Mosaic paintings and tile artwork have been around for a long time, creating beautiful images with intricate designs that are truly amazing pieces of art. Previously, to make anything with mosaic tile, you would use individual (usually very small) tiles, create a pattern your self, then put each individual tile up one by one which was usually a long, time consuming project. Thankfully now-a-days they come in different sized, easy to use sheets, so you can apply many all at once. The sheets come in a wide range of materials, colors and patterns and are surely to make any space pop! If you are ready to create a brand new look using mosaic tiles in your home, here is a guide to help you with your mosaic tile install.
-Prep Your Area-
First, you need to pick your tile. TST mosaic tile has a wide range of beautiful tiles with gorgeous patterns and colors made with different materials. Next, you will need to plan your layout, make sure you measure out the space where you want your tiles to placed. Once you have your area measured out, you want to make sure the surface the tiles will be on is flat and smooth. You can place tile on plywood or drywall but it is best to have a backing like cement board for a better adhesive base.
-Start Tiling-
Using mosaic tile sheets is pretty much the same process of regular tiles and is usually easier to make cuts with due to it's fiber-glass backing. Start in the center of your planned area and using a trowel add a layer of your adhesive (thin-set) and place the tile sheet, adjusting if necessary to make sure it's even. Hold the sheet with steady pressure to make sure it sets in to place. Continue this process moving outward from the center, making cuts when needed. If you start to notice your tiles bending or not sitting flat, you can use a small board of plywood to place over the area with ripples and use a rubber mallet gently to help flatten the tiles back in to place.
-Grouting-
After covering the area with your mosaic, completing all cuts and trim work and making sure the tile is dry and firmly set in, you are now ready for grout. Mix your grout (or use a pre-mix), using a grouting trowel, start in a small area and spread the grout over the tiles insuring to press the grout in-between each tile and try to remove big chunks of grout as you go. Let the grout set for just a moment, then using a damp sponge or cloth wipe tiles clean. Do not wipe too hard as you don't want to remove the grout from in the tile joints. Continue in small sections until all tiles have been grouted. After the grout has completely set, you can use a grout haze remover or vinegar to remove any leftover imperfections.
Lastly, it's important especially in wet areas (kitchens, bathrooms) to seal the grout. Using a grout sealer, you can brush with a paint brush or roller to cover all of the tiles, then wipe off any excess sealer.
So whether you are doing an entire bathroom or a kitchen backsplash, using mosaic tiles is a great choice to add beautiful design and value to your home.
