I am wanting to create a splash back for the gas hob I have in the kitchen. I have decided to go with using glass mosaic tiles as a cheaper and nicer looking compare to one huge 1200mm huge splash back.
Before I undergo this task does anyone know if these types of tiles are fit for the purpose or are they likely to crack under the heat from the hob. Also if it is possible what tools and materials am I likely to need so that the tiles stay put and the grout does not crack and discolour.
You can use glass mosaic behind a hob. Glass mosaic and glass tiles are classed as fully vitrified, they will not stain.
The area to be done needs to be perfect or the mosaic will follow any deviations in the wall.
If you need to cut any of the mosaic, you will need a specialist nipper for glass.
Adhesive is applied and combed with a 3mm notched trowel. This needs to be a cement based adhesive for glass mosaic.
You then gently get the sheet of mosaic into position and gently firm it into place with a grout float. Depending on the weight of the mosaic and quality, you may have to work from the top of the wall downwards to avoid them slumping onto each other. Pinning can help if working bottom up and also from top down.
Be extremely careful not to get adhesive squeezing from behind and into the joints.
Grout with a fine grout. Do not use a gritty grout as it can scratch the glass.
Mesh backed mosaic are applied mesh to the wall, paper faced mosaic are applied paper outwards.
That is roughly it.
Bear in mind that working with mosaic is not easy and the price charged for doing this sort of work reflects that.
Stay well away from Topps Tiles if getting mosaic. never had good ones from them. Always misaligned on the sheet. They can look ok once grouted, though.
Not a bad video and one of three he has covering the subject. Not watched or will be watching the other two, so don't know what they include.
Note that he flattens the adhesive after combing it with a 3mm notched trowel. This is the correct way, but not smoothing it with the trowel will work. As can using an 8mm notched trowel in some cases, but my advice was for simples sake.
royaloakcarpentry wrote:You can use glass mosaic behind a hob. Glass mosaic and glass tiles are classed as fully vitrified, they will not stain.
The area to be done needs to be perfect or the mosaic will follow any deviations in the wall.
If you need to cut any of the mosaic, you will need a specialist nipper for glass.
Adhesive is applied and combed with a 3mm notched trowel. This needs to be a cement based adhesive for glass mosaic.
You then gently get the sheet of mosaic into position and gently firm it into place with a grout float. Depending on the weight of the mosaic and quality, you may have to work from the top of the wall downwards to avoid them slumping onto each other. Pinning can help if working bottom up and also from top down.
Be extremely careful not to get adhesive squeezing from behind and into the joints.
Grout with a fine grout. Do not use a gritty grout as it can scratch the glass.
Mesh backed mosaic are applied mesh to the wall, paper faced mosaic are applied paper outwards.
That is roughly it.
Bear in mind that working with mosaic is not easy and the price charged for doing this sort of work reflects that.
Stay well away from Topps Tiles if getting mosaic. never had good ones from them. Always misaligned on the sheet. They can look ok once grouted, though.
Brilliant! that is one of the best replies I have had to any of my post and really helpful as well.
Many Thanks
Mandy
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