competitive prices.  Retail customers can view over 450 tiles at www.ceramiktiles.com.