Mosaic: features and scope of its application

The building materials market is expanding every year - new types of finishing materials appear, which are produced using the latest technologies. In this regard, buyers are lost in the choice among a wide range. One of the most popular types of finishes is mosaic, which can also vary in its properties. In order to understand the specifics of the material and the scope of its application, we will consider this coating in more detail.

Mosaic is a tile made in a special way based on small parts of various materials, such as glass or ceramics. This interior design has been known since time immemorial - according to historians, the use of mosaics can be traced back to the 5th century BC! It was from the Middle East and the Mediterranean that the tradition of creating intricate plots and elaborate panels based on small individual elements on the floor and walls spread.

Today this technology has not lost its popularity; rather, on the contrary, now it is at the top of construction trends. Thanks to the development of technology, it has become possible to simplify and speed up the process of producing mosaic coverings as much as possible.

Of course, especially pretentious consumers can create their own mosaic designs, but it should be understood that today there are a large number of companies on the market that develop their own patterns for every taste, color and budget. This allows the buyer to find exactly what can ideally meet his requirements and wishes.

Mosaic coverings are a surface on which small cells are located in a certain way, imitating tiles. Thanks to these multiple elements, a constant play of light is created, which allows you to visually expand and decorate the room in an interesting way, regardless of the interior style. Based on this, we can say that mosaic is perhaps the most artistic way of decoration, which allows you not only to decorate the space of a room, but even transform it, if there is such a need.

Interestingly, mosaics can be used not only as floor or wall cladding, but they are often used in interior decoration such as countertops, fireplaces and mirrors.

Over the past decades, mosaic flooring has evolved from an elite way of decorating an interior into a very common method of decorating a space, which many people resort to today. This is due to the many advantages that the material has.

First of all, it is high strength, which is achieved due to raw materials (for example, natural stones) and a special method of production of this material - often mosaics are obtained by mixing certain components and then firing them.

It's no secret that mosaic tiles are used in kitchens, bathrooms and swimming pools. This is due to the fact that the material has a high level of water resistance. It is for this reason that mosaic trim can often be found in rooms with high humidity.

Resistance to temperature extremes also allows this cladding to be used in various conditions, for example, in baths and hammams.

Another significant advantage is the ability to withstand chemical attack. We can say that this is one of the most important criteria that are guided by people who want to use mosaic as a decoration. Since it is mainly used for wall and floor cladding, the coating is often exposed to dirt and impurities.

In this regard, most manufacturers are trying to prevent the consequences of the negative effects of various cleaning agents on the mosaic canvas. The interaction of cleaning products and the surface of the mosaic is not detrimental to the material, so it can be kept clean and tidy for a long time and without much effort. And this is the indisputable advantage of this type of coating.

Among other advantages, it is necessary to note the widest range of materials and color palette. This allows you to "fit" the mosaic tiles into the existing interior and place color and textured accents in it. On the other hand, the choice of tile cladding opens up many opportunities for creating a unique mosaic pattern and realizing your own ideas and creativity. The room, decorated with artistic mosaic technique, will create a pleasant relaxing atmosphere.

Mosaic is often used in the field of private construction., and this is quite justified: in addition to excellent performance and aesthetic characteristics, this coating is an environmentally friendly product that meets a number of international quality and safety standards. It is for this reason that it can be used in your own home without fear for the health of your family and friends.

Despite a number of functional advantages and stylistic advantages of this coating, it also has some disadvantages that cannot be ignored. First, there is the possibility of scratches - although mosaic tiles are resistant to mechanical stress, some types of cleaning tools and brushes can cause irreparable damage to the mosaic surface.

Cost is also one of the disadvantages of mosaic tiles. In general, the material can also be found inexpensive - within 4 thousand per square meter, but it is worth remembering that often with such a low price there are many disadvantages of the material itself. This will negatively affect the quality of the coating and its service life. A really good and high-quality mosaic can be purchased for about 8 thousand per square meter. This cost may require significant spending from the family budget. On the other hand, they will be justified, otherwise it may affect the durability of the mosaic coating.

The complexity of the installation of such a material is associated with additional expenses, which include calling the masters who are able to correctly tiling the room with mosaics. Of course, the degree of complexity of the work depends on the type of coating, for example, it is more expedient to entrust tiles made of natural stone of a rare breed to professionals in their field, while PVC panels can be installed by a person who only has experience in repair.

Either way, beginners shouldn't experiment with repairs., instead, it is better to turn to specialists who can properly fix the tile to the surface and thereby ensure its durability. On the other hand, professionals will be able to vouch for the appearance, which plays almost a key role, since mosaic is a laborious art. It makes special demands on the aesthetic component of the coating.

Another disadvantage of the finish, which comes to light only during its operation, is its slipperiness. This is especially true of coatings in the bathroom, pool. Although the material has a low level of water absorption, it is still not capable of repelling moisture - it simply remains on the surface of the mosaic, so after water procedures it is quite possible to slip on it, which can be fraught with health. The use of carpet over tiled flooring can somewhat reduce the underlying threat, but it is still worth considering, especially for smooth glazed mosaics.

Thanks to advances in technology, it is now possible to create mosaic coverings from a wide range of materials. In order to understand what types of mosaics exist and what is the difference between them, it is necessary to consider in detail the varieties of this material.

One of the most popular types of mosaics is glass. She gained such popularity because she is strong enough, resistant to temperature changes and mechanical stress.

This coating has a number of advantages, since it is created using a special technology, which is a long-term remelting of quartz sand, spar, various oxides and salt at high temperatures. After the completion of the first stage, the practically finished material is subjected to roasting and subsequent cooling. This method of production allows you to create a very durable material that is much superior in quality to glass, even though they have the same composition.

Fractional shapes like these allow you to create perfectly detailed designs on any surface. and in any room. It is also possible to create a spectacular finish thanks to the wide range of colors of glass mosaic, because during the production of the material, various coloring elements are added to the composition, for example, cadmium. More expensive coating options made of premium Venetian glass are supplemented with natural minerals like onyx or even semi-precious stones - aventurine, mother-of-pearl.

There is also the so-called frosted glass mosaic - smalt, it is made with the addition of potassium to the composition of the material. It is this substance that determines the color saturation, lack of transparency and glossy effect on the coating surface. Perhaps it is smalt that is the most ancient material for interior decoration, which has been used in repair work since the time of Ancient Greece, but it has not lost its relevance to this day.

The smooth surface, pleasant texture and the absence of any inclusions allow you to create an intricate volumetric pattern. Thanks to such performance qualities, smalt remains the main material for the implementation of most architectural and design solutions.

A wide range of glass mosaics ensures its popularity among buyers of various incomes: no wonder this coating can be seen in the small bathrooms of apartment buildings, and in the spacious pool of a luxurious mansion.

However, with all the obvious advantages of this material, one must not forget that its use is possible only in closed rooms, and use in open spaces - for example, terraces, will look at least ridiculous.

Mosaic tiles can also be made from raw materials such as natural stone. It should be noted right away that this is a very expensive material, the price of which varies between 5-40 thousand rubles. The upper limit is due to the use of exclusively premium quality raw materials and the uniqueness of the pattern.

To increase the number of buyers, companies turn to not only exclusive types of stones. Often, granite, tuff, and even sea pebbles are involved in production! When creating a coating, stones are repeatedly ground, crushed and given the necessary shape and size, and also covered with special protective compounds. Despite this, the mosaic is not resistant to the use of cleaning chemicals and various hard brushes. Based on this, we can say that this type of coating requires careful handling, otherwise various defects may appear on the material.

Ceramic mosaic also occupies one of the leading positions in terms of frequency of use in finishing and cladding works. It very accurately imitates a tiled floor, differing from it only in the size of tesserae, that is, individual cells that make up a full-fledged mosaic canvas.

The indisputable advantage of this type of coating is its wide range: this applies to a wide range of colors, and to the structure of the material, and to its texture. On the construction market, you can find both traditionally glazed mosaic and its various modifications, including multiple inclusions and imitation of cracks, breaks.

Such a material will be more durable and will not be subject to dirt and negative abrasion, while the pores in the ceramic mosaic create a small air space inside the tessera, which affects the strength and the degree of wear of the ceramic mosaic.

Thanks to modern technologies, tile mosaics are also created from non-traditional materials, for example, metal. Such coatings are made of stainless steel with a density of about 7 g / cm2, the thickness of this material is 0.05 m. Such characteristics provide high strength of the mosaic with its relative lightness. The individual cells are secured to a special rubber backing to help provide the required flexibility of the coating. Due to this, the owners can lay a metal tile covering even on an uneven surface. However, the use of metal mosaics as a solid coating is not common.

The list of raw materials for the production of mosaic tiles has recently been supplemented by porcelain stoneware, which combines many different advantages, for example, high resistance to mechanical damage (such as scratches, cracks and abrasion), impact resistance and ease of installation. By following the advice of professionals step by step, you can achieve an excellent result - the porcelain stoneware coating will adhere firmly to the surface for a long time.

A rich color palette is also an undoubted advantage of porcelain stoneware mosaics., it is she who allows you to implement the most original and daring design ideas. Such widespread use is also achieved due to the fact that porcelain stoneware, as an artificial material, presupposes an extensive set of mosaic textures: smooth glazed, and relief, and with imitation of cracks, and with the presence of various inlays.

Thanks to this, almost any buyer will be able to choose a worthy option for themselves without harming the family budget. The operational qualities of porcelain stoneware mosaics provide it with a variety of applications in private construction: similar cladding can be seen in the household areas of the house, in the workspace and, of course, in the bathrooms. Moreover, this type of mosaic covering can also be used as a facade cladding.

Among the non-standard raw materials used in the production of mosaics, it is worth noting plastic. This material has recently entered the market for mosaic coverings as a raw material: for the production of this type, thin (4 mm thick) PVC sheets are used, which are designed to imitate ceramic tiles. Meeting German standards, plastic tiles can offer a durable, high-quality finish that can significantly transform or simply freshen up an interior at a low cost. Moreover, almost every home craftsman will be able to install this coating on his own - perhaps this is one of the key advantages of plastic mosaic panels.

Mosaic cladding is one of the types of art and applied works, and in them, as you know, you can give free rein to imagination. It is due to this coating that the most daring design ideas can be realized. This is possible because the mosaic does not have any standard and varies in size, color and texture: in addition to the usual square, there is also a hexagonal mosaic.

It is a set of smooth glazed modules in the shape of a hexagon, which come in different colors, but the most popular coloristic solutions for this type of cladding are white, gray, black and some pastel shades.

The square shape, which is already familiar to ordinary people, in combination with a matte finish, will look interesting both in a classic interior and in a room with a modern decor. Moreover, the functionality, lightness and simplicity of the forms of styles such as hi-tech can be accentuated by 3D tiles, which are gaining more and more popularity thanks to the flourishing of technology. She will not only be able to become the design personification of the time of high speeds and rapidly developing technologies, but also will be able to complement the fusion interior, known for its attention to detail and texture.

Today, mosaic art is experiencing a rebirth, since the abundance of all kinds of cladding contributes to the expansion of the functionality of the coating, which is used more and more often and more intricately every year.Representing multiple stylistic options for the design of the space, the mosaic opens up the widest opportunities for the master to realize his creative potential.

A similar tradition was formed in ancient times, when a mosaic panel was an elite way to decorate a room. It was produced only in strict accordance with the type of room in which the panel was placed. For example, in Byzantine churches, mosaics were used to depict saints and broadcast a certain moralizing plot.

At the same time, in Islamic states, for example, the Ottoman Empire and Arab countries, mosaics were used as decoration and decoration method - intricate ornaments and unusually beautiful patterns were created, which were performed by skilled artists.

The oriental style has not lost its popularity for many centuries, not only in the Middle Eastbut also across the globe. The coating, made with a bias in oriental motifs, always looks very unusual and is characterized by a set of bright colors, small patterns that require a high level of craftsmanship.

The disadvantage of such a design of the premises is that it is very difficult for the visitor to visually perceive all the riot of colors and shapes; for this reason, many designers working with the Middle Eastern style of mosaic use it fragmentarily only in some areas of the surface in order to highlight them. This technique allows you to add zest to the interior, while not visually overloading it. One way or another, even a small number of patterns in the Arabic style look colorful, elegant and attract attention for a long time.

Styles that came to Russia from Europe are more restrained and involve the use of either monochrome mosaic solutions, or such simple stylistic and color patterns that will not look clumsy and pretentious. Usually, the use of drawings has a completely rational meaning - to zoning a room and highlight in it any key zone in it. This applies, first of all, to small studio apartments, in which floor mosaics can literally outline the boundaries of a particular semantic zone, for example, separate the dining room from the kitchen. Often, for these purposes, several color shades are used, creating a contrast among themselves.

Speaking about color techniques, we note that their use depends on the style of the room in which it is planned to carry out the renovation work. However, there are architectural templates that make it easier to pick a color palette, as there are some shades that can "fit" into any decor.

Among the neutral, and therefore universal for most interiors, colors can be called white and beige. Both of these colors, firstly, expand the space, which is very necessary for small spaces in apartment buildings. And secondly, they have a beneficial effect on a person in a psychological sense: it is pleasant to be in rooms made in light shades, because people feel calm and relaxed in them.

This is quite justified, because even psychologists claim that using such a color palette relieves stress and tension, and also promotes relaxation.It is for this reason that colors such as blue and blue can often be found in pools and bathrooms, because it is in these rooms that a person needs the greatest rest and peace in order for him to fully enjoy water procedures.

In addition, these shades are associated with water by all, without exception, people, which leads to the use of mosaics of these colors as lining of bathrooms and swimming pools. They will look especially interesting in a room decorated in a marine style and will be able to support the general mood and psychological background of the room, but also emphasize the ingenuity of the owners of the house.

Many people love bright and intricate interiors with all kinds of patterns. Mosaic tiles of this type are characterized by bright colors. Of course, the main background of the cladding is made in calm and restrained colors, for example, yellow or beige, while the mosaic pattern itself is presented in a multi-colored design - among the most common colors are red, green and lilac. They are simple and versatile enough to blend with either their darker shades or other base colors.

Thus, when using multi-colored mosaics, individual decorative elements can be emphasized, for example, a skillful ornament, which will emphasize the exceptional taste of the owners.

The presence on the market of building materials of various types of mosaics creates many difficulties for inexperienced craftsmen in the selection of the necessary facing. This is due to the variety of materials, and with a large assortment of textures and sizes of the mosaic, and, of course, with its widest range of colors. However, when choosing a finish, all these are not primary factors, because the main criterion is the room in which the renovation is planned, as well as its properties. Let's consider some examples in more detail.

When decorating kitchens and utility rooms where there is a high risk of chemical attack, it is better to choose mosaic samples made from materials that are most resistant to chemicals. Among them are glass, smalt and ceramics. They are durable coatings that can easily withstand chemical interactions and will not be harmed by using a variety of cleaning products and tools.

It is in this zone that the highest permeability exists, and there is also the possibility of heavy objects falling onto the surface of the cladding. In this regard, it is necessary to choose the most durable coatings that will be very durable and resistant to various types of influences. This is also important because, coming from the street, people in one way or another bring dirt and dust into the room. It is for this reason that special attention must be paid to cleaning the hallway and preserving the mosaic. All this suggests that in the decoration of the corridor it is necessary to use materials such as porcelain stoneware or even natural stone.

Another great room for mosaic decoration will be a hammam. The tradition of decorating baths came from the Ottoman Empire, in which hamams played an important role not only as a place for water procedures, but also as a platform for socialization. The hamam was characterized by an intricate decor made in bright colors and with intricate ornamentation.

This tradition is still alive today, we can say that it has received a rebirth in our time.Of course, few people today create skilful designs on the walls of the bathhouse, however, mosaic masonry is still popular, because the design of glass tesserae can perfectly survive the effects of temperatures and such cladding is moisture resistant. Both of these qualities play a key role in the choice of material for finishing the bath.

Mosaic tiles are used not only for interior decoration, but also for decoration of facades, outdoor open spaces and small landscape forms - flower beds, terraces, paths on the site. By playing with textures, you can decorate the area in an interesting way. Of course, for this it is necessary to use materials other than raw materials for interior decoration.

Based on these factors, it is better to use porcelain stoneware, which can easily withstand the negative influence of the external environment.

Laying outside spaces is easy enoughbecause the size of the mosaic units is much larger than the parameters of a standard mosaic cell. It is not difficult to carry out installation work, and because the drawing is not of paramount importance, therefore filigree accuracy is not so important for outdoor decoration.

Since mosaic is a type of architectural creation, there is no single template for how to lay out tiles. There are several possible layouts that need to be considered and evaluated before the actual cladding process.

The essence of the process is no different from laying out a regular tile: face up, the tesserae are placed on a special substrate. After the panel is laid out, glue or solution is used on the basis, which fasten individual small elements together. We must not forget about the use of grout, which will make the seams between the tessera invisible. Since it comes in a variety of shades, the chances are high that the DIYer will make a mistake when choosing the color. To avoid this, it is worth using a grout color that is closest to the main color of the mosaic. If there is no such shade, then you should pay attention to neutral colors, for example, beige.

For curved surfaces, the reverse way of laying out the mosaic is characteristic, where the key role is assigned to the template pattern in the mirror image. It is on the basis of this pattern that the mosaic is created. Having laid out sheets with a pattern on the surface, they must be covered with a special self-adhesive film, on which the tiled cells themselves will subsequently be laid out. This must be done very carefully, in full accordance with the sketch, face down and immediately pressed firmly to fix.

After the time required for fixing small modules, the self-adhesive film is removed, after which the gaps between the cells are grouted - at this stage the process is identical to grouting in a straight line.

Since both methods of laying out are not so simple and require certain skills in carrying out repairs, it is better to contact specialized companies that can offer ready-made solutions. Most firms working in the construction segment sell already finished mosaic stretch patterns that will help to achieve a three-dimensional effect.

The main distinguishing feature of such a cladding is its coloristic solution: it is a gradient in which there is a smooth transition within the same color from the darkest shade to the lightest. This style is due to the use of modules of different depths and color intensities.It will look especially impressive in interiors that imply a play of color and light, for example, in a pool. It is customary to place darker areas closer to the bottom of the pool, while the light part of the layout will be located at the very surface.

When choosing one or another type of mosaic tile, one must not forget about the type of room in which it is planned to be installed, and it is also important to remember that you should not chase too cheap offers, because high-quality material from a reliable manufacturer costs a lot, but it will serve long years. Unfortunately, many home craftsmen, trying to save money, forget about this and try to create a mosaic with their own hands, having no experience in this matter. This usually ends with an unsuccessful repair and subsequent disappointment, which can be avoided by contacting professionals.

For the features of mosaic laying, see the following video.

There are many companies involved in the production of mosaic tiles. Among them are Russian and foreign manufacturers. Among foreign suppliers, Middle Eastern firms are especially respected by buyers, because their production is based on the ancient secrets of creating mosaics, which are complemented by a developed technical component and modern production methods.

Turkish mosaics are very popular among buyers. Tiles from companies such as Fk marble - this is an exclusive marble covering, which is distinguished by the depth of color, stylish design and high quality mosaics. Buyers also highlight Moroccan manufacturers who supply a wide variety of coatings. Its color palette is very wide - from deep blues and dark greens to delicate pinks and peaches. Among Moroccan manufacturers, it is easy to choose the color scheme that suits different types of interior.

Having received all the necessary information about the mosaic covering, you can evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of this facing and, if necessary, design and decorate the room in accordance with your own taste and interesting design solutions, especially since the mosaic has endless artistic possibilities. There are countless options for decorating a room using mosaic cladding, but let's look at the most popular architectural techniques with a few examples.

The mosaic can be very rich, colorful and intricate - for this, small forms of modules are used, which are laid out in a certain order to form a complex intricate ornament, which can be made in bright colors. Such a technique can look interesting not only on the floor of the hallway or on the walls in the bathroom, but even in the living room. However, this decision implies that all other interior items should be restrained in their style and color.

Not only can eccentric and distinctive oriental patterns find their way into home interiors, but modern décor can also turn to mosaics in their stylistic pursuits. For example, you can decorate a fireplace to give it a complete look and focus on it as a place of attraction for households.

Traditionally, mosaics are laid in the bathroom - it would seem that everyone is familiar with this type of decoration. However, few people know that even against the background of a mosaic, full-fledged portraits can be created - an example is the mosaic image of an antique statue in a bathroom. Here, the first place is not so much a matter of taste - they don’t argue about it, but the technicality of the executed panel.

It is impossible not to highlight the classic examples of the use of cladding - mosaic wall decoration in the kitchen. It is on them that the emphasis is placed.The cover is made in a deep dark blue color. It looks very elegant in the kitchen area, where all other items are made in a cool, restrained range.