Paper faced mosaics - pre grouting method

[Leatherface]

Have a small paper faced mosaic job to do. Never done these before. Was doing a little research on internet and found some very useful info that I would like to share !
Any of you guys used this method before ?

"What is Pre-Grouting?

This process is an essential part of the indirect method. Grout is applied with any of the grouting tools to the back of the paper faced mosaic. The backs of the tile are sponged clean, leaving the grout to fill in the joints. This stops the adhesive from coming up between the joints and improves the adhesion of the mosaic to the backing material. It also begins to dampen the water-soluble glue which makes the paper easier to remove, but also makes the paper easer to remove, but be careful, it also makes the mosaic more vulnerable at this stage. It will hold together for at least 10-15 minutes but it is important not to leave it to long or the tiles will start to drop off when you turn the piece over into the adhesive bed. When the paper has been peeled away the excess grout on the face of the mosaic must be sponged off while it is still wet or it will harden into an uneven surface."
http://www.mymosaicworkshop.co.uk/society/technique/faq.html

 

[Daz]

Sounds tricky with open times but makes sense.

I've only used paper faced mosaics as borders and getting them flush has always been a nightmare. I can see how this method would be useful but grouting and sticking at the same time could be interesting?

 

[DHTiling]

If you use the correct trowel then you shouldn't get much coming through..:huh2:

 

[Leatherface]

Watched another tiler fix paper faced mosaics before. Did not use this method. He spent a full day peeling off paper and scraping addy out of grout lines.
So yes this does seem the best way. Will give it a go :yes:

 

[Leatherface]

If you use the correct trowel then you shouldn't get much coming through..:huh2:

Yes I agree, was asking if anyone had used this particular method before !
Would always use correct trowel :yes:

 

[user123]

Yes, it is essential when working indirectly with paper backing. You forgot to mention that afterwards the mosaic has to be grouted again from the front as usual. I don't like it much at all though, it's a messy affair as you do lose some control and prefer to work directly on a very tightly woven netting, which stops the adhesive pushing through and to enables it to grab hold of the netting intead, which makes it possible to work directly, and to grout as normal, as well as to work with different surface textures and thicknesses, AND you can see what you're doing at every stage and change things if necessary. The indirect method ans the picture lays face down onthe table so to speak is brilliant though if you need a completely flat surface finish, which I find oddly off putting, quite like a bit of life and character in the final look of it.

 

[Leatherface]

I was not offering my own opinion as I have had no direct experience of fixing these tiles. Just something I found on the internet. Thanks for your opinion.
Guessed you would reply :yes:

 

[doug boardley]

I've always wanted to peel the paper off to make sure my grout can get enough "bite" of course I end up pulling a shed load of mozzies off too!

 

[user123]

I was not offering my own opinion as I have had no direct experience of fixing these tiles. Just something I found on the internet. Thanks for your opinion.
Guessed you would reply :yes:

Good thing you posted the thread, too, as I think there are lots of people at a complete loss as what to do with small tiles, and the very word mosaic puts many off. There are just really little tiles, and a grout flout more than anyhing, or a carpeted board plus mallet helps to get it all nice and level. The biggest problem usually with the finish is that there are so many minute areas to clean up and sort that it;s easy to overlook something, especially if the eyesight isnt; up to scratch, my 1.0 reading glasses I have just started to wear really show up things I may otherwise have overlooked.

 

[Leatherface]

When fixing mosaics on walls, I always start at the top and work down, have been taught that this is easiest and best way to do it. Also I always stagger my sheets on each row !
Is that the way you do it ?