Glue mosaic: types and features of laying

Finishing work is the final stage of renovation and aesthetic renovation of the premises. Manufacturers of building materials offer a huge range of their products and new solutions in the decoration of any space. One of the room decor options is mosaic. The mosaic composition is a vivid artistic plot, laid out from a large number of small details. The variety of materials used in this type of work will surprise the most demanding buyers and make it possible to implement all conceived projects.

Mosaic is a miniature ceramic tile, consisting of individual elements measuring 1 by 1 cm.

The creation of a surface with increased strength, reliability, high performance characteristics allowed mosaics to take a leading position in the ranking of sales of finishing materials and become an indispensable material for decorating bathrooms, swimming pools and kitchens. A wide range of colors with blotches and stains, the ability to create embossed surfaces and aging effects, the combined use of materials of different types and textures - all this makes mosaics a unique and irreplaceable tool in the hands of professional designers and novice decorators.

Manufacturers presented the craftsmen with modern mosaics on a polymer mesh or silicone. The connection of small rectangular segments into a layer of the required size made it possible to create mosaic walls without painstaking work with each fragment of the pattern.

Given the peculiarities of this type of finishing material, you can start work only if certain conditions are met:

• flat working surface - rubbing with plaster or installing a plasterboard base will avoid unevenness and level differences in the mosaic coating;
• absence of dust and other contamination on the wall base;
• surface treatment with primers with high penetration properties.

Mosaic fabric has several differences from ceramic tiles:

• ease of cutting mosaic compositions allows it to be used in areas of complex relief;
• the ability to create unique decorative elements on mirrors and frames;
• regular cleaning from dirt will retain its original appearance and increase the service life of the tiled surface;
• the ability to order a mesh mosaic of the desired size.

Modern technologies make it possible to use elements of different shapes, sizes, colors and materials in one layer.

Manufacturers produce several types of mosaics:

• background - there is no drawing or pattern (various shapes, sizes and colors of elements enhance the effect of visual distancing of the surface when finishing small areas);
• in the form of a panel - an image of color plots using elements of the same shape and size;
• mixes - an arbitrary combination of multi-colored tiles into a single design solution.

The properties, appearance and characteristics of mosaic compositions depend on the material used and can be classified.

They are of several types:

• Glass. A versatile material for both background use and compositions in the form of panels. Glass mass is characterized by durability, moisture resistance, heat resistance and high strength. A wide range of colors, the ability to use pigments and paints, the play of light on the glass surface make the material aesthetic and attractive when decorating a bathroom, pool and building facade.
• Smalt. They are created on the basis of glass with the addition of potassium salts, have an opaque saturated structure, retain all the properties of glass mosaics. Resistance to wear and destruction of the surface makes it possible to use them in public places, hallways and on stairs.

• Mirrored. An unusual version of glass mosaic, consisting of even elements of different colors and shapes, capable of reflecting light and objects. Compositions of this material can only be background, have a fragile structure, in rooms with high humidity they acquire a cloudy shade and an unaesthetic appearance.
• Ceramic. They have the properties and characteristics of tiles, but differ in the small size of the elements. A wide range of colors, patterns, reliefs and blotches on the surface, different forms and methods of production, high strength and resistance to wear make it possible to use the compositions for cladding kitchens, swimming pools, buildings and fireplaces.
• Metallic. Modern and stylish cladding elements with a high price tag. The rubber-based mosaic modules consist of 5 mm thick chips made of stainless steel and aluminum. They have a matte or polished surface of the segments with sputtering of brass, bronze, gold and silver, they are used for cladding mirrors, furniture, photo frames and kitchen aprons.

• Wooden. Spectacular and original decor elements in rustic style. Making chips from hardwoods increases the strength and durability of the product.
• Stone. An interesting option for creating decorative panels and exclusive patterns. Using modules of different shapes and stones of different breeds, designers have the opportunity to obtain a wide range of colors and a wide range of shades to meet all customer requirements.
• Porcelain stoneware. Inexpensive replacement for natural stone. Strong, reliable and durable material with an opaque or glossy surface of various shapes and colors is used for indoor and outdoor use. Environmental safety, resistance to aggressive environments, temperature extremes and moisture, low price are the indisputable advantages of the material.

• Marble. A mixture of marble chips and concrete. It is used for outdoor cladding in harsh climates.
• Gold. Exclusive platinum, silver and gold plated finish. The high price and technology of hand-made finishing materials are a sign of luxury and uniqueness of decorative elements.

On the shelves of hardware stores, you can find other types of mosaics, the use of which is less common in decorating a room.

An important step in the mosaic laying process is the selection of the adhesive solution. It is on the quality, properties and characteristics of the glue that the reliability and durability of sticking elements to the working surface depends. The main parameters when choosing are elasticity and wettability. The color of the composition does not really matter if the tiles are matte or opaque; otherwise, white tile adhesive is recommended.

The main criteria for choosing an adhesive are the type of material and operating conditions for mosaic compositions.

Experts and manufacturers recommend several types of adhesive:

• Cement (homemade). It contains white or gray cement, water, fine sand, modifying additives. There are several types of such glue: hard, elastic and highly elastic.
• Dispersive. Ready-made glue for small volumes of work, retaining its properties after opening the container.
• Reactive. Consists of epoxy and polyurethane base and hardener. Before using the glue, the components must be mixed to obtain a chemical reaction. It has a high price and short term of use before curing.

The high cost of finishing work with this material can be an unpleasant surprise when calculating the estimated cost. If you have basic tools, you can do the cladding yourself.

To complete them you will need:

• building level;
• roulette;
• soft matter;
• rubber hammer;
• double-sided spatula;
• paint brush;
• construction knife.

For a quick and high-quality performance of work, it is necessary to observe the technological process and the experience of specialists:

• on a leveled and primed work surface, it is necessary to correctly apply the planned layout of the composition;
• evenly distribute the glue on the wall base;
• glue the sheets smeared with adhesive on the reverse side according to the marked contours (the distance between the sheets should correspond to the gaps between small tiles, the surface should be smeared very carefully, try not to smear the front side of the tile);

• press the laid structure with a rubber roller;
• remove excess glue with a soft sponge and leave to dry for 2 days;
• the final stage is grouting with a suitable grouting compound (compositions based on water glass, epoxy resin and latex are used);
• after 20 minutes, wipe the surface in a circular motion, removing all excess composition and dirt.

Before starting work on decorating a window sill or floor with a mosaic, it is imperative to stick sheets of plywood, chipboard or drywall onto the work surface, which will ensure thermal insulation of the surface.

High-quality work on laying the mosaic cover is a guarantee of coziness and comfort in the house. To preserve the original appearance, properties, aesthetic characteristics and secure fixation of the tile covering you need to know all the intricacies of caring for mosaic compositions:

• use only detergents without abrasive components for cleaning;
• to remove dirt, use only soft sponges and warm water, wipe the surface dry;
• do not use oily substances, wax and acid products;
• a high-quality ventilation system will avoid the appearance of mold, mildew and clouding of the tiles;
• apply antifungal agents to the seams.

For information on how to properly lay mosaic tiles, see the next video.