Fitting glass tiles and Mosaics

Prior to fixing, please check that the tiles received are as ordered and of good quality. Tiles should only be fixed once the customer is completely satisfied with them. No claims will be accepted once tiles are fixed.

Please read instructions on adhesives and grouts carefully and keep everything meticulously clean as work progresses.

Substrates

Tiles can be fitted to most walls provided they are sound, clean, dry and free of dust, grease or any loose material. The wall must be free of movement and reasonably level. Surfaces such as plaster, timber and rendering will require priming first with a universal bonding agent.

Fixing

NB. Glass tiles must be fully bedded into an adhesive designed for use with glass.

When fixing transparent glass such as our Reflections Glass Mosaic, or DramatikaIridescent Glass Mosaic, Freshwater, the substrate should be uniform in colour and ideally pale or neutral so it does not affect the overall finish of the tiling. If a thin bed of adhesive will not hide the colour it will need to be changed.

Use a 5mm notched trowel to spread adhesive firmly and uniformly onto the substrate. Then use the flat side of the trowel to flatten the adhesive so it is a uniform and ridge-free adhesive bed.

Press the tiles firmly into the adhesive. Paper-faced mosaics, such as Dramatika Iridescent Glass Mosaic should be tiled with the paper side upwards. The tiles or sheets should be placed so that all joints match. With mosaics it is very important that one sheet cannot be distinguished from another. Check that the tiles are evenly and uniformly bedded and covered by the adhesive. A wooden block can be used to carefully knock mosaic tiles in to the adhesive to achieve a flat surface.

With paper-faced mosaics the adhesive should be left to partially set but, before they have become fully bonded, the paper should be removed, roughly 30 minutes. The paper is secured with water-soluble glue. Moisten the paper several times with a wet sponge or water spray bottle, leave for 5-10 minutes and then remove.

Any adjustments can then be carefully made: eliminate any sheet lines, adjust any crooked pieces, replace any damaged pieces, remove any unacceptable colour variation, check the background for colour uniformity etc.

The adhesive must then be left to fully set before grouting.

Grouting

Ensure that joints are clean, dry and free from loose debris. Use a grout that is formulated for use with glass. Apply with a soft rubber squeegee or float and work well into the joints so that no air pockets remain. As the grout is drying, wipe off any excess with a clean damp sponge. Do not over wash the grout as it may cause a white bloom on the tiles and discolour the grout. Ensure that the grouting is completed in one continuous sequence to avoid colour variation. Clean with a soft dry cloth.

Cutting

Glass tiles are very dense and hard and can be difficult to drill or cut.

A diamond cutter must be used and can be hired. A diamond tipped bit or core drill will be required to drill holes for fittings.