How to Apply Mosaic Tiles
When considering tiling, you may want to take a look at using mosaic versus traditional-sized ceramic tiles; they not only look great, but they are much easier to work with.
To begin your application, use a length of batten, a spirit level, and a pencil to map out the area you’re covering with tiles. Then, using a notch spreader, apply the tile adhesive to the designated area, creating evenly-spaced ridges as you go.
Place a sheet of tiles against the area, with the edges in alignment with your guide and press it firmly into place. Tamp the tiles to create an even surface – a bit of off-cut wood works well for this.
Continue to lay your tile sheets in this manner until your intended area is covered. If you are tiling around things like sockets or light switches, use a craft knife to cut the shape from the tile sheet. Don’t worry about narrow gaps, they will be filled later.
Where a gap is intentionally left, spacers can be used to maintain the distance. If tiles must be cut, measure your area to be filled and then transfer the measurement to the tiles. Score a line on the tiles and then, using a cutting wheel and snapper or tile nibblers, break the tiles along the scored area.
Allow your tiles to adhere for 24 hours before applying grout and then use a rubber-edged spreader to apply. For a professional grout edge, use a bit of dowel or a grout shaper.
