Glass mosaic tile is more in fashion than ever! This is one of the most popular surfacing materials because of its durability and endless design possibilities. This is a highly versatile material that can be used for any surface both indoors and outdoors: pools, facades, floors, walls, chimneys, stairs, splashbacks, countertops tables, shelves, bars, etc. One of the great advantages of Hisbalit mosaic tiles is that they remain unaltered by the sun, rain, extreme heat or cold and are also resistant to brusque temperature changes (thermal shock).
But one of the most frequent doubts about this material is how to install it: What tools do you need? What is the right technique to install mosaic tiles properly? In this post we provide our basic recommendations for the correct installation of our mosaic tiles to guarantee optimum and long-lasting results.
What tools do I need to install mosaic tiles?
- Narrow notched trowel: 3 mm notch. Important! One of the most common errors when installing mosaic tile is using a trowel with thick notches.
- Sponge trowel
- Rubber or wooden block
- Sponge
- Squeegee
- Tile nippers: Recommended for cutting small pieces of tile or for finishes requiring irregular or curved forms.
- Radial tile cutter or grinder: Recommended for straight cuts longer than 1 cm. This is the ideal tool for cutting pieces of mosaic tile joining other materials along straight lines. This should be a small-size, medium powered tool with speed control. Cuts should be made at moderate or even low speed, using a 115 mm glass cutting disk.
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS FOR INSTALLING MOSAIC TILE!
INSTALLATION WITH HT-K * ¡RECOMMENDED!
HT-K System: this is a revolutionary fixing system that uses an exclusive thermo-polymer bead to join all the pieces of the tile sheet. The result is a ductile and highly durable tile sheet that adapts perfectly to surfaces, guaranteeing unmatched results over the long term, saving both time and money in installations and repairs. Installation is quick. Sheets can be trimmed easily with a cutter and can be stored outdoors. By combining the proper adhesive and jointing material, HT-K is the only system that prevents tesserae from becoming detached over time, guaranteeing inalterable results.
1 – Spread a layer of adhesive cement 2 to 3 mm thick using a notched trowel.
2 – Place the mosaic tiles on the adhesive cement, align carefully so there is a distance of 2 mm between each tile and all joints are the same.
3 – Tap with a wood or rubber trowel so the tiles penetrate the layer of adhesive cement.
4 – Once the adhesive cement is dry, fill the joints with a trowel and special mortar for joints.
5 – Remove any remaining adhesive with rubber squeegee.
6 – Clean with a damp sponge.
7 – Finish cleaning with a dry cloth.
INSTALLATION WITH ADHESIVE PAPER
1 – Spread a layer of adhesive cement 2 to 3 mm thick using a notched trowel.
2 – Place the mosaic tile sheets on the adhesive cement, align carefully so there is a distance of 2 mm between each and all joints are the same.
3 – Tap with a wood or rubber trowel so the tiles penetrate the layer of adhesive cement.
4 – Once the cement is dry, wet the paper covering the tile sheets. It is very important to wet only the paper to be removed immediately. Don’t let the paper dry before removing.
5 – Remove the paper as shown in the image. Clean the remains of adhesive with a damp sponge.
6 – Once the adhesive cement is dry, fill the joints with a trowel and special mortar for joints.
7 – Remove any remaining adhesive with a rubber squeegee.
8 – Clean with a damp sponge.
9 – Finish cleaning with a dry cloth.
Main errors with installing mosaic tiles
1. Not preparing the surface properly. The surface must be level, stable, clean and dry. The ideal surface is a thin layer of water-repellent mortar.
2. Using a trowel with notches that are too thick. No more than 3 mm!
3. Using too much adhesive cement.
4. Not having the correct spacing between the sheets. Unmatched lines of tile can give an irregular and unsightly finish.
5. Not cleaning excess grout from the joints.
MOSAIC TILE INSTALLATION VIDEO
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Hisbalit’s installation service
For a perfect finish to your project, don’t hesitate to consider the possibility of having our mosaic tile installers do the work for you.
Hisbalit’s expert team of tile installers can install tiles on any surface: pools, facades, walls, floors and furniture.