We glue the mosaic tiles on the mesh - the correct installation of the mosaic. How to glue mosaics: types, choice of glue, technology for performing the work Ceramic mosaic tiles for the bathroom how to glue

Interior fashion changes every year. The materials with which designers’ ideas are brought to life are also changing.

But despite this, you always expect from a renovation that it will be done with high quality, especially in those rooms that the family uses very often.

That is why the most common bathroom decor is ceramic tiles. It is very practical, but, unfortunately, monotonous. Therefore, it is often combined with mosaic.

This is an interesting finishing material with which you can create a unique interior in a minimum amount of time. It has a wide variety of both texture and texture.

Classmates

Types of mosaics

Mosaic tiles come in several varieties:

• glass
• metal
• ceramic
• stone.

Ceramic mosaic is considered the most popular. This is explained by its physical properties. It tolerates temperature changes well, does not lose its original appearance for a long time, and tolerates the effects of chemical aggregates well.

In order to lay a mosaic well with your own hands, you will have to put in a lot of effort, but if you follow certain rules, the result will fully meet your expectations.

Stages of work

Let's look at the process of laying mosaics in the bathroom step by step:

1. Alignment of walls. This is the most important stage of the work, since if the wall is uneven, it will cause a lot of problems in the future, and, as they say, the game will not be worth the candle.
   
   

   To check the wall for the absence of depressions (in the absence of a building level), you need to take a flat wooden plank and paint one of its sides with chalk. Next, press the plank against the wall and draw a straight line from floor to ceiling. If the chalk strip on the wall is clear, then you can proceed to further work.



2. Primer of walls. The color of the primer should be neutral shades so that it does not glow too much from under the mosaic and tiles (you can learn how to properly apply primer to walls).



Take note: If it was decided to combine mosaic with ceramic tiles, then you first need to lay the ceramic tiles, and then glue the mosaic.

3. Laying mosaics. Ceramic mosaic comes in two types:
   • paper based;
   • on the grid.

   

   
   They don't differ much from each other. Thus, it is more convenient to glue mosaics on a mesh basis to the wall due to the frame base. Paper-based mosaics do not have such a frame.
4. Grouting joints. Before you start grouting, remove the protective coating from the mosaic. The oilcloth covering is very easy to remove, but the paper covering does not always come off well. Therefore, before starting this process, it is recommended to wet the paper surface with water, and then use a sponge to remove the paper.
   
   

   After this, you can begin making the mosaic grout solution. The same grout as for ceramic tiles is perfect for ceramic mosaics.

Before you start decorating the wall, you should come up with a pattern that will then be convenient for laying the mosaic. It is advisable to draw it on a scale of 1:1. And use the paper pattern to lay out the drawing. Then duplicate it on the wall.

Expert advice: Since tiles are not always laid according to the pattern at an even angle, it is advisable to purchase special nippers that are convenient for dividing small squares of the mosaic into various geometric shapes.

Alternatively, pieces of homemade mosaic (from broken glass, tiles, etc.) can be pre-laid on a special reinforced mesh (you can buy it at any hardware store), and then glue the finished pattern on the mesh to the wall. To do this, you should buy special mosaic glue.

Note: Tile adhesive is not suitable for these purposes, as it is too liquid and will not hold the weight of the decorative coating well.

The adhesive is applied directly to the mosaic using a notched trowel. Its thickness should be at least 1 cm. The mosaic slab glued to the wall should be lightly tapped with a rubber spatula for better adhesion of the glue to the wall.

When laying tiles it is important to remember:

• glue the mosaic sheet to the wall immediately in the place allocated for it, since then it will be impossible to move it from side to side;
• you need to start laying it from the corners where it adjoins the ceramic tile. Since the difference between their thickness is 4 mm, it will be more convenient to take the thickness of the already laid tiles as a guide;
• Since the thickness of tiles and mosaics is different, before gluing the mosaic, you need to make a base coating for the wall. To do this, glue is applied to it in a thick layer and completely dried. And then you can glue the mosaic with the second layer.

After completing the finishing of the bathtub, it is not advisable to use it for a week. Because it takes time for all materials to dry completely.

Look video instructions for tiling a box under a washbasin in a bathroom with mosaics:

See inaccuracies, incomplete or incorrect information? Do you know how to make an article better?

Would you like to suggest photos on the topic for publication?

Please help us make the site better! Leave a message and your contacts in the comments - we will contact you and together we will make the publication better!

Mosaic fits perfectly into any room design and gives it originality. You can lay the mosaic on the wall or floor with your own hands. The article describes the work plan, the secrets of preparing various surfaces, and gives recommendations.

How to lay a mosaic on a wall and floor with your own hands, step-by-step instructions for laying a mosaic on a grid

Mosaic is a relevant solution for rooms with high humidity. It fits perfectly into any room design and gives it originality. It should be noted that the mosaic is easy to care for - just wipe it occasionally with a cloth and detergent.

This decor is considered one of the most durable; it lasts for decades without losing its original appearance. However, to achieve this you will need to properly prepare the wall and learn the nuances of installation.

Mosaic on the wall: a modern solution for the interior

Mosaic is a universal solution for any interior. They place it in the bathroom, toilet, kitchen, and swimming pools. The fact is that mosaic retains its appearance in rooms with high levels of humidity, while it protects the walls from fungus and mold.

Mosaic looks more interesting than tiles; the joints are invisible when done well. Nowadays, types of decor are popular that are suitable not only for the bath and toilet, but even for the living room and hall. They have an original color and texture, and due to their unique properties and durability, they last longer than decorative plaster.

Laying mosaics on the wall with your own hands

The main point to keep in mind when laying mosaics is that the surface should be as smooth as possible. Porcelain tiles are not flexible, so they can cover small imperfections. At the same time, the mosaic will repeat all the surface irregularities, which, naturally, will look ugly.

Before installing the mosaic, any surface is thoroughly cleaned of dust and coated with a high-quality primer. The choice of adhesive is based on knowledge of the material. Depending on the type of decor, glue based on polymers or cement is selected. For drywall and plaster, use regular tile adhesive. Another composition is useful when it comes to decorating plastic or wooden products.

The color of the glue depends on the composition. Gray color characterizes cement mortar, white - polymer mortar.

To lay glass and brightly colored mosaics, use a transparent composition, but if the decor is dark, then gray is also suitable. If you do not pay attention to this nuance, then there is a possibility of getting a blurry, “dirty” shade.

How to lay tiles on the floor correctly

First you need to prepare the surface and tools. The equipment is dismantled (bathtub, toilet, sink). The covering that is currently on the floor is removed, the floor is cleaned of dust, and wiped with a wet rag. After this, the order of work is as follows:

• check the floor slope (no more than 0.8 centimeters);
• cover the floor surface with soil using a roller;
• wait about half an hour;
• carry out the layout dry, starting from the pipe, not the corner;
• cutting out the inflow of the required size (do not forget that there is a seam between the tiles);
• dilution of tile adhesive;
• apply a small amount of adhesive with a notched trowel (about two or three tiles);
• wipe the tiles from dust and dirt, without using water;
• lay the first row of tiles;
• wedge using construction crosses;
• check the slope angle of the row;
• remove excess glue.

A master can lay tiles in a standard-sized bath in three to four hours. An unprepared person will need several days for this.

How to glue a mosaic on a wall in a room

Installation of mosaics on the wall depends on the size of the parts and the type of surface. The adhesive selected varies depending on whether the wall is brick, plasterboard or concrete. The laying plan looks like this:

• select the area where the tiles will be laid;
• attach a pattern to see how well it will fit;
• draw a line on the ceiling - the base of the lower border;
• place the first row along the line;
• note the location of vertical seams;
• Apply glue to the ceiling along the entire length with a notched trowel;
• apply the mosaic to the surface, press with a special spatula with a rubber sticker;
• check if the seams are the same width;
• repeat the manipulations for the next row.

The grout is used within 1-2 days after installation. Next, wipe the surface of the mosaic with a sponge.

How to stick tiles in the bathroom and kitchen

After preparing the walls and preparing the glue, they begin cladding. The tiles are laid from bottom to top, a lath is used to ensure level. The slats are nailed to the corners and aligned plumb. Note that:

• The bottom row of tiles is laid with a gap so that later the mortar can be poured to lay the tiles on the floor;
• if all the tiles do not fit entirely, then laying begins with cut pieces;
• After fixing the tile, tap it with a spatula or a hammer with a rubber pad;
• after laying the row, check the correctness of the level;
• trims will make corners aesthetically pleasing;
• it is necessary to use construction crosses for separation;
• You can remove an incorrectly placed tile within an hour (depending on the quality of the glue).

Remove any remaining sealant using a rag. This allows you not only to smooth out unevenness and roughness, but also to increase the service life of the coating.

How to glue on the mesh

Mosaic on a grid looks aesthetically pleasing and fits into any decor. It does not only lie on flat surfaces, so it can be used to create original design solutions. Contrary to popular belief, laying mosaics on a grid is quite simple. Work algorithm:

• preparing the base (you need to use a grinding machine if the walls are not smooth);
• clean the wall from dust, dirt, moisture;
• make a layout plan (lay out the sheets on the floor so that there are no gaps, transfer the diagram to paper, and then to the wall);
• make markings on the wall (control is carried out by level in both coordinates);
• preparation of the adhesive composition (selected depending on the type of mosaic);
• applying glue (with a notched trowel up to 3 mm, on one or two mosaic plates);
• laying with a mesh base on glue;
• leveling the sheets with a dry cloth and hands;
• repeating the steps for all tiles.

After 24 hours, grouting is carried out. Excess glue is removed with a special grater, and then the surface of the new mosaic is polished with a felt rag.

Problems with laying mosaics arise due to the fault of the master himself, who carried out incorrect markings. There is only one recommendation for this - carry out the marking several times, check it carefully, and use a level. It is important to consider other nuances:

• glue is selected depending on the type of surface;
• the glue should have a medium viscosity (liquid will flow, but thick will dry quickly);
• dilute the composition a maximum of 2-3 times;
• do not allow leakage through the seams (difficult to remove);
• Do not work at temperatures exceeding 25 degrees.

Laying tiles and mosaics yourself is not difficult. It is important to adhere not only to the algorithm of actions, but also to control the work using equipment and measurements, and choose high-quality materials.

Useful video

So, let's talk about tiling the walls. It's hardly any easier than tiling the floor, it's gravity that's against you.

But the result is worth the effort.

I present to you a few tips for working with mosaic tiles on paper, however, these rules apply to any other type of mosaic.

What was used:

• Glass mosaic attached to a paper backing, which is then removed (not to be confused with the backing, this is not what it is).
• Tile Adhesive
• Serrated trowel
• Spacers
• Grout with sand
• Darby
• Tile scissors
• Containers for mixing mortar and grout, sponges and scraps of fabric

What was done:

Step 1: Surface Preparation

Finishing a floor with tiles begins with making a supporting base from cement or fiber cement, the same applies to finishing the walls. If the tile application area is small, then you can get by with plasterboard or greenboard. For a larger area (as shown in the photographs) you will need a 12 mm fiber cement base.

Like drywall, such a slab must be cut and secured with screws.

The seams must be sealed to ensure a smooth surface. The smaller the tile size, the smoother the surface should be.

Sanding with sandpaper will make the surface even smoother.

Now I want to give you some advice on what you should do (unfortunately, I didn’t): Take a look at the tile you chose. If the tile is translucent, then 1). You will need white adhesive and 2). It is better to apply a layer of white primer to the wall. This won't take much time, but if the adhesive is spread perfectly, then pieces of the wall will not be visible through the tiles.

Step 2: Study the features of the tiles and their placement

When the boxes of tiles first arrived, I happily rushed to unpack them, but when I opened them, I froze in bewilderment.

What to do with all this? Since I had previously worked with larger mosaic tiles that are mounted on a grid (at the back), this tile puzzled me.

You'll notice that I keep saying that this tile is secured with paper on the front side. Not from behind, and that's for a reason. Here is the back side of the tile, the one that will be attached to the wall.

The point is that the tile is translucent and the mesh will be visible. Also, this type of production is cheaper for the manufacturer, but it is more difficult to work with such tiles - they will be covered with a paper layer until the adhesive is completely dry. After everything has dried, you need to wet the paper a little and remove it. But at the moment we are still too far from that.

Let's talk now about tile placement. I repeat this every time - you can’t just stick tiles on the wall, you must first measure the wall (or part of the wall) and the sheets of tiles. When working with larger tiles, it is better to place them horizontally or vertically, but for small mosaic tiles it is better to do this from top to bottom. The molding will cover the edges.

Lay out the sheets of tiles...

And measure again. It is worth spending as much time on measurements as on the installation itself.

Step 3: Let's start styling!

Now it's time for the most important thing. At this stage you will need one or two putty knives, a serrated trowel, spacers (spacers) and a tile.

I hope that you have measured everything and marked out the order in which the tile sheets will be applied, now the mortar. For such a small tile, a very thin layer of adhesive is sufficient. I apply it with a small putty knife, because it was the first one that came to hand.

A larger knife will also work, perhaps it will do an even better job.

This is what the resulting adhesive looks like ready to be applied to the tiles.

Once the first part is installed, before moving on to the next section you will need these...

Small spacers. They must be located as close as possible to the existing grout joints between the tiles; visual inspection is also necessary.

Nothing else irritates as much as noticeable seams between sheets; this happens if you carelessly mark the location of the seams and end up making them of different sizes.

The advantage of tiles on paper is that you can make cuts between the tiles to make the seams more even.

To trim irregularly shaped obstacles such as pipe holes, etc., use tile scissors.

Everything is simple here, insert the tile and cut it...

This is what happened

Since it is extremely difficult to make an ideal shape for such a small object, I advise you not to get carried away too much - grouting will help hide errors.

Step 4: Patience, more patience!

Once all the tiles have been applied, you need to wait until they dry before removing the paper.

You need to wait at least a couple of hours, or even better - overnight.

Step 5: Uncovering the Hidden Beauty (and Mistakes)

So, your patience has been tested, it’s time to make a big discovery. Wet the paper with a damp sponge.

After 5 minutes, go over the surface with the sponge again. After another couple of minutes, the paper will come off easily.

You may need to pull out a few tiles and then put them back in place, setting them straighter. Apply some adhesive to the tiles and attach them to the wall.

Once all the tiles are in place and dry, wipe the surface with a damp sponge to remove any remaining paper.

Step 6: A Little More Dirt

Here you are standing among pieces of tiles, remnants of adhesive, even your hair is dirty. And if you think at this moment that there will be no more dirt, then you are mistaken.

Now you have to smear mud on this beautiful wall. In fact, it's just grout. I'm more inclined to use sanded grout, but there are other types you can choose from depending on the type of tile and application method... although I think it can be used anywhere.

Prepare the mixture according to the instructions on the package, or by eye, until the consistency resembles toothpaste.

Black toothpaste.

You always need less water than you might think, so it's best to follow the instructions on the package.

Then we apply this mass to the wall.

To do this, it is convenient to use a smoothing iron. It consists of a trowel with a small amount of foam or rubber on the surface, which helps the grout penetrate the seams.

Usually, to clean the surface from grout, I do the same thing... You need to wait 30 minutes, then wipe the surface 1-2 times with a damp sponge, rinsing it often. Then repeat the procedure another hour later.

After everything has dried, walk over the surface with a dry towel to remove any grout deposits.

Step 7: Now you can admire the result

So, the job is finished. After 1-2 days, when the grout has dried, you can apply the sealant. It is especially necessary in rooms with high humidity.

Now you know how to implement this project, you can start immediately!

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.

Another original mosaic solution is pebbles; they are assembled on a grid in large fragments with gaps between elements of different sizes.

There are different types of mesh, but the best are polyurethane-based mesh. It adheres very well to mosaics and can be installed in damp areas. The cheapest mesh option is 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. It can be produced as individual tesserae, or the material can be sawn from standard format tiles. Manufacturers use only the highest quality cutting material, which is why this type of mosaic is quite expensive. Ceramic mosaics on a grid can be laid in any area of ​​the house using simple cement mortar, provided that the ceramics themselves are intended for floor use. I would also like to note that ceramic tiles and 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 back side with different paints and get a very unusual material design. 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 finishing material option for framing a bathroom. Most often, such mosaics are made from granite or marble.

Mirror mosaic on a mesh is a decorative design option 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 you plan to subsequently lay the mosaic on the mesh can be of absolutely any shape, the mesh can be laid on any curved surface, but you must follow some general rules that apply to a wall or floor before applying glue.

- an important stage of 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. The two parts of the panel are laid through the gasket with their front sides facing each other and then rigidly fixed in the package. Many studios make this a blunder, although it is very important for the entire styling process.

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

The adhesive solution for mosaics differs from the tile version, 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 swimming pools 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 made by mosaic manufacturers, since it is clear that the manufacturer is interested in ensuring that his 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. Well-known manufacturers even issue special certificates to craftsmen who have been trained in this craft and confirmed their skills on 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 is the last step 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 are 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 roughly like adhesive mixtures depending on the base:

• Cement;
• Latex;
• Epoxy (creates a waterproof hard layer);
• Mixed.

Finishing work is the final stage of repair and aesthetic renovation of the premises. Manufacturers of building materials offer a huge range of their products and new solutions in the decoration of any space. One of the options for decorating a room is mosaic. A mosaic composition is a bright artistic plot laid out from a large number of small details. The variety of materials used in this type of work will surprise the most demanding customers and provide the opportunity to implement all planned projects.

Peculiarities

Mosaic is a miniature ceramic tile consisting of individual elements measuring 1 by 1 cm.

The same distance between the details will create the illusion of the integrity of the picture and incredibly beautiful color schemes.

The creation of a surface with increased strength, reliability, and high performance characteristics allowed mosaics to take a leading position in the ranking of sales of finishing materials and become an indispensable material when decorating a bathroom, swimming pool and kitchen. A wide range of colors with interspersed elements and streaks, the ability to create relief surfaces and aging effects, the combined use of materials of different types and textures - all this makes mosaic a unique and indispensable tool in the hands of professional designers and novice decorators.

Manufacturers presented the craftsmen with modern mosaics made of polymer mesh or silicone. Connecting small rectangular segments into a layer of the required size made it possible to create mosaic walls without painstaking work with each fragment of the pattern.

Working with mosaics on a grid not only increased the speed of finishing, but also increased the bonding of the tiles to the work surface.

Considering the characteristics of this type of finishing material, Work can only begin if certain conditions are met:

• a smooth working surface - rubbing with plaster or installing a plasterboard base will avoid unevenness and differences in the level of the mosaic coating;
• absence of dust and other contaminants on the wall base;
• surface treatment with primers with high penetration properties.

Mosaic tiles have several differences from ceramic tiles:

• the simplicity of cutting mosaic compositions allows its use in areas of complex terrain;
• the ability to create unique decorative elements on mirrors and frames;
• Regular cleaning of dirt will preserve the original appearance and increase the service life of the tiled surface;
• the ability to order mesh mosaics of the desired size.

Types of mosaics

Modern technologies make it possible to use elements of different shapes, sizes, colors and materials in one layer.

Manufacturers produce several types of mosaics:

• background – there is no pattern or design (various shapes, sizes and colors of elements enhance the effect of visually distancing the surface when finishing small areas);
• in the form of a panel - depiction of colored scenes using elements of the same shape and size;
• mixes - an arbitrary combination of multi-colored tiles into a single design solution.

The properties, appearance and characteristics of mosaic compositions depend on the material used and can be classified.

They come in several types:

• Glass. A universal material for both background use and compositions in the form of panels. Glass melt is characterized by durability, moisture resistance, heat resistance and high strength. A wide range of colors, the ability to use pigments and paints, and the play of light on the glass surface make the material aesthetically pleasing and attractive when decorating a bathroom, swimming pool, or building façade.
• Smalt. They are created on the basis of glass with the addition of potassium salts, have an opaque, rich structure, and retain all the properties of glass mosaic. Resistance to wear and tear of the surface makes it possible to use them in common areas, hallways and stairs.

• Mirrored. An unusual version of glass mosaic, consisting of smooth elements of different colors and shapes that can reflect light and objects. Compositions made from this material can only be used as a background, they have a fragile structure, and in rooms with high humidity they acquire a cloudy tint and an unaesthetic appearance.
• Ceramic. They have the properties and characteristics of tiles, but differ in the small size of the elements. A wide range of colors, patterns, reliefs and inclusions on the surface, different shapes and production methods, high strength and wear resistance make it possible to use compositions for cladding kitchens, swimming pools, buildings and fireplaces.
• Metal. Modern and stylish cladding elements with a high price. Rubber-based mosaic modules consist of 5 mm thick chips made of stainless steel and aluminum. They have a matte or polished surface of the segments coated with brass, bronze, gold and silver, and are used for lining mirrors, furniture, photo frames and kitchen aprons.

• Wooden. Spectacular and original decorative elements in rustic style. Making chips from hardwood increases the strength and service life of the product.
• Stone. An interesting option for creating decorative panels and exclusive patterns. By using modules of different shapes and stones of different types, designers have the opportunity to obtain a wide range of colors and a wide range of shades to implement all customer requirements.
• Porcelain stoneware. Inexpensive replacement for natural stone. A strong, reliable and durable material with an opaque or glossy surface of various shapes and colors is used for interior and exterior work. Environmental safety, resistance to aggressive environments, temperature changes and moisture, low price are the undeniable advantages of the material.

• Marble. A mixture of marble chips and concrete. Used for street cladding in harsh climates.
• Gold. Exclusive finish with platinum, silver and gold plating. The high price and technology of manual production of finishing materials are a sign of luxury and uniqueness of decorative elements.

On the shelves of hardware stores you can also find other types of mosaics, the use of which is less common in decorating a room.

Glue selection

An important stage in the mosaic installation process is the choice of adhesive solution. The reliability and strength of gluing elements to the working surface depends on the quality, properties and characteristics of the glue. The main parameters when choosing are elasticity and wettability. The color of the composition does not matter much if the mosaic elements are matte or opaque; in other cases, it is recommended to use white tile adhesive.

The main criteria when choosing an adhesive are the type of material and operating conditions of the mosaic compositions.

• Cement (homemade). It consists of white or gray cement, water, fine sand, and modifying additives. There are several types of such glue: hard, elastic and highly elastic.
• Dispersive. Ready-made adhesive for small volumes of work that retains its properties after opening the container.
• Reactive. Consists of epoxy and polyurethane base and hardener. Before using the glue, the components must be mixed to produce a chemical reaction. It has a high price and a short period of use before hardening.

Installation technology

The high cost of finishing work with this material can be an unpleasant surprise when calculating the estimated cost. If you have basic tools, you can do the cladding work yourself.

To complete them you will need:

• building level;
• roulette;
• soft matter;
• rubber hammer;
• double-sided spatula;
• paint brush;
• construction knife.

To quickly and efficiently complete the work, it is necessary to follow the technological process and experience of specialists:

• the planned layout of the composition must be correctly applied to the leveled and primed work surface;
• distribute the glue evenly on the wall base;
• Glue the sheets coated with adhesive on the back side according to the marked contours (the distance between the sheets should correspond to the spaces between small tiles, the surface must be smeared very carefully, try not to smear the front side of the tile);

• Press the laid structure with a rubber roller;
• Use a soft sponge to remove excess glue and leave to dry for 2 days;
• the final stage is grouting the joints with a suitable grouting composition (compositions based on liquid glass, epoxy resin and latex are used);
• After 20 minutes, wipe the surface in a circular motion, removing all excess composition and dirt.