So You’re Ready to Install Your Mosaic

You may never have seen it coming, but you’re about to become a master mosaic installer. We’ve made it as easy as possible for you to do. Just follow our six simple steps and you’ll be enjoying your artwork in no time.

Installing a mosaic is like installing standard ceramic tiles. Although there is no need for the mosaics to be installed by a professional, we would recommend this for large installations. For professional help, head to your local Home Depot or Lowe's store or check out the home improvement listings for professional tile installers on houzz or TaskRabbit. However, if you decide to have fun and do it yourself, watch this easy to follow video from Today's Homeowner with Danny Lipford.

If the mosaic is intended to go on a surface subjected to a lot of water, consider mounting a sheet of cement-based tile backer board to the wall first and install the mosaic on the backer board. Avoid plywood as a backer unless you can seal the edges and bottom.

For large and complex mosaic installations, the mosaic art piece must be split into 2 or more sections.

What you’ll need:

  • Tile adhesive
  • Thin-set mortar
  • Non-sanded grout
  • A grout float
  • A notched trowel
  • Sponge


You are 6 simple steps away to completely transforming your space:

Step 1. Gently open your package and unravel your mosaic. The mosaic is mounted on a fiber mesh backing and wrapped with a protective film from the reverse. Gently remove the protective film without damaging the mesh and remove any excess glue. Should individual stones have become loose during shipment, glue them back using a solvent-based adhesive. 

Step 2. Using your trowel, spread a thin layer of adhesive or white thin-set mortar across the surface you wish to tile. If you’re placing your mosaic on a vertical wall or ceiling, you can always glue it to a wooden board and secure the board to the wall. In the case of large wall installations, nailing little nails into the gaps between the stones for a stronger seal is recommended. If the mosaic is to be laid in a humid or wet room, the laying area must be made waterproof. A special sealing adhesive should be used.

Step 3. Gently place the mosaic and use the flat end of the grout float to ensure the mosaic is perfectly flat and well adhered to the surface. Remove any excess of mortar with a damp cloth.

Step 4. Wait for at least 24hrs for the mortar to dry out. Once the mortar is dry, moisten the tiles using a damp sponge, spread your desired grout to fill the spaces between tiles using your grout float. Wipe down any excess grout, first with a dry towel, then a wet one. (Before applying the grout, make sure to glue back in place any fallen stone using a solvent-based adhesive)

Step 5. Once dry (will take approximately 24hrs), apply a marble and stone sealer.

Step 6. Take a step back and admire the space you’ve just transformed.

If you have any questions, we’re happy to help. Just email us at [email protected].


Disclaimer:
No warranty is implied by these instructions. Use at your own risk. Please wear goggles when cutting mosaic materials or mixing grout. Mosaic materials are often sharp. Keep out of reach of children.

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