setting mosaic in concrete slabs

[helen baron]

Hi All, I have just started a mosaic project with lots of friends. We're making 50cm and 1m square mosaic panels featuring birds and animals using the reverse method which we're going to concrete separately, then put the slabs together to make a big mosaic pavement which will be sold off in panels. I have used this method before, but for larger mosaics (1m circles) which had a metal surround and some mesh embedded in the concrete. I was wondering 1) whether I need to use a mesh, 2) how deep you would recommend the concrete should be 3) whether I should use a fibre additive 4) What concrete mix you would suggest.
I would be very grateful for any advice. Thank you

 

[J K Tiling Cornwall]

Hi Helen, really like those mosaics would be great to do something more creative if I could get the time. Have never used that method but will try to help the best I can.
Obviously you want the concrete as strong as possible, blue circle do a bagged high strength concrete, you may be able to strengthen it further by adding fibres. I would have guessed you would need it to be at least 40mm thick, the weight would be something to consider. You may be able to strengthen it further by adding a wire mesh to the surface. If time is not a factor then try to give the concrete as much time to cure as possible. Hope this may have helped. All the best

 

[Albert]

Have you thought of using backer board?

 

[helen baron]

Have you thought of using backer board?

No I haven't, I can see that it might make them stronger but does that work with the reverse method? Could be expensive!