Mosaic from tiles is one of the original and economical ways to decorate the interior. This type of room decoration originated in ancient times, but to this day there are adherents of mosaic decor in the design of walls, countertops, mirrors, and floor coverings. This article talks about mosaic patterns, materials for making tiles and how to lay them on walls.
Materials for making
Modern interiors are often decorated with mosaic tiles. It differs from ceramic tiles in an attractive appearance. Mosaic decor consists of a large number of miniature elements, with the help of which various patterns are created. Several materials are used to make mosaic tiles, which will be discussed later in this article.
Ceramics
The most standard version of mosaic decor. Ceramic tiles can be glazed, matte, and also imitate expensive natural materials (wood, stone, etc.)
Ceramic tilesconsists of clay and quartz flour, therefore it is absolutely safe for human he alth. From it you can create large paintings on any surface. Practical, moisture-resistant ceramics allows you to use it in the bathroom, shower, dressing rooms and steam rooms in country houses.
Stone
Strong and expensive material, the decor of it is durable, but has a lot of weight and looks a little rough. Therefore, a mosaic of large stone elements looks better; it is used in pools, shower rooms, steam rooms and washing rooms in baths. Marble, jasper, slate, amethyst, onyx, lapis lazuli, malachite, travertine are used for laying the mosaic.
Glass
Feldspar, sand, soda and metal oxide are used to produce glass mosaic. A homogeneous substance is obtained by remelting these components at a temperature of 1600 ℃. Thanks to high-temperature firing, the products are very durable. Glass mosaic looks incredibly beautiful, it visually expands the space, makes it light and airy. When laying out the elements, only transparent glue or grout is used so as not to spoil the appearance of the finished decor.
Mirror tiles
Mirror mosaic is very popular, it visually expands the space of the room, smooths out all the uneven walls. The reflection of various objects in it creates a spectacular illusion. Moisture-resistant material decorate rooms withhigh humidity: saunas, showers. Mirror mosaic is used in sports facilities, gyms, bars and clubs.
Schemes for laying out mosaic decor
Before starting work, you need to make your own sketch or use ready-made mosaic patterns. This decor has several layout options:
- Graphic drawing. The simplest version of the addition of the pattern, it uses tiles of several colors.
- Concentric pattern. The composition consists of a central point, from which identical lines diverge in a circle. It turns out a pattern with elements that repeat around the circumference.
- Repeated motif. The pattern itself can be anything: in the form of waves, stripes or geometric shapes. The main thing is that all elements of the pattern are repeated at intervals along the entire length of the mosaic.
- Chaotic layout. In this case, the tiling scheme is not required. All details of the decor are arranged in random order. You can mix elements of the same or different colors and shapes.
- Hexagonal mosaic. Schemes for decor in the form of honeycombs can be very diverse. Sometimes such tiles are combined with square or rectangular ones, this allows you to create original compositions. Used for wall and floor decoration.
- Local inserts. A certain pattern is laid out on a plain background. A lighter version of the mosaic, since there is no need to select and arrange elements for the entire length of the mosaic decor.
- Picture. The most complex mosaic scheme, itslaying out requires a lot of patience and at least minimal artistic ability.
Mosaic laying order
Before laying the mosaic on the walls, you need to stock up on tools: wire cutters, a notched trowel, a knife, a latex-based universal adhesive or special mastic, a hard rubber trowel.
First you need to prepare the walls: clean them from dirt, level all the recesses with putty. Glass and ceramic tiles are laid on glue, mastic is not suitable for this purpose.
Next, you need to lay out all the elements of the mosaic on the floor or on a large table. This is necessary in order to see in what sequence to lay this or that element.
With a notched trowel, glue is applied to the walls and tiles, this contributes to better adhesion of the material to the surface. It is not recommended to coat the entire wall, as the solution hardens within 10 minutes. Mosaic elements are successively glued to the surface, removing excess mortar.
In order for the seams to be even, plastic marking crosses are installed between the tiles. Laid out tiles are pressed with a trowel. This will allow them to stick more firmly, air bubbles will come out, and the surface of the finished segment will level out.
After the entire mosaic is laid out on the wall, it is necessary to clean the surface of the finished decor from glue residue. After two days, when the glue is completely dry, you need to start grouting the joints between the tiles.
Grouts must be selected depending on the type of tile. Themapplied to the seams with a rubber trowel at an angle of 45 degrees. After half an hour, the excess grout is removed from the tile first with a soft dry cloth.
When working with a mosaic, you must follow safety measures: protect your eyes with goggles, and your face with a fabric or gauze mask.
