mossaics

[charlie1]

Hi all,

I've never done mossaics before and was wondering how to do them. I know how you apply them to the wall, the thing that bothers me is the setting out, where do you put the first sheet and how do you cut them.

 

[MTiler]

Hi Woody

When tiling with mosaic, tiling should always start at eye level (obviously depending on what youre doing). This will be the most focal point and its important to keep these lines running straight.
Once youve got the height, mark a horizontal level line at the heighest point (your datum), and then draw your vertical line.
Use these datum lines as the point to start.

You dont mention the size of the tesserae(10, 12, 20 mm etc) but with the small ones the surface must be flat as the slightest lump will put the tesserae out of bonk. You dont say what your tiling but ideally it should be flat, even and square with no cuts (with the posh mosaics).
Use a 3mm notched trowel. Mapei is good for mosaics, I know a couple of mosaic companies that use it.
You can use an angle grinder to trim the tesserae. If theyre glass you can also use a glass nipper.

If there are cuts, as with odd shapes, they shouldnt be on the outer edges.
Are they on a mesh or paper?
With mesh the thicker line should run vertically as the thinner line is easier to cut with a small knife when its on the wall. The same with paper the lines should run vertically. This is so you can space out the columns to fit.

have fun!

missy tiler

 

[DHTiling]

Also stagger the mosaic sheets so as not to get defining grout lines where sheets join each other.....try and work so as to minimise any small cuts..not always practical but worth checking this out before commencing....especially around windows etc............dave..

 

[MTiler]

You shouldnt need to stagger them if you space them properly.:wink_smile:

 

[sc24]

an old school tiler told me years ago to start at the top and work down with mosaics, i find it alot easier than working up, keep to your plumb lines and stagger the sheets

 

[DHTiling]

Always have staggered the sheets gives much better finish...was taught that way many moons ago....:happy: ..............dave..

 

[MTiler]

Either way you still have to watch the spacing. :wink_smile:
Some mosaics you cant stagger.

 

[sc24]

some sheets may need to be 'stretched', so if you stagger the sheets it gives you a chance to check the spacing

 

[Fekin]

I've done mosaics a few time, but never heard about staggering them... in what way do you mean stagger them ?

 

[DHTiling]

By this we mean .putting then on like brick bond....dave..

 

[Fekin]

Ohh, I see.

Never had the problem of sheets showing anyway, but still, you learn summit new everyday

 

[DHTiling]

not all designs do but just a practise that i got used to doing...maybe designs are better nowadays..but i do it the way i know how and its never failed me yet.....dave..

 

[Fekin]

Aye, no point in trying to fix it if it ain't broke

 

[ryanbrown]

push the top of the strip into the adhesive 1st...while stil holding it with your left- stamp the rest straight onto the wall with a grout float from your right hand.
You want to use spacers exactly the same width as the grout lines in the mosaic too so it all matches up. Some can be 1 1/2 some 2mm.
I would use a white or light grey cement adhesive like mapei keraquick stuff.
Sometimes you need to cut them off there strips - to work around objects - and cut them independently which can be long winded.