Travertine mosaic floor

[kaharrison9]

Hi all
Hoping for any thoughts regarding tiling a bathroom floor with travertine mosaic.
The trav is unfilled,10mm thick,2 inch square and on a mesh.
Its going onto a self levelled floor that the builder/owner is doing his self.
Have just finished one of his bathrooms and his self levelling was okayish.
Usually use Mapei adhesives,is there a particular one anybody reccommends-not wanting to use Kerraquick on this job.
Planning to seal after grouting-is this best?
Should a 8mm depth trowel be fine?
Also will be doing a shower enclosure in the same travetine do i need to do anything differantly to the floor?
Cheers for any thoughts and any other pointers.
Kev

[Dave]

Hi kev...Why not the keraquick..?..

[doug boardley]

hello Kev, not sure why you don't want to use mapei, your choice, I think your choice of trowel is a bit deep tho' for mosaics, I'd probably notch it down to 6mm maximum, to stop addy oozing through

[kaharrison9]

First time have done mosaic and want to take my time and see how i go without putting myself under any pressure.
Been relatively new at tiling when i have used a rapid adhesive i do tend to start rushing if i come across a snag.
I am using Kerraquick more often and see the benefits and will give it a go if this mosaic floor goes well.
Should be loading a batch of photos up shortly to my file relating to jobs that i've received help on here with.
Kev

[Dave]

Keraquick will be fine....just mix in small batches...

[kaharrison9]

May not have made myself clear Doug.
I meant is there any other Mapei adhesive you would reccomend?
Also i was thinking of a 6mm trowel for mosaic but would this be fine for a floor as i've usually it's a 10 mm for floors-reason for 8mm to try get a comprimise.
Kev

[timeless john]

Hello KAharrison9,
Just to add a couple of points!
I can understand your reluctance to use a fast set adhesive on your first mosaic floor job but it is actually easier if you do.
Set your room out dry first and make sure you have your squares to the walls right.
Get your customer to use mapei fibreplan self leveller and it should be a better surface for you to tile on - remember preparation is the key!
As Dave said mix up smaller quantities of adhesive -Mapei kerraquick white, and use a grouing float to lightly press the mosaic into a Doug recommended 6mm bed. Clean out all the adhesive for the cuts as you go and put them in when the main tiling is walkable 2-3 hours.
Try and fix tiling clean and dry as you should definitely seal the travertine before you grout 2 coats and 1 coat after grouting. This way it will be easier to remove the excess grout from the surface of the tile and the unfilled holes will get filled then. Remember if the tiles are wet the seal will not go into the travertine at a even amount. The colour of the grout is important in travertine so try and show your customer Mapei 130 jasmin or 132 beige - both go well with travertine IMO.
Have fun
John.