Travertine mosaic problems.

[ohhnoo]

I'm having problems putting up travertine mosaics the sheets measure 305mmx 305mm each idividual tile is 48mmx48mm and 10mm thick. I'm using a 4mm square notch trowel and normal set time adhesive, should the trowel notch be smaller. The weight of the mosaics is making them move and all the grout lines close up especially the horizontal. If I use spacers it makes it difficult to get the mosaics flat and level, I tried mixing adhesive a bit stiffer to help as the mosaics are thinner so the adhesive bed needs to be 2mm thicker but still no good. Suggestions please or is spacers the only way.

 

[mikethetile]

I take it your matching up to larger tiles

you will need to dub your mossaic bed out 2mm and let that dry and trowel the correct depth with your mossaic trowel

too much addy will cause you grief when fixing and wont grab the mossaics into place

 

[doug boardley]

if it's not in a tanked area, I usually hang them like curtains and tap panel pins at the underside of the top course per sheet. This stops them slipping and gives me enough room to tamp them in with my grouting float. I normally use rapid set too (mixed in smaller quantites). With that depth of mosaics I'd probably "up" my trowel to a 6mm notch too

 

[ohhnoo]

I take it your matching up to larger tiles

you will need to dub your mossaic bed out 2mm and let that dry and trowel the correct depth with your mossaic trowel

too much addy will cause you grief when fixing and wont grab the mossaics into place

Thanks MikeYes I'm matching upto 12mm thick tiles, the face of these is about 16/17mm from the wall surface once stuck on . So you're saying a 2mm bed (will that be enough) allowed to dry then will the 4mm trowel be ok or should I use 6mm.

 

[ohhnoo]

if it's not in a tanked area, I usually hang them like curtains and tap panel pins at the underside of the top course per sheet. This stops them slipping and gives me enough room to tamp them in with my grouting float. I normally use rapid set too (mixed in smaller quantites). With that depth of mosaics I'd probably "up" my trowel to a 6mm notch too

Thanks Doug. Good idea that but it is a tanked area, so I will use the method suggested by Mike. So I should be using a 6mm trowel and would be better off with quick set.

 

[paulgalindo]

theres an easier way to lay mosaics perfect everytime if I told you I have to kill you very simple a clue you make a tool from scrap tile a" rule?" If I could draw it youd know Ill put up a pic later with the solution youll never do it diffirent throw the notch trowel out the window.

 

[kilty55]

gat a baton or tile,measure the distance between main tiles and mark on the baton or tile.


say you have 4mm to pack out with adhesive to acheive your perfect depth using your mosaic trowel then cut out the required depth of the tile or baton you have marked on either side of it and run this along your mosaic line after filling with white cement based addy this will give you the exact bed you need,hope this makes sense

also use a float to dab and pad the mosaics onto the bed this will help them stay flush allover instead of using your hands which wont give you a flat finish

 

[doug boardley]

theres an easier way to lay mosaics perfect everytime if I told you I have to kill you very simple a clue you make a tool from scrap tile a" rule?" If I could draw it youd know Ill put up a pic later with the solution youll never do it diffirent throw the notch trowel out the window.

Intriguedunk:!

 

[ohhnoo]

theres an easier way to lay mosaics perfect everytime if I told you I have to kill you very simple a clue you make a tool from scrap tile a" rule?" If I could draw it youd know Ill put up a pic later with the solution youll never do it diffirent throw the notch trowel out the window.

Please post the picture.

 

[jay]

hounds tooth:8:

 

[doug boardley]

hounds tooth:8:

like this (courtesy of thespanishtiler)

 

[kilty55]

i think this is what paul is reffering to,,

 

[jay]

yep:8:

 

[ohhnoo]

gat a baton or tile,measure the distance between main tiles and mark on the baton or tile.


say you have 4mm to pack out with adhesive to acheive your perfect depth using your mosaic trowel then cut out the required depth of the tile or baton you have marked on either side of it and run this along your mosaic line after filling with white cement based addy this will give you the exact bed you need,hope this makes sense

also use a float to dab and pad the mosaics onto the bed this will help them stay flush allover instead of using your hands which wont give you a flat finish

Is this what you mean cause thats what I've made out of perspex, not tried it yet. I've made it so its 13mm from the surface of the travertine

 

[ohhnoo]

like this (courtesy of thespanishtiler)

Wierd that image wasn't there when I viewed this post earlier but it looks like I had already thought of that.