Mosaic depths tips

[lagi]

I have a strip of mosaics on a wall and although they look good they are not flush and level depth wise. Not too much of an issue in this location.

I would like to have some mosaics in my new bathroom, i have calculated that i have enough for a strip around the room several mosaics high.

Due to where the sink will sit, they will have to sit higher so i am thinking that they will bend round into the window reveal.

As this will be much more visible here if they are not the same depth as the other tiles i think this part could make or break the room.

Are there any tips on how to get the mosaics flat and the correct depth as the other tiles (something to put behind them to bring them out a bit?) or any other solutions.

[ATSDiamondTools]

Use something like marmox or wediboard cut into strips the same width as the mosaic and stick tot eh wall - then stick the mosaic to the backer.

Your process is like this:-

Tile up to your border level, either per wall or around the entire room.

Measure how much you need to make up in depth - i.e. wall to tile front = 12mm, mosaic = 5mm - difference = 7mm

I'd be sticking a 6mm foam type tile backer to the wall to make up the depth difference then sticking the mosaic to the tile backer.

Use a rubber grout float or similar to tamp down the mosaic and create a nice flat finish - allow to set at least overnight then tile above.

[lagi]

Sounds good, how do you stick the foam type tile backer to the wall?

Also it will have a white upvc window cill, what would you recommend for the oustide edges of the reveal?

The tiles are 250mm x 330mm but will be laid longways around the room like brickwork.

[DTWCeramics]

Alternative to foam board, you can get little plastic spacer sheets, normally come in 3mm depths and can be built out.

What thicknesses are the mosaics and the tiles in question?

Only asking as a 6mm board may actually end up with the mosaics standing proud of the surrounding tiles, once you factor in the mosaic thickness & adhesive to stick them down.

[lagi]

Tiles are 10mm and mosaics are 4mm, i have a 4 high mosaic border elsewhere so was thinking the same height. Have done the math and should have just enough with a few spare, don't think i could go 5 high.

Didn't know spacer sheets existed, that would be a much easier and hopefully cheaper option. I see in your link though you don't sell them, are they hard to come by?

[DTWCeramics]

If you do use a 6mm board in that case they will sit proud of the tile in that case (due to adhesive)

http://i.imgur.com/W2da37l.jpg

Have a look at trying to source some of those... local tile shops will probably have those or something similar.

Can be used to back the mosaic out by an extra 3mm, and I'd imagine with a cement adhesive you could probably pack it out, allowing for you to fit 2 of them. (check with supplier on allowable thickness of adhesive)

EDIT: The ones pictured are 5mm, so you would only need 1 of them per sheet.

Cheers,

Matt.

[Colour Republic]

Make a dog tooth comb then back fill the area with rapid set ;)

[lagi]

Another good tip, liking this one as not involving any extras.

[moderator6]

Make a dog tooth comb then back fill the area with rapid set ;)

[All The Gear]

I do what Colour Rep does, make a comb out of an offcut 2mm thinner than the border strip. I tile up to border height, then cut offcuts 2mm higher than border height, sit the offcuts onto the last row of tiles below border height and then fix the first row of tiles above the border height. Your offcuts will be sitting further back than your wall tiles so you can hold a full tile face flat against the tiles either side of your border so you can check you're nice and flush. Pop out the offcuts, use your comb to fill out with rapid set. Use your wet cutter to notch out for the comb to whatever depth you're after. Use your grout float to set your mosaics, again you'll be spanning the row below and above the border so you can set them nice and flush.