Placing mosaic tiles

In this article we address the question: how do you install mosaic tiles? Two important questions that precede this are:

• How do you measure the surface? This way you can be sure that you order the correct quantity.
• Are you going to install the tiles yourself or have an expert do it? (our advice: have this done by an expert for optimal results)

We always recommend that you have the mosaic tiles installed by a tiler, so you get the best result. For more tips, such as choosing a good tiler, read the previously linked article. If you are going to install the tiles yourself, you will find a good guide for installing (and grouting) on ​​this page. Before you start installing, read all the steps carefully, and also read the extra tips because they can be very important in some cases.

We recommend that you have the tiles installed by a tiler

Choose sealant, joint and adhesive

Almost every tiler has a preference for the brand of adhesive, grout and sealant he or she works with. However, always ask carefully whether the tiler's favorite materials can also be used in wet areas such as the shower, the swimming pool and the back wall in the kitchen. This requires a joint that seals completely, which also prevents the joints from becoming dirty after some time.

Supplies

For this job you will need:

• Spirit level
• Glue comb
• Sponge
• Safety glasses
• Face mask
• Mosaic tiles
• Glue
• Grout
• Kit

Installing mosaic tiles

1. The surface must be completely flat, clean and dry.
2. Choose adhesive based on the surface and application. For the best information, check the manufacturers' websites, or ask an employee of, for example, the hardware store where you want to buy the glue. Manufacturers with good adhesives are: Eurocol, Mapei, PCI and Sopro. This is a small selection from the range of good adhesives. We do not offer glue in our store.
3. Are you going to work glass mosaic tiles Then ensure a sleek white surface and work exclusively with white glue. This prevents the mosaic from coloring differently than you want and expect.
4. Now apply the glue using a glue comb. Preferably do this with a glue comb with the smallest possible teeth. Start in the center of the room and work outward from there. Apply a good amount of glue. The glue should be distributed with a rotating movement. The mosaic must be placed on the glue before the glue hardens.
5. Stick the first sheet tiles straight and in the middle of the surface. Use a trowel to press down all the tiles. All tiles must be in good contact with the adhesive so that they stay in place. If glue comes out between the joints, too much glue has been used. Remove the excess adhesive, otherwise grout cannot be placed in these areas.
6. Stick the next sheet approximately 1/3 of the way up from the first sheet. This can be next to or underneath. The idea is that the different sheets are slightly offset, so that one whole is ultimately created. Try to maintain the same joint width as much as possible.
7. After some time you arrive at the edges of the room. For this it is often important that the sheets are cut or cut to size. In this article we tell you more about cutting and cutting mosaic tiles . In short: you cut glass mosaic, you cut ceramic tiles There are special tile tools for cutting and cutting. In addition to cutting, ceramics can also be sawn with a table saw. Please note: make sure you only have to cut/cut or
8. Once the entire surface (wall or floor) is ready, the adhesive must first harden properly. Once this is done you can start grouting. Choose a grout that is suitable for the application and choose a color that goes well with the mosaic tiles. We also recommend the same brands for grout.

The grouting

Start grouting as soon as you have successfully completed the installation steps. Also read these grouting steps carefully before you get started. Once you have finished installing the entire surface, the glue must first harden properly. After this you can start grouting. Choose a grout that is suitable for the application (wall, floor, swimming pool or ...). In addition, choose a color that goes well with the mosaic tiles. We recommend that you purchase the grout and sealant from the same brand so that the colors match as closely as possible.

1. Always prepare a joint with a mixer, not with a trowel. This ensures that you have to use less water, so that the grout gets the right color when it dries.
2. Prepare the grout as directed on the packaging. Spread this over the surface. Use a trowel to divide.
3. Check whether all joints are properly provided with grout. Make sure there are no air bubbles or gaps.
4. Once the grout is completely dry, you can start cleaning. Check the grout packaging for the time required for the grout to dry. Use a sponge and plenty of water for cleaning.

Additional tips for installing and grouting – read these tips in advance

• Do not use white grout for the floor.
• In wet, humid areas or rear walls in the kitchen, use a joint that closes completely. This is due to maintenance and hygiene.
• Once you have sufficiently sponged the surface with clean water, placing the tiles is ready. If a haze / veil remains, we have the following tips:
  • With an epoxy joint or 2-component joint you can remove the last veil with spirit.
  • If cement remains in holes in the glass mosaic, and if the joints are not completely smooth, use a cement film remover. However, don't wait too long!
• Finally, the kitten. We recommend using the same color as the joint. This way you can be sure that the color matches the grout as closely as possible. This is how you create a whole. Use the same brand for the sealant as the joint.

---

Mosaic tile job guide

• Measure the space
• Do it yourself or have it done?
• Installing mosaic tiles
• Cutting and/or trimming
• Add
• Maintained