Easy Tips on How to Install Mosaic Tiles

Mosaic tiles are little tile pieces typically made of ceramic, porcelain, or glass and mounted on a sheet. These look beautiful and present an exquisite visual feature when installed in the right manner. When it comes to the installation of mosaic tiles, it works like any other tile but there are still some unique challenges due to their small size. 

This blog post will explore what are mosaic tiles, the installation of mosaic tiles, taking care of and cleaning these tiles, and other related topics.

What Are Mosaic Tiles?

Simply put, this is the name given to a design that consists of several small pieces of tiles arranged in a particular pattern to create an exquisite design. These are sold in a wide range of shapes, styles, surfaces, and materials. While the most common material used for making these tiles is ceramic, several other materials are also used including porcelain, glass, metal, and natural stone, among others. Since these tiles consist of several small pieces, installing these takes attention to detail and experienced hands.

Things You’ll Need

In order to install mosaic tiles, you will need the following supplies:

• Straightedge
• Old toothbrush for cleaning
• Setting type joint compound
• Utility knife
• Trowel
• Tamping block
• Chalk line
• Grout
• Level
• Grout sealer

How to Install Mosaic Tiles

Installation of mosaic tiles isn’t that different from installing any other type of tile. The only difference between installing these tiles and other tiles is that cutting mosaic tiles is relatively simple. Here is what you need to do:

• Surface preparation
• Tile layout planning
• Attaching the tile sheet
• Setting the tiles
• Cutting tile sheets in appropriate sizes
• Installation of trim tiles
• Grout preparation
• Grout application
• Tile surface cleaning
• Grout lines sealing

The first step is the preparation of the surface. Clean installation depends, to a large extent, on the preparation of the surface. If the surface isn’t level, tiles are never going to look as good as they should. Use a straight edge and level to ensure the installation surface is completely level. Depending on the type of tiles you are installing, you might want to use a thin-set joint compound.

Apply it with the help of a notched trowel and use the flat side of the trowel to flatten the thin-set joint compound. This will help in preventing the formation of ridges and air pockets.

Mosaic tiles are held together with the help of a plastic, mesh or paper backing. Make sure you trim the edges of the backing properly when sticking sheets together to ensure proper installation. Once all the mosaic tiles have been properly installed, use a rubber mallet to tamp them in order to ensure everything is set flush.

Now it’s time to make grout once the tiles have been thoroughly set and there is no danger of shifting. Use either sanded or unsanded grout depending on the grout seam. Don’t forget to follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer when mixing grout.

Once the grout is properly mixed, make sure it is forced into the joints properly. Make sure all the joints are filled and keep filling them until joints are completely filled with grout. Give some time for the grout to harden as per the directions of the manufacturer and then use a clean cloth to get rid of the dried grout from the face of the tiles. After complete curing of the grout, use the appropriate remover to get rid of the remaining grout film.

Keep in mind that tile grout is porous and needs to be properly sealed to ensure its integrity. Use the right type of sealer as recommended by the manufacturer of the grout. 

How to Take Care of Mosaic Tiles

While mosaic tiles are extremely resilient, and you still need a little tender, love & care to keep them looking great. Since a variety of materials are used for making these tiles, it is important to follow the cleaning instructions for that particular material.

On the whole, mosaic tiles are known to be nonporous and hard which means it is difficult to scratch them and this is why these are commonly used in showers and bathrooms.

In order to keep them clean and shiny, you should take a soft cloth and dampen it with warm water and use it to clean the surface daily. If you notice a stain or a spill on the surface, use a neutral pH cleaning solution to get rid of the stain. 

Final Thoughts

Mosaic tiles are beautiful and offer a great way to add a visual feature to a room. These are made from a variety of materials and can be used almost everywhere including splashbacks, countertops, walls, and floors. Installing these tiles isn’t that complicated but you need expert hands with plenty of experience in installation to do it right.

Quality Tile Cleaning & Restoration Services

Call Slique today for professional tile cleaning and restoration services. We have several decades of experience in Sydney when it comes to restoring all kinds of tile surfaces to their original glory. Whether you are dealing with faded, scratched, dull, chipped, stained, or worn-out tiles, call us today and our technicians will restore them to look like new.

For all your tile restoration and cleaning needs in Sydney, please call SLIQUE today on 02 9648 0395, or you can leave an inquiry.