Mosaic tiles for the kitchen on the apron: features, types and design tips

Kitchen backsplash mosaic tiles are an equal alternative to traditional wide-format tiles. Although its long-term use has some difficulties, its beautiful appearance is worth it.

For the manufacture of mosaic tiles, either glass or porcelain stoneware is used. The finishing material is realized in the form of a kind of square matrix, consisting of several small elements. Thus, not separate squares are laid on the treated wall, but plates that combine them with a paper base, plastic or mesh parts.

There is also a self-adhesive mosaic, which greatly simplifies the installation process. True, it can only be used on perfectly flat walls.

The mosaic apron looks modern and very pretty. The possibilities for the embodiment of creative ideas are very extensive: you can use one or several colors, choose elements of different shapes, create a monochrome image or a complex composition. The use of such a finish will be appropriate both in classic interiors and in rooms with a different style.

The mosaic tile itself is durable and does not deteriorate from any mechanical damage. It will not deteriorate due to increased ambient temperatures, exposure to liquids or sunlight. Finally, it can be applied even on a curved ribbed wall.

To lay out an apron from mosaic tiles, you only need the finishing material itself, grout and glue.

However, this type of finish has some drawbacks. Caring for it is quite difficult, but it should be regular and start immediately after styling. As soon as the installation work is completed, the apron is treated from fungi and mold, and is also coated with agents that repel dirt and liquid. Further, the tiles will have to be looked after, based on the available material.

The installation itself is a more complicated process than in the case of conventional large-format plates. The resulting apron has a large number of seams, which are considered the most vulnerable area, so they will have to be additionally processed from dirt, liquid and mold. Finally, the cost of such a finish is much higher compared to plastic or chipboard.

By the way, it is important first to sensibly prepare the wall. First, the surface is cleaned of the old finish, after which it is covered with a primer. This procedure will improve the fixation.

In the event that the apron is created from self-adhesive tiles, then the base should additionally be degreased.... When additional alignment is required, it will be carried out using a putty or plaster. It is recommended to purchase glue based on latex.

Before choosing an apron design, you should calculate the amount of material required. The mosaic is usually realized with plates, the side of which is 24, 28, 30 and 32 centimeters. The most popular squares are considered to be 30 by 30 centimeters or 32 by 32 centimeters.... In the event that a ready-made mosaic pattern is purchased, then, most likely, its sides will correspond to 100 centimeters. The same applies to dies filled with chips of a round or other non-standard shape.

Tiles can be both small and larger - the length of the sides of the chips ranges from 1 to 10 centimeters. Most often, there are fragments with parameters 2 by 2 centimeters or 5 by 5 centimeters.

To determine how many mosaic tiles are required, you first have to find out the main parameters of the planned apron, that is, the length and width. Next, having decided on the design, you should calculate how many matrix squares are required for such an apron. The missing pieces will already be trimmed from the matrices taken as a reserve, which should be 15 to 20 percent.

In the case of glass or other light-colored mosaics, it is better to use white glue, which will not spoil the facing.... In addition, the composition should be characterized by high adhesion, ranging from 20 to 28 kilograms per square centimeter. Such a solution will enhance the interaction of surfaces, thereby ensuring the retention of the tile to the wall surface.

The best grout is epoxy... Although this material is distinguished by its high cost and rather difficult operation, it does not deteriorate either with excessive moisture or due to food components.

Mosaic chips can be square, rectangular, round, pentagonal, or pebble. They are most often made of durable glass with dimensions of 2 by 2 centimeters. Glass chips differ in color, are matte and glossy, covered with glitter or foil.

Smalt is considered the most durable type of glass blocks., made by pressing colored glass. It is characterized by rich colors and uneven color distribution. Spanish and Italian products are considered to be of the highest quality.

Usually, the brighter the color of the chips, the higher its price will be, because saturated colors are possible only with the use of additives and high-quality pigments.

Glass mosaics are highly hygienic as bacteria cannot grow on the glass. The use of glass is possible even in those parts where the highest temperature is felt in the kitchen, that is, near the stove. The material is heat-resistant and wear-resistant, it will also not absorb excess liquid.

There is also ceramic tile, which is more affordable but no less attractive.

Porcelain stoneware looks as natural as possible, although it costs more than the above materials. It is not rich in original color solutions, but it allows you to experiment with texture: the surface can be smooth, glossy, rough, and has a pronounced relief.

The stone mosaic looks very rich and noble, which explains its high cost.

Many designers recommend combining several types of mosaics, for example, glass and ceramic, stone and "metal". Some companies even do it on their own, offering customers original solutions.

An apron made of mosaic must never be treated with hard sponges, a brush with coarse bristles and aggressive chemicals. You can take care of the material only with a soft cloth soaked in water. In the case of heavy contamination, you can use a special window cleaner.

Better to avoid soap-based solutions, as it can create an unsightly film on the surface, which will deprive the mosaic of its gloss.

If we talk about the reviews, then most often they are positive. Of course, mosaic tiles transform the appearance of a room, making it very modern. It is best suited for high-tech style, but in other cases it will prove to be a worthy accent. Using the technology, in a couple of hours it will be possible to complete all the work and create a new apron.

It is not so difficult to take care of the tiles, but it must be done regularly.

For information on how to lay mosaics in the kitchen, see the next video.