Porcelain Mosaics and Bal Grip

[jgw1]

Hi all,

About to fit 50mmx25mmx10mm porcelain mosaics on 300mmx300mm sheets onto a kitchen splash back.

Was going to use BAL Grip as addy with 6mm notched trowel. Will this be OK? Any tips on slipage?

I know that people here use powders as I have in the past but I want to avoid mixing if I can this time around.

 

[Time's Ran Out]

If they are porcelain and 10mm thick the adhesive will only be drying into the subsurface and between the joints via air.
ie. will take some time to cure so leave plenty of time before grouting.
As for slippage - expect plenty due to the weight on the mesh when wet so I'd peg all the joints.
Would be easier to use a fast set flexible white adhesive IMO.

 

[The D]

why do you need to avoid mixing? a 4mm notched trowel will be better IMO

 

[aph257]

4mm trowel and rapid flexy addy.

 

[jgw1]

Cheers,

I chose a 6mm trowel because the wall isn't dead flat from taking off the old tiles.

I didn't want to mix for two reasons. 1. I am not the fastest tiler and I know that this will take time to get right - so thought using addy from a tub would mean I could just apply what I need as I go along. 2. I have used powders before and just wanted to not have the fuss.

What about Bal Mosaic? Is BAL SPF flexible suitable?

 

[The D]

products
ADESILEX P10 would be my advice. top top adhesive no slip at all but if the walls are plaster you must prime them.

 

[Time's Ran Out]

The perfect way to fix mosaics is onto a PERFECT surface. Don't ask the adhesive to make the walls better than they are. Prepare first.
With a powdered adhesive you can mix up as small a quantity as you require.
By using a larger notched trowel you will put more on the wall - but you will get more coming through the joints.

Good luck!

 

[jgw1]

Walls are plasterboard with old tiles removed - so paper covering showing in a few places.

Does this need priming - my guess no.

 

[The D]

yes prime and as tj said prep the walls

 

[jgw1]

OK I might go for BAL Rapidset flexible because that comes in a 10Kg grey bag. With BAL Prime APD onto the plasterboard which I will level off with some skim tonight.

Is it defo a 4mm trowel or is a 6mm fine but with more cleanup required? I have a 6mm and don't really fancy having to buy another for a 3.5sqm DIY job. But the advice I have had here has always been good so if you say 4mm it will have to be 4mm.

 

[user123]

You'll change your mind about more clean-up required being no big deal when it comes to it. Get yourself the proper trowel - because you're worth it And knock that temptation to bodge things up on the head ....

 

[jgw1]

I did a border in my bathroom in mosaics so I know the amount of clean up required is high. Probably worth a trowel when doing a full splashback.