How to glue mosaics to wallpaper. How to glue mosaics on a mesh - practical tips. Glass and mirror mosaics

A bathroom, toilet or kitchen decorated with mosaic tiles looks very beautiful. Unlike ordinary tiles, mosaic tiles can be laid on a surface with rounded curves. For this reason, mosaics are often used to decorate round pools, columns, shower trays and Jacuzzi bowls. If you also decide to use mosaic tiles to decorate walls and floors and want to glue them yourself, be sure to read this article to the end.

Mosaic tiles consist of a certain number of elements fixed on a plastic mesh or paper. The elements that make up the tile mainly have square shape, but can also be triangular, round, rectangular and so on. Mosaic tiles, depending on the material of manufacture, are divided into three main types:

- Ceramic tiles - elements made using tile manufacturing technology.
  Applicable this type tiles for wall decoration, ideal for combination with regular tiles.

- Stone tiles - consists of elements made of marble, travertine and tuff. Used stone tiles, most often for finishing floors, due to the high wear resistance of the material.

- Smalt tiles are made from opaque tempered glass. During the manufacturing process, glass is added various elements allowing you to achieve unique shades.

- Iron tiles - pretty rare view tiles, so it is not often used for finishing. Iron tiles are made from steel or brass.

Wooden tiles - made from hard rocks wood, as well as bamboo and coconut.

In addition to the above types, combined types of mosaics are also made, for example, tiles made of smalt and stone elements are very common.

Gluing mosaic tiles

Produce independent finishing mosaic tiles are not as difficult as it might seem at first glance. All you need to do is learn which tools to use and follow the instructions below.

Tools for work

Regardless of where you will stick the tiles, you will need:

A spatula with a smooth edge.
A spatula with a serrated edge.
Rubber spatula for grouting joints.
Rubber sponge.
Drill with attachment for mixing mixtures.
Construction knife.
Level.
A rag for removing dirt from tiles.
Plastic crosses for seams.

Glue selection

Each type of mosaic tile has its own adhesive option. Let's figure out which glue is best suited for which type of tile:

- Glue for ceramic tiles . For tiles with ceramic elements, any glue on cement based. Since ceramic tiles do not have a transparent structure, the color of the adhesive can be gray, white or transparent. When gluing ceramic tiles, the type of base plays a big role. If you need to glue tiles to concrete, plaster or cement screed, you can use any tile adhesive. If the tiles are glued onto a “warm floor” system, waterproofing or old tiles, then in this case it is better to use elastic glue, for example, “Superflex R77” or “Litoflex K80 Eco”.

- Glass tile adhesive. Through the smalt tile elements, which have a transparent or translucent structure, the surface and color of the adhesive on which they are glued are very clearly visible. For this reason, experts recommend using only white glue for glass tiles. The exception is non-transparent smalt tiles, for which gray glue is also suitable. Popular brands of white cement-based adhesive are Flexbond bianco or Litoplus K55.

Stone tile adhesive. Some types of stone can change their color due to prolonged contact with water. Therefore, when laying stone mosaics, it is better to use quick-hardening cement-based adhesive - “Litostone R98” or “Litostone R99”. Also, for water-sensitive stone types, reactive polyurethane adhesive “Litoelastic” is suitable.

When gluing tiles to the walls of a pool or other surfaces in active contact with water, higher demands are placed on the quality of the adhesive. Since gluing tiles in a pool or shower involves waterproofing, it is necessary to use adhesive with maximum wettability and elasticity. To achieve such properties, liquid latex is added to the glue, for example “Latexkol - m”. The additive is mixed with water and added to cement mortar, or completely replaces water. There are also cement adhesives on sale that contain polymers to convert water into latex, for example, “H40 Tenaflex Eco”.
To glue mesh-based tiles in a pool or bathroom, you can use any elastic adhesive. Since the tile fragments are fastened with a mesh, when cleaning the seams, the mosaic elements are less susceptible to falling out. But keep in mind that in swimming pools it is recommended to use mosaics on a paper backing; only in this case is maximum contact between the mosaic and the tile adhesive achieved.

Choosing grout for joints

There are two types of grout that can be used for mosaic tiles:

- Cement mastic– is a cement mixture diluted with latex or water. Cement-based mastic has a meager palette of colors. It is poorly resistant to moisture and chemicals. However, the big advantage of this grout is affordable price, which is important when the mixture consumption is high when working with mosaic tiles. If you decide to purchase cement mastic, then the best option There will be grout that is diluted with latex plasticizer; it is more resistant to moisture.

Epoxy mastic– made on the basis epoxy resin. Epoxy mastic has very good performance characteristics, it is water resistant, highly durable, and can be transparent or tinted in a variety of colors, making it suitable for almost all types of mosaic tiles. The main disadvantage of epoxy mastic is its high price.

Gluing mosaic tiles to walls

Unlike ordinary tiles, mosaic tiles require a perfectly flat base. Therefore, before you start gluing, level the surface of the walls with plaster. Treat the leveled surface with a primer for better adhesion of the adhesive to the base. Check the evenness of the walls using a level and if everything is in order, proceed to gluing the tiles:

Dissolve tile adhesive according to instructions. To mix the glue, use a drill with an attachment and a bucket.
Apply the adhesive to the wall with a regular smooth spatula over an area that allows you to stick 3-4 tiles.
Run a notched spatula over the glue layer to create grooves.
Glue the first sheet of tile and lightly press it with a rubber mallet over the entire area.
Glue the second sheet of tile and separate it from the first sheet with plastic crosses.
Glue the remaining sheets, installing the tiles in rows and moving from bottom to top. Do not forget to separate the tiles with crosses to maintain the correct distance between the seams.
Remove excess glue from the seams, leaving room for the grout mixture.
If it is necessary to trim the tiles, cut them construction knife along the seam.
After gluing is completed, wipe the tiles with a rag and remove any remaining adhesive.
After letting the glue dry, begin grouting the joints.
Dilute the grout mixture according to the instructions.
Apply the mixture to the tiles and spread it over the surface with a rubber spatula.
When the grout mixture dries a little, wipe the tiles with a wet rag and remove excess mixture.

When gluing tiles, be sure to check the evenness of the coating surface with a level.
More visual instructions on laying mosaic tiles on walls is in the video:

Laying mosaic tiles on the floor

To lay mosaics on the floor, it is better to use tiles from durable materials such as stone, marble or porcelain stoneware. Also, for laying mosaics on the floor, it is recommended to use tiles consisting of larger fragments. If laying tiles on the floor takes place in the bathroom, then it is better to use epoxy-based adhesive because it is more resistant to water.

Prepare the base, make a cement screed and lay a layer of waterproofing, then do the following:

Make markings for the tile sheets. Arrange from the center of the room.
Thin the epoxy glue.
Apply glue to the surface and spread it evenly using a notched trowel.
Using the markings as a guide, lay the first sheet of tile on the floor and press it with a rubber mallet.
Install the second sheet of tile in the same way.
Check the level position of the sheets using a level.
Continue gluing the tiles according to the markings. Remove excess glue from seams in a timely manner.
Once you have finished laying the tiles, allow the adhesive to dry completely.
Dilute the grout mixture.
Spread the mixture over the surface of the tiles, filling the seams between the fragments with it.
After finishing grouting, wash the floor from the grout mixture.

Also, you can watch the secrets of laying mosaic tiles in the video:

Pasting on rounded surfaces and corners

Due to their design, mosaic tiles ideally fit on curved surfaces. The process of gluing tiles onto a round surface is not much different from installing them on walls or floors. But some features that the master needs to know still exist and this is that the smoother the bend, the better the tile will look. If the external curvature of the surface is too strong, it is possible to install tiles, but the surface will be ribbed. Also, with a strong internal bend, the distance between the fragments in the tile sheet is violated.
So if you decide to design the shape of the walls or pool yourself, avoid sharp bends.

As for gluing mosaics in the corners, it is no different from installing regular tiles. For internal and external corner connection, the tiles must be cut along the seam. If the seam of the tile does not coincide with the corner, then in this case you will have to cut the tile fragments using a glass cutter or a grinder.

How to stick mosaic tiles onto a round surface and how to cut fragments can be seen in the video:

Mosaic finishing design options

In order to awaken your imagination and help you choose a design for your bathroom, we offer you finishing options various types mosaics:

Bathroom decorated with red smalt tiles.

Combination different types mosaic tiles.

Bathroom decorated with ceramic mosaic with large fragments.

Mosaic tiles in combination with regular tiles.

A bathroom with smooth curves imitating a mosaic.

Kitchen backsplash made of mosaic tiles.

Mosaic tiles with a common pattern across the entire wall.

Mosaic table top.

Swimming pool steps with a curve, finished with mosaic.

As you can see, with the help of mosaic tiles, you can create unique design in the bathroom, kitchen or pool, without any extra effort.
We hope that our article was useful to you!

Mosaic tiles look more decorative and noble compared to ordinary tiles, which is why mosaics are increasingly being chosen to decorate a kitchen backsplash or bathroom.

Such tiles easily fit on any curved and radius surfaces, which allows you to realize the most original design ideas.

Mosaic harmoniously combines with others finishing materials- tiles, natural and artificial stone, wood, metal. The use of such combinations is one of the most profitable design techniques to date.

Contrary to popular belief, laying mosaic tiles is not very difficult.

The fact is that modern mosaic It is produced not individually, but in whole sheets, in which the tiles are firmly held on a flexible mesh base. This greatly simplifies and speeds up the installation process.

It is enough to take a responsible approach to the preparation of the base, choose the right adhesive composition and be careful so that the result of the work will bring pure pleasure.

What glue and equipment do you need to purchase for laying mosaics on a grid?

To lay mosaic tiles you will need the following materials and tools:

styling adhesive;
mosaic tiles;
grout for seams;
tape measure, pencil;
building level;
small grinder + discs for stone/ceramics;
container for mixing glue;
drill mixer;
notched spatula;
rubber spatula;
water container + sponge;
forceps;
felt or flannelette rag.

Regardless of which mosaic you choose - ceramic, glass or natural stone, it is always recommended to choose only white glue.

Otherwise, after complete drying, the tile may acquire an undesirable shade.

Ceresit CM 115 - adhesive for mosaic and marble tiles. Designed for laying mosaics (including glass) on any non-deforming base. Suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, can be used in underfloor heating systems (inside buildings).

Ceresit CM 115 eliminates the appearance of dark spots on translucent cladding, is resistant to tile displacement during installation, is environmentally friendly, water- and frost-resistant.

Ceresit CM 115 is sold in bags of 5 and 25 kg, costing on average 200 and 600 rubles, respectively.

Bergauf Mosaik is a universal adhesive for all types of mosaic tiles. Made from powdered white cement with the addition of natural mineral fillers and modifying polymer additives.

Designed for finishing work inside and outside buildings, suitable for use in rooms with high humidity (bathroom, kitchen, toilet, etc.).

Bergauf Mosaik glue is sold in bags of 5 and 25 kg, costing on average 180 and 500 rubles, respectively.

Axton Mosaic Adhesive - a budget option high-quality tile adhesive from Leroy Merlin. Allows you to quickly and reliably glue glass mosaic tiles onto the mesh.

Has good adhesion and high strength. When used with a latex additive, it can be used to line swimming pools. A 5-kilogram package of glue costs about 150 rubles.

Instructions - correctly gluing mosaic tiles on a mesh in the bathroom

The work of laying mosaic tiles is carried out in the following sequence:

1. Preparing the base. Glue mosaic on a grid on the wall in the bathroom or at kitchen apron should only be done after thorough preparation of the base.

It is necessary to clean the surface from dirt and dust, old peeling coatings - anything that can impair the adhesion of materials.

If the surface of the wall is not completely smooth, it should first be sanded using grinder or grinders with a disc for stone or ceramics.

If unevenness on the base exceeds 2-3 mm, it is recommended to level the surface using leveling mixtures. A completely dry, durable, clean and smooth surface is an ideal base for laying mosaics on a grid.

2. Marking. It is recommended to apply markings to the prepared surface, which will help to carefully glue the mosaic panels.

First, the sheets of tiles are laid out on the floor so that the distance between the sheets corresponds to the gap between the tiles themselves.

After this, measurements are taken and the entire diagram is transferred to the wall, not forgetting to control the position of the canvases vertically and horizontally using a building level. Proper marking allows you to hide cropped areas.

3. Preparing the glue. The properties of any glue are guaranteed by the manufacturer only subject to strict adherence to the proportions and technology of preparing the solution.

The principle of preparing glue from different manufacturers is the same: pour the construction mixture into a clean, dry container, add water in the specified proportion and mix using a drill mixer until a homogeneous creamy consistency is obtained.

The prepared solution is left for several minutes, after which it is mixed again.

4. Applying glue. The adhesive solution is applied evenly to the wall using a notched trowel, and the surface area should not exceed the area of the number of mosaic sheets that can be laid within 3-5 minutes (otherwise the glue will dry out).

The optimal thickness of the glue layer is 2-3 millimeters. If there is more glue, then when pressing the mosaic, the excess mortar will fill the seams between the tiles, which will complicate the grouting process in the future.

. The prepared mosaic sheets are applied to the marked area with a mesh base. Gently, without excessive pressure, level the canvas on the surface.

All prepared canvases are laid in the same way. If necessary, special tongs are used to split the material.

6. Grouting joints. 24 hours after laying the mosaic, you can start grouting the joints. To do this, use a rubber float, with which the grout is rubbed into the joint spaces with smooth movements.

Excess material is removed with a damp sponge. After the grout has dried, the surface is polished using a felt rag.

VIDEO INSTRUCTION

Here are some practical tips to help you lay mosaics better.:

When choosing an adhesive, consider the type of substrate on which it will be applied.
Check the consistency adhesive solution to avoid displacement of the mosaic sheets during installation. Glue that is too thick dries quickly, which complicates the work process.
It is recommended to prepare the glue in small portions, taking into account low consumption (about 2 kg per square meter). It is not recommended to try to dilute thickened glue residues, since its properties have already been lost.
During installation, do not allow the glue to leak beyond the seams - this will make it difficult to grout them in the future.
Optimal temperature regime for laying mosaics on a mesh - 15-25 C.

Adhesive compositions for mosaic tiles on a mesh make it possible to securely attach this visually impressive and very popular finishing material to the wall surface these days.

Mosaic tiles - magnificent DIY decor

The type of facing material we are interested in is a composition of many ceramic, glass, mica small elements that are combined into small tiles on a building mesh. Such products have increased flexibility. They can be cut into separate parts without the slightest difficulty, without using any special tools for this purpose. The appearance of mosaic tiles on a grid allowed home craftsmen to create full-fledged panels and entire paintings on the walls of their homes.

Mosaic tiles in the bathroom

Previously, such work could only be performed by professionals. After all, they had to glue each piece of the mosaic separately. Such an event required scrupulousness and maximum attention from the master. Now the need to call a specialist to decorate the walls in the kitchen or in any other room with mosaics has completely disappeared. Any person who is comfortable with his hands and has minimal skills to perform construction work, can purchase the tiles he likes on the grid and work on it himself a most fascinating process- decorating the home.

Next we will talk in detail about the technology and rules for laying mosaics. But first, we will describe the adhesive compositions that can be used to install tiles on the wall. Manufacturers produce different kinds glue. All of them are characterized by certain qualities and features of use.

Mosaic adhesive - dispersion, cement or reactive?

There are three types of compounds that can be used to glue tiles onto the mesh. They are given below:

dispersive;
cement (otherwise called dry);
reactive (consisting of two components).

Cement tile adhesive

Dispersion adhesive is considered acceptable in cost and quite easy to use. It consists of one component. You do not need to stir the composition, add water or any other solvents to it. The glue is ready for use immediately after purchase from a hardware store. The undoubted advantage of dispersion compositions is that they do not lose their properties during storage. You can open the glue, use a certain amount of it, and then close the lid tightly and leave the jar until the next repair. Another advantage of working with such a composition is the absence of dust and dirt. Gluing tiles with a dispersion compound is a pleasure! But only on condition that the volume finishing works will be quite modest.

If you need to veneer not one small wall, but several large surfaces, it is better to use cement glue. It can be made on the basis of gray or white cement. Such compositions are elastic, rigid and deformable (with very high level elasticity). For installation of tiles on clean and smooth plastered or brick wall It is recommended to use rigid compounds. But elastic variations of glue are used for cladding complex surfaces. For example, those that are susceptible to temperature changes or vibrations.

Flexible adhesive is commonly used in kitchens and bathrooms. It is also indispensable for finishing uneven walls in other rooms. Elastic compounds are also used for surfaces made of foam and aerated concrete blocks. They can be used for installing mosaic tiles on a grid on concrete screed. In terms of price, cement adhesive is cheaper than dispersion adhesive. But it must be mixed with water or latex immediately before use. This operation should be performed using construction mixer. Naturally, when stirring the composition, you will not be able to avoid dirt and dust in the room. For this reason, few home craftsmen buy cement mixtures in order to glue the mosaic yourself.

The most expensive is reactive glue. It consists of two components - a hardener and a base, which can be epoxy and polyurethane. It makes sense to purchase such a composition in cases where you plan to glue mosaic tiles to a wall made of natural stone, to a plastic, wooden, metal or glass surface. Before use, the adhesive components are mixed. They enter into chemical reaction and literally in a couple of minutes we get the finished composition.

It is necessary to use mixed reactive glue as quickly as possible. It dries out very quickly. And after hardening it becomes unsuitable for finishing work.

How to glue tiles on a mesh - let's understand the technology

To lay mosaic tiles, standard tools and Additional materials. You will need a paint brush or roller for priming work and the primer itself, a regular spatula (with its help you will level the glued products and lightly press them down), (it is used to apply the adhesive), a mixer, grout mixture for seams, a container for glue . After preparation the right tools start preparing the wall surface for covering it with mosaics. You will need to remove the remnants of the previous coating, all the dirt on it, level the surface if necessary and sand it.

Laying mosaic tiles

Note! There is no need to carefully level the walls to install tiles on the grid. Mosaic products, due to their flexibility, will be able to level out the unevenness of the surface being tiled. The next step is to apply a primer to the wall. Treat the surface with confidence. There is no need to skimp on the primer. There is no need to wait for the treated surface to dry completely. After priming, immediately mix the adhesive and begin laying the tiles. This process is carried out as follows:

Apply adhesive to the wall using a notched trowel. Try to distribute the composition evenly over the entire surface. If desired, you can treat it with glue and back side mosaics.
Place the tile in the intended place and carefully, using a spatula, press it in. Immediately check the accuracy of the installation of the mosaic vertically and horizontally (you can use a regular school ruler for these purposes, although it is better to use a building level).
Install the remaining parts in the same way. created panel on the grid.
The glue (regardless of its type) will set in about 25–40 minutes. You will need to remove its build-up from the surface of the tiles with a cloth slightly moistened with water. Be sure to do this operation. When the glue hardens completely, it will be very, very difficult to remove its remains from the mosaic..

After 48 hours, proceed to the cladding you have made. Use any suitable grout compound. They need to carefully fill all the seams on the panel. This operation is easiest to perform with a simple rubber spatula. After this, wipe the mosaic tiles and enjoy the results of your work. As a grout, you can use compositions based on liquid glass, epoxy resin, latex or Portland cement. There is one caveat here. If you decide to glue mosaics in the kitchen, it is advisable to purchase epoxy grout. It creates a waterproof and very durable layer on the surface of the tile. In other rooms you can use any of the above compositions.

Create unique interiors in your home using mosaic tiles. Make your home original and cozy!

Mosaic coating allows you to realize more design ideas than large tiles. Therefore, the material is used as a separate decorative element interior, and for continuous cladding of the room. What glue should I use for mosaics and what does the design process look like?

Types of glue

Which mosaic glue to choose? It is important that the composition is resistant to moisture, has good adhesion, and dries quickly. Depending on the degree of transparency of the tile, the color of the solution is also relevant. If the base has slight differences, then attention is paid to elasticity, leveling ability and degree of shrinkage.

What to glue the mosaic onto? The main criterion for a material is the binder (base). So, there are 3 main types:

cement (sold dry);
dispersion (ready-made mosaic adhesive with the addition of acrylic);
two-component adhesive or reactive (epoxy or polyurethane based, prepared before use).

The dry mixture is made on the basis of white or gray cement. The glue is diluted to the finished consistency using water or latex. If the tiles are laid on a static base (concrete, brick), then the mortar is brought to a thick state. For dynamic surfaces (with temperature fluctuations), a more elastic adhesive is recommended.

Dispersion adhesive for laying mosaics is sold in sealed plastic containers. The paste mixture is ready for use and hardens within 40 minutes. This composition is recommended for use for complex work regarding shapes (architectural structural elements) and adhesion (has high rates).

The reactive composition is waterproof. Therefore, it is used for cladding rooms with high humidity (in the bathroom or swimming pool). A smooth base made of metal, glass or plastic is allowed. This material is also suitable for gluing natural stone mosaics. Setting time is limited to approximately 3-5 minutes.

If you need to glue transparent glass tiles, you can use an epoxy or polymer compound. They are distinguished by an almost colorless base.

TOP 5 best glues

What is the best mosaic adhesive? Trusted brands, numerous customer reviews and discussions on forums allow us to highlight several specific formulations.

UNIS 2000

Russian glue is suitable for both ceramic and glass mosaics. It has leveling ability (up to 15 mm) and is used for work inside and outside the building. Has high adhesion to all materials, including natural stone. The finished solution can be used for 3 hours, the tiles can be adjusted within 3 minutes. Walking is allowed after 24 hours. The seams are rubbed out after 2 days.

Ceresit CM 115

German brand domestic production. The main advantage is considered ideal White color glue. In addition, they have an environmentally friendly composition, elasticity (you can lay “warm floors”) and water resistance. Work time ready mixture- 2 hours, begins to harden after 20-25 minutes. The layer is limited to 4 mm. The base must be carefully leveled.

Litocol Litoplus K55

Italy supplies adhesive for mosaic tiles on a grid based on white cement for laying transparent, colored mosaics and natural stone. A wide range of permissible temperatures (from -25°C to 60°C) allows the composition to be used inside any room and outside the building. Walking is possible after 24 hours, but full operation only after 14 days. The working time of the solution is 8 hours, adjustments are possible within 40 minutes.

Axton

Russian glue is made on the basis of gray or white cement. The scope of application has no restrictions. Laying on concrete and brick, as well as on plasterboard, is allowed. If the solution is prepared with the addition of latex, then you can create open water storage facilities (swimming pool, tank). Working time is 2 hours, adjustable to 15 minutes.

Lacrysil

One-component white adhesive from Ukraine based on acrylic is sold in finished form. Suitable for all types of mosaics. It is not afraid of dynamic loads, water and serves for a long time without losing its characteristics. You can lay tiles on the wall, floor and ceiling. Cladding of thermal insulation boards (expanded polystyrene, hardboard, MDVP) is allowed.

What should be the surface for laying

On what surface can mosaics be glued? The facing material is small in size. Therefore, all the unevenness of the base will be emphasized facing material. If this is what the designer intended, then you should choose adhesives with high adhesion rates and a short hardening time. The thickness of the mosaic adhesive is small in order to avoid “floating” the tiles. It is also important to take into account the fact that the seams should be left unfilled until the glue has completely dried.

When designing a plane, the surface must be pre-leveled. Mortars for laying mosaics may have filling ability without shrinkage, but leveling the mosaic with a large layer of glue will be inconvenient. It is worth noting that cheap materials lose the volume specified by the master during drying. This leads to the fact that the tiles will not give an even plane.

Stages of laying mosaics

Laying mosaics differs from tiles in their mobility finished products. The glue is applied in an even thin layer, and the coating is leveled using a level and a rubber roller (or trowel).

Do not put too much pressure on the mosaic. This will lead to premature filling of the seams, which will have to be cleaned out.

How to glue mosaics on a mesh:

Preparing the base. It is important that the surface is smooth and even. The applied primer must dry.
The markings will ensure that the installation is even.
Mosaic adhesive is applied to the mesh with a notched trowel in 3 mm increments. It is recommended to cover small area, since the solution hardens relatively quickly.
The canvas is pressed with a rubberized tool. This cannot be done by hand, otherwise individual elements will be recessed to a greater extent than required.

As a rule, mosaics on a grid are covered with a protective layer of paper on the front side. After the glue has set, it is washed with water using a sponge and removed.

How to remove excess glue from a mosaic? To do this, you can use a dry waffle towel or a rubber spatula. If the solution is completely dry, you will have to remove the excess mechanically (with a blade).

Depending on the glue used, grouting of joints is allowed 12-48 hours after installation. The task is performed using a rubber spatula of medium hardness (can be soft). After 20 minutes, the excess is removed with a dry cloth.

Listen carefully to the opinion of the professional in the video:

You need to choose adhesive based on the materials of the base and tiles. The evenness of the surface is also taken into account. For glass mosaics, it is better to buy a white or colorless composition. Almost anyone can implement the event themselves. The main thing is to maintain uniform pressure and control the seams. Then the result will be high quality and durable.

Selecting as decorative covering mosaic tiles, you need to decide which mosaic adhesive is best to use. The range in this area is very large. The choice will depend on the material of the mosaic used and the type of surface to which it will be attached. The location and operating conditions of the tiles are also important. With the correct adhesive, the coating will last for many years without the need for restoration.

There are several types, depending on the composition of the glue. Each has its own advantages and features. The main criterion, of course, is quality. But under certain conditions even cheap material can be used without concerns about its unreliability.

Cement

This is the most common composition on which any tile can be glued. It is available in dry form, and before use it is diluted with water or latex according to the instructions. Latex is used when it is necessary to increase elasticity. Rigid cement adhesive has a low price, and if there is no need for additional properties, its use would be quite appropriate.

Some cement compositions may initially have a high degree of deformability. Such adhesives are used when there are constant temperature changes, vibration or high humidity at the location of the surface to be coated. Its use is appropriate when applied to or with outside buildings (taking into account weather conditions).

The color will depend on the cement used - mosaic glue comes in white and gray. If the substance is not noticeable after application, you can choose a regular dark-colored composition.

Dispersive

This is a one-component adhesive that is extremely easy to use. There is no need to breed it or carry out others preparatory work for use. The remaining substance can be stored until next time in a tightly closed container.

Dispersion types of glue are waterproof and suitable for rooms with high humidity. The product has low consumption. The price is higher than for cement compositions, but due to its properties the product justifies this fact.

Reactive

This glue consists of two components - a base and a hardener. When mixed, the reagents react chemically and form a high-quality adhesive mixture. It is made on a polyurethane and epoxy base. The composition has excellent deformability, suitable for unfavorable conditions environment - temperature changes, high humidity, vibrations.

Advice! Using reactive adhesive, you can carry out cladding work inside and outside the building. Not containing water, it is used for gluing materials that are highly sensitive to it.

Composition selection

There are several basic parameters that you should consider when choosing mosaic adhesive. It is necessary to take into account the material from which the mosaic tiles are made, the nature of the surface being tiled, as well as operating conditions. Before gluing the mosaic, it is necessary to correctly determine the adhesive composition that is suitable in each specific case.

By mosaic type

There are three main types of mosaics - glass, ceramic and stone. Each material has its own characteristics:

Glass mosaic. The first thing to consider is the aesthetic side. Transparent or translucent tiles may lose their appearance when gray color selected glue, as it will shine through. If the mosaic glue is white, the color of the mosaic itself will not be lost and will not change the shade. You can use either a composition based on white cement or any other - polyurethane or ready-made, water-based.
Ceramic mosaic. Unpretentious look. You can use any tile adhesive, depending on the type of surface on which the mosaic will be attached.
Mosaic made of natural stone. Some types of stones used to make mosaic tiles may change color when exposed to water. When using such materials, epoxy or polyurethane compounds are suitable, since they do not contain water. You can also use quick-hardening glue, this will reduce the interaction of the tiles with water during setting.

By the nature of the base

There may be several surface options that determine the adhesive for mosaic tiles:

if the base is smooth, undeformed, and absorbs water, any tile adhesive will do; unpretentious in this regard are cement strainer, concrete slab, brick.
On a deformed surface, it is imperative to use elastic glue, otherwise the tile may fall out in places when drying.
if the surface has water-repellent properties, reactive or quick-drying compounds are suitable.

Operating conditions play an important role - a humid or aggressive environment, temperature changes or frequent vibrations. In these cases, epoxy is used or latex is added to the cement composition to increase elasticity.

Important! When tiling the inside of the pool with mosaics, water-repellent adhesive with adhesion of at least 2.5 MPa is used. Upon completion of the work, you must wait at least 20 days (!) before filling the tank with water.

Manufacturing process

Knowing how to glue mosaics correctly, you can avoid problems during operation. For convenience, it is better to use mosaic tiles on a grid or on a paper backing. In this case, gluing occurs in small blocks.

It is important to follow the instructions step by step:

Prepare the surface. It is necessary to level it as much as possible, clean it from dirt and old building material.
Apply the glue in an even layer with a spatula, then apply it with a comb. The size of the teeth should not exceed half the thickness of the tile. When using glass mosaic, you can also coat its base so that no defects are visible through the gap.
Carefully place the tiles against the wall. If mosaic is used in the form of blocks on a grid or on a substrate, it is important to make the distance between sections equal to the distance between the chips of the block.
You need to press the mosaic with a spatula, moving diagonally. It is necessary to prevent displacement of individual elements. You can lightly tap the tile to level it.
During the process, remove excess glue with a spatula, otherwise it will be difficult to remove it later.
Rub the seams with special material. It is not recommended to use glue for this purpose (except when specified by the manufacturer).
After 20-30 minutes, remove excess grout using a damp sponge.

The correct choice of adhesive for mosaics is the key to a long service life of the facing coating without the need for repairs in the future. Reactive adhesives are a universal product that can be used on any material. However, they are also more expensive than others, so there is no point in using them unless necessary. If you take into account all the features and follow the gluing technology, you can get a high-quality decorated coating without extra costs and effort.