Best Way To Lay Mosaics

[outcycling]

Having read part of the nightmare mosaic thread (and I concur with the comments, shocking) I was wondering what was the best way to lay mosaics well ? So far I've only had to deal with a few square inlays or borders to split up large tile arrangements and have found that putting the tiles onto the plastic sticky squares first to make the whole lot act like a single tile is by far the best way and also usually makes the mosaics about the same depth as the normal tiles aiding in laying them accurately and without them going all over the place.
Is this the best way to do smaller amounts of mosaics when combined with tiles ?
If the install is only mosaics then do you just go for a thinner bed and a more rapid strong first grab adhesive and perhaps push them on with a large flat surface ?? Thanks.

 

[Dave]

I use the dog toothing method....

 

[Old Mod]

Same same ^^^^^^😀

 

[Dave]

http://www.tilersforums.com/attachments/dg2-jpg.52587/


http://www.tilersforums.com/attachments/dg1-jpg.52588/


http://www.tilersforums.com/attachments/dg3-jpg.52589/


More info here >>>> Pictures - Dog tooth method / rebate

 

[SJPurdy]

As above "dog tooth" method for borders.

If large areas of mosaic only then appropriate notched trowel eg 4mm for smaller (eg 25mm) mosaic or a BAL solid thin bed trowel for larger (eg 50mm square) mosaic.
Use a good quality adhesive with strong bonding strength especially on glass mosaics.

Press mosaics firmly into adhesive bed with the flat of eg a grout float

 

[MTiler]

If the whole job is just mosaics don't use a rapid set, if they're glass use white. Anything 25mm or smaller use a 3 mm trowel, substrate must be flat.

 

[Old Mod]

If the whole job is just mosaics don't use a rapid set, if they're glass use white. Anything 25mm or smaller use a 3 mm trowel, substrate must be flat.

Very concise Sharon! 🙂

 

[MTiler]

Although going by the state of the room I'm working on at the mo some people don't understand the concept of 'flat' lol.

 

[White Room]

Some seem think smooth will suffice...

 

[outcycling]

I like the dog tooth method, great tip, many thanks, will definitely try that next time. Also the other advice, hopefully get to try it out before long and can post the results. 🙂

 

[Dan]

I like the dog tooth method, great tip, many thanks, will definitely try that next time. Also the other advice, hopefully get to try it out before long and can post the results. 🙂

Pictures of before and after shots win prizes 🙂

We don't have any bullseye style boats or cars though. Just Kudos and Pats-on-the-backs.

 

[outcycling]

Fame and glory, what more could you ask for ?🙄

Alas no tiling until November at moment then 3 bathrooms. Kitchen in a few weeks time but up stands are the way to go these days although did do a landscape brick pattern tiles on one a couple of months ago.

 

[AD Ceramics]

I find the best way to deal with mosaics is the following

1 take mosaics out of the box
2 lay mosaics on the floor
3 take brush and shovel from van
4 sweep mosaics on to shovel
5 shovel mosaics into bin
6 go to pub and drink beer

Can't think of anything worse than installing mosaics, hot needles to the eyeballs sound good.

 

[Old Mod]

Hahaha @AD Ceramics
That's actually very funny and pretty damn good analogy!
But I still like mosaic work! 😀

 

[WetSaw]

Although going by the state of the room I'm working on at the mo some people don't understand the concept of 'flat' lol.

Some seem think smooth will suffice...

Guilty as charged! I've only done a small shower tray that I formed myself and thought it was flat enough..... Wrong! Hats off to you mosaic people, I need to practice a bit more at home.

 

[outcycling]

Lol, they are ticky little blighters! Part of me says I look forward to trying the new tricks above out and the other hopes I never see another mosaic 😉

 

[Ian]

I hate fitting mosaics, I think my biggest issue with them is, it's very rare to find them fitted to the sheets uniformly and I end up wasting so much time faffing with them to get them all straight! I don't hate them as much as I hate kitchen splash backs though!

 

[outcycling]

I persuade all my kitchen clients to go for glass spashbacks that just stick on although have had one that wanted small white rectangle tiles laid brick fashion which went on well and she was very pleased but I always think that style is a bit public toilet look!

 

[Mr Tiler]

On the wall? Lol

 

[MTiler]

Love mosaics, hate large format, each to their own lol

 

[gamma38]

I don't mind mosaics, dog tooth for me.

 

[Old Mod]

I don't mind mosaics, dog tooth for me.

Hey Paul, long time!
Still mental busy?

 

[gamma38]

Hi Marc, yes so busy, which is good I guess. I could do with splitting myself into 3 people. How about you?? You well?? and busy yourself??

 

[Old Mod]

Hi Marc, yes so busy, which is good I guess. I could do with splitting myself into 3 people. How about you?? You well?? and busy yourself??

Yeah I'm good mate thanks!
Works off the chart mate, about done til the new year now!
It's draining tho mate eh!
Even actively tried to reduce wait, I just told " oh I don't mind, when your ready!" Haha what can u do eh!
How's that beast of a machine, good purchase?

 

[gamma38]

Great machine. I just wish it was a bit more portable. I'm thinking of getting a Marcrist STC185 or something similar. You had the Rubi version from memory. Is that right?? I'm looking at the Marcrist because of the bevel capability. Any thoughts?

 

[Old Mod]

Great machine. I just wish it was a bit more portable. I'm thinking of getting a Marcrist STC185 or something similar. You had the Rubi version from memory. Is that right?? I'm looking at the Marcrist because of the bevel capability. Any thoughts?

Yeah that's right Paul the Rubi TC 180
If I could justify it I'd prob go for the Flex version. Specifically designed for the stone industry. If their polished/grinders are anything to go by it'll be the best! Been using their gear for 10yrs now!
But yes the bevel facility is sadly lacking on the Rubi!! Shame great tool cos it runs on Festool guides, and they're cheaper! Haha
Have u seen my JOTM?
All done on your machine you know! Haha
Job Of The Month 8/2015

 

[gamma38]

Nice work Marc. I'm glad the machine is doing well for you. I had a couple of months off the forum (not that it would have been noticed) I was one of the people that went to NY from the job that was advertised on here. That was an experience I can tell you!!!!

 

[Old Mod]

Nice work Marc. I'm glad the machine is doing well for you. I had a couple of months off the forum (not that it would have been noticed) I was one of the people that went to NY from the job that was advertised on here. That was an experience I can tell you!!!!

Oh wow! Good for u mate! Pleased for u! Truly!
Hope it worked out well for you!
Oh it was noticed, believe me!
I don't miss much! 😉

 

[Millington Deco]

I hate fitting mosaics, I think my biggest issue with them is, it's very rare to find them fitted to the sheets uniformly and I end up wasting so much time faffing with them to get them all straight! I don't hate them as much as I hate kitchen splash backs though!

Why the dislike of splash backs? I seem to do loads.

 

[Ian]

Why the dislike of splash backs? I seem to do loads.

I think it's the fact that I don't cover much metrrage so feel like I've not achieved much! Add to that all the sockets, bad walls, out of level work surfaces and you have the perfect recipe for a horrid day 🙂 I just don't get any job satisfaction from them.

 

[outcycling]

Put the whole kitchen in as well then, gives you a level work surface, better walls and more satisfaction 😀

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• outcycling
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• outcycling
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