How to Use Mosaic Tiles

What are Mosaics?

The term mosaic comes from the ancient decorative design technique of arranging small, distinct fragments of colored materials—such as glass, stone, or ceramic—to form a larger, cohesive image or pattern. Nowadays, a modern mosaic is defined as small tiles arranged in patterns, mounted on backing sheets.

Mosaics can also be referred to as:

• Tesserae

• Sheet-mounted tiles

• Art tiles

• Pennyround tiles

Key benefits of Mosaics:

• Adds creative visual interest, focal point and visual texture

• Ideal for compact spaces to enhance the feeling of space

• Curve adaptability; their miniature size makes them perfect for wrapping around curved shower walls, recessed niches, or custom basins where larger tiles would not work

• Increased traction with more grout lines

Popular Application Areas:

• Bathrooms: Feature walls, shower floors, and built-in shelving

• Kitchens: Splashback or frontings for island benches

• Outdoors: Swimming pools, outdoor alfrescos, showers and exterior cladding

• Other areas: Columns, feature walls and table tops

Design Considerations:

• Material choice - if installing in wet areas (splashback, shower, pool) use porcelain or glass mosaics only. Ceramic tiles have a high porosity and are not recommended. Sealing natural stone mosaics is also recommended for wet areas or splashbacks.
  

• Can cost more with installation and the amount of grout needed.
  

• Maintenance - Mosaics will use more grout per sqm so keep in mind the colour you choose to avoid it showing the dirt. Ensure routine cleaning to keep those grout lines looking fresh. You can also opt to seal the grout from moisture and stains by applying a waterproof sealer every 2 to 5 years, depending on exposure.

What is the difference between mesh-backed, paper-faced and dot mounted mosaics?

The primary difference is where the backing is placed and how it affects installation: mesh-backed mosaics use a permanent fiberglass grid on the back of the tile, while paper-faced mosaics use a temporary layer of paper or clear film on the front (face) of the tile, which is soaked and peeled off after installation. Paper faced are recommended for pools as it allows for full adhesion to the back of the tile and substrate. There are also dot mounted mosaics which can be used in all applications as the mosaics are joined in the corners of each tile.

Choosing between them depends on your project's specific demands.

Mesh-Backed Mosaics

• Application: Ideal for standard walls, splashbacks, and dry areas.

• How it works: The tile is glued to the mesh at the factory. You press the mesh side directly into your thin-set mortar.

• Pros: Easier and faster for beginners. The mesh is flexible, making it easy to cut and wrap around corners or slight curves.

• Cons: The mesh and the glue used to attach it stay behind the tile. In moisture-heavy environments (like pools or showers), this added material can degrade or trap water, leading to a weaker bond and potential mold.

Paper-Faced Mosaics

• Application: Best for demanding, wet, or submerged environments like swimming pools, spas, and outdoor areas.

• How it works: The tiles are held together by a water-soluble glue on the front face. You install the mosaic by pressing the bare back of the tile into the mortar. Once the mortar sets, you dampen the paper and peel it off, leaving a perfectly flat, exposed surface ready for grouting.

• Pros: Offers 100% adhesion to the wall since there is no mesh barrier. Ensures tiles remain perfectly level and prevents grid lines from telegraphing through transparent glass.

• Cons: Requires a two-step installation process (apply, let dry, soak/peel paper, then grout). It is slightly more tedious because you cannot easily see the final tile layout until the paper is removed

Do Mosaics Cost More to Install?

Yes, mosaics can be more expensive for a tiler to install compared to standard-sized tiles. Tilers generally charge more for the following reasons:

• Substrate Preparation: Mosaic sheets conform to every lump and bump in a wall. Tilers must spend extra time creating a perfectly flat, flawless surface before laying the first sheet.

• Complex Cutting: Cutting around outlets, corners, and edges requires making many tiny, intricate cuts. This often requires specialized tools like glass nippers or continuous-rim diamond wet saw blades.

• Layout and Alignment: Keeping the grid lines straight between sheets is difficult. Tilers must manually adjust individual pieces to prevent visible seams between the square sheets.

• More Grout and Cleanup: Mosaics have vastly more grout joints per square metre. Packing the grout into all those tiny spaces and cleaning the haze off the delicate tile faces requires intensive manual labor

What current trends are we seeing in mosaics?

Japanese Mosaics - Whilst the sizes and shapes are similar to other mosaics, the tactile, hand fired ceramic look of Japanese Mosaics makes them a sought after aesthetic. Take a look at the Z Tile Range.

Vulcano Mosaics (natural stone) - With global trends leaning towards more warmth, organic shapes and earthy interiors, Vulcano’s natural stone range is always the answer.

Bisazza Mosaics - Perth’s Mediterranean climate means pools are always front of mind. Bisazza’s stunning range of glass mosaic pool tiles are the perfect choice to elevate

All of these (and more!) are available to order from our Myaree Ceramics showroom.