Setting out travertine mosaics.

[FreeD]

I've got my first mosaics job on Monday. Kitchen splashback with 3 sockets. How would you go about setting out? Centre lines and then adjust accordingly? my worry is being left with tiny cuts around sockets or internal corners that are not square.

[kilty55]

ensure your wall is nice and flush 1st freed.mosaics need a well prepped substrate

always try and centre the cooker hood as it will probably be the focal point of the wall and see how your cuts land from there,

[enduro]

Depends how big the mosaics are...Just set it out how you normally would. I would rather have small cut in the corners, not so visible.

[FreeD]

Ok cheers guys...would you seal before fixing or after fixing before grouting?

[enduro]

Depends are they filled or unfilled travertine? If unfilled you need to fix, grout, clean then seal. If filled seal before you start. Depends also how clean you work. Also you need white flexible adhesive.

[FreeD]

They are unfilled. I plan to use mosaic fix. If I get adhesive on the tiles is it going to be a nightmare to get off?

[enduro]

Use a 3mm trowel, and if you get any of the adhesive on the tiles wipe it straight off. I keep a paint brush in my water bucket then if any addy comes through the joint i wipe it out with that. When you start fixing them to the wall use your grout float to bed them onto the adhesive on the wall.

[FreeD]

Is it just me or is mosaic tiling slow? I set out and tiled from the worktop. I was using mosaic fix adhesive with 3mm trowel but found the tiles slumped...I had to pin them up. I guess this is just the adhesive but this is what was recommended...are there adhesives yau can use which are less likely to slump?

[whitebeam]

There a heavy mosaic, could spread the addy on and leave for a minute before fixing with the mosaic

[dilz000]

As above make sure the wall is straight first as they follow the substraight, hard to hide any imperfections due to the thin bed of adhesive, also, I found it a good idea to stagger the sheets. And don't trust the plastic mesh as being straight, keep popping up your level to make sure they are all level.

Just finished a bathroom floor in. 50mm trav mosaics. Clean with grimex seal with LTP colour intensifier

[FreeD]

What do you mean stagger the sheets?

I've been pinning these mosaics up to the level! will give leaving the adhesive a bit longer a try.

[whitebeam]

If your laying a couple sheets on hight, overlap the second row to keep the line of the mosaic...if you see what I mean.

[FreeD]

Can't picture what you mean by staggering...think its one of those things you need to be shown! Ltp sealers are great i've got Fila from Topps for this but may try and get hold of some of that.

[Phil Hobson]

Half bond mate (stagger) so you don't see each sheet

[FreeD]

You mean brick effect?

[Phil Hobson]

Yep brick bond/ half bond, just helps take your eye off full sheets

[FreeD]

Right see what your saying, haven't done any mosaics before but have been careful while fixing them to try and stop sheets standing out. Will step back when its grouted and see how it looks.

[FreeD]

Here are the pics! Thought i did alright for my first mosaic job, fixed with BAL mosaic fix, cleaned with LTP Grimex sealed with LTP colour intensifier. Designed by customer!







Thanks all for advice.

[Dave]

Thanks for the pics..