Technology for the production of mosaic tiles at home. Mosaic Tile Making at Home and Factory Glass Mosaic Tile Making Equipment

* Calculations use average data for Russia

2 500 000 ₽

Minimum starting capital

70%

Profitability

From 12 months

Payback

From 2 000 000 ₽

mosaic equipment cost

Mosaic is an image or pattern made of particles of different shades, homogeneous or different in shades, from different materials (stone, smalt, ceramic tiles). The material, which, as a rule, has a square shape, from which this image is laid out, is also called a mosaic. The smaller the detail, the clearer and more realistic the image can be laid out from it.

Where is mosaic used?

It is used for interior and exterior finishing work, for decorating walls and floors, as well as for landscape design. For the production of mosaics, a large number of different materials are used. Each type of raw material from which mosaics are made today has its own characteristics, due to which it becomes suitable for use in some conditions and not suitable for use in others.

In most cases, inexpensive mosaics are made from ceramics. Ceramic mosaic resembles in appearance and properties ordinary ceramic tiles. The difference is only in size. In the process of manufacturing ceramic tiles, low-porous ceramics are necessarily used. This material is characterized by high frost resistance and low water absorption.

A special glaze can also be used, which is needed in order to prevent the formation of water stone on the surface of the mosaic, as well as to preserve the colors of the product even under the influence of an aggressive environment and water. In the process of mosaic production, a wide variety of natural stone can also be used, starting with ordinary natural tufa and ending with rare rocks of jasper and marble.

Features of the manufacture of different types of mosaics

Natural stone has no restrictions in terms of texture either - it is polished, ground or aged during the production process. In the latter case, the edges of the tiles have a smoother texture and muted colors. Inexpensive mosaic is made from artificial granite. This material, on the one hand, is of natural origin, and on the other hand, it is produced using modern technologies, during which granite is mixed with broken glass. Such a mosaic is distinguished by high strength (like natural granite) and unusual effects (like artificial materials).

A significant part of the expensive mosaic is made from smalt. This material has been known since antiquity, but, of course, the modern technology for the production of such mosaics has undergone significant changes today. The glass used in the production undergoes a special treatment with various metal oxides, and then heated to a high temperature. As a result of such procedures, glass acquires various physical and chemical properties - impact resistance, resistance to low temperatures, resistance to various aggressive environments. Smalt, like natural stone, does not have a uniform color.

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Even in the same batch, mosaic pieces can have different shades, which creates unusual effects on a large surface. An alternative to expensive smalte is special glass, which has such properties as water resistance, impact resistance, wear resistance, and withstands temperature changes. An additional advantage of glass, unlike, for example, ceramics, is that its structure is continuous, so it is not affected by various harmful bacteria and microorganisms. Mosaic production technology directly depends on the raw materials from which it is made.

For example, the production process of ceramic mosaics is similar to the method by which ordinary ceramic tiles are made. Simplified, it can be represented as follows: at the first stage, a mixture of clay, quartz sand, kaolin, feldspar and various pigments is laid out in shapes, then pressed, and then glazed and fired.

For the manufacture of mosaics with a natural shade, dry non-chamotte mixtures are used. In the production of colored mosaics, i.e. with the addition of a dye, slip mixtures are used. Such a production process is fully automated. Porcelain stoneware mosaic tiles are made in a different, simpler way. In this case, the finished porcelain stoneware sheet is simply cut into small pieces using a waterjet tool. Glass mosaic is made from durable sheet glass. First, such glass is painted with special paints that can withstand high temperatures. Then it is transferred to cutting, where it is cut into the required formats. At the next stage, these small fragments are collected on special substrates.

And finally, the semi-finished products are loaded into the kiln for the most critical stage of the production process, which is firing. In the oven, the mosaic pieces are heat treated at a temperature of 900ºС. In the process of such firing, the paint is baked into the glass, its surface is hardened, and the corners are melted and become smooth.

Regardless of the material from which the carpet mosaic is made, one of the final processes of its production, as a rule, is the same and is a sticker of finished pieces of the future mosaic on the base. This process is also automated. First, a template is fed onto the conveyor - a special aluminum cassette, the size of the nests of which corresponds to the dimensions of the blanks, and the depth is somewhat smaller, which makes it possible to easily remove the finished mosaic from the cells in the future. These nests are separated by special partitions, in place of which tile joints are then formed.

Mosaic tiles must be placed in the cassette so that its front side always looks up. Then the aluminum cassette enters a tunnel with powerful gas burners, where it is heated to the required temperature. At the penultimate stage, a special paper base impregnated with an adhesive solution is applied to the finished mosaic, which is called a matrix or carpet (hence the name - carpet mosaic).

In most cases, matrices have standard dimensions - 424x672 mm. The width of the tile joints is 4 mm. And as the basis for the matrix, one of the varieties of Kraft wrapping paper is used. Mosaic with a paper base is sent to the drying chamber, and upon exiting it, the mosaic carpet is removed from the conveyor belt and transferred to a forklift. Then the sheets are formed into stacks and sent for sorting, packaging and shipping or storage in a warehouse.

The cost of organizing the production of mosaics

The cost depends on the material used and the technology of its production. Even a mosaic from the same raw material can be made in different ways. For example, glass mosaics can be produced by stamping quartz glass using various plasticizers or by casting. The industrial line for the production of glass mosaic includes a tunnel kiln (24 m), a printing line for glass coloring (in turn, it includes printing machines with dryers), metal drying racks, machines for breaking glass, compresses, a prepress complex, dead-end furnace for small orders. You will also need spare parts for equipment, tools necessary for working with glass, and raw materials.

The latter includes high-strength sheet glass or cullet, high-quality glazes and paints (inorganic pigments), waterproof mounting mesh, waterproof glue. There is a fairly wide selection of equipment for the production of glass mosaic tiles on the Russian market. Its cost ranges from 2 million rubles (second-hand equipment of low power) to 15-17 million rubles. This is how much the Italian line with a capacity of 8,000 to 12,000 sq. meters of mosaic per month (volumes depend on the size of the produced tiles) with installation, recipe and training of personnel to work with it.

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With the help of such equipment, it is possible to produce glass mosaic tiles in five sizes: 10x10 mm, 15x15 mm, 20x20 mm, 25x25 mm and 36x36 mm. As the main raw material, it is recommended to use window cullet, as well as dyes (European or Chinese production).

According to the suppliers of such equipment, the products made with its help are not inferior in quality to the mosaic of Spanish and Italian companies (although, of course, the quality largely depends not only on the equipment, but also on technology, specialists and raw materials). The profitability of this type of business is declared by them as 70% for wholesale sales and up to 250% for retail sales. The payback period is, with such data, no more than a year. In practice, the profitability of an enterprise for the production of glass mosaics is somewhat lower and rarely exceeds 50% (although this figure can be considered high).

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Mosaic art panels are a great way to complement and make your interior unique. If you decide to decorate your house with paintings, order forged products and stained glass, the mosaic will become the center of the composition, completing the decoration.

The scope of artistic mosaic panels is almost limitless. Unusually beautiful mosaic patterns seem to have come out of the pages of an oriental fairy tale. The combination of various textures - gold leaf, smalt, aventurine mosaic attracts the eye, changing its color depending on the lighting, making the interior magical and mysterious...

A mosaic panel will suit any interior and style. A mosaic picture is very durable, and its value only increases with time.

Mosaic history.

Mosaic art dates from II floor. IV millennium BC and originates directly from the construction of palaces and temples of the Sumerian civilization located in Mesopotamia. It was made from burnt sticks (“zigzags”), which were created from clay and had a conical shape. Their length was from eight to ten centimeters, and a diameter of 1.8. Laying was carried out on the basis of a solution of clay. The picture was formed on the ends of the cones, usually painted in red, black and white. Often used in the form of a rhombus or triangle pattern.

A striking example of the inlay of the early period, which received during antiquity opus sectile , which in the future was developed in the form of the Florentine mosaic technique, cite an artifact called the “Standart from Ur”, 2600-2400 BC.

In the eighth century BC. there were technicians using pebbles that had not been processed. She was one of the main steps in the development of mosaic as an art. During her peak, the Romans called her " opus barbaricum ". When excavations were taking place, floors made of pebbles in the form of an ornament were found in Altyn-tepe, located in eastern Anatolia and the palace of Arslan-tash, in Assyria. But the Gordion mosaics located in Antolia are considered an impressive monument of mosaic art of this period.

Antiquity

Their first works were created in Corinth on the basis of rough pebbles and date back to V in. BC. The image was made contour in the form of people, various creatures of the mythological and real world. The scenery had a geometric or floral ornament, which was performed in white on a black background. The style is close to red-figure vase painting. Similar instances IV in. BC. also found in places such as Olynthos, Sicyon, Eretria. However, the most realistic ones were created in the Pella mosaic, dated to 4th century BC.

The peak of the development of mosaics in antiquity fell on the Hellenistic era. Then they began to use chipped pebbles, affordable colored glasses. This made it possible to achieve realism of the work, as well as to use a variety of colors. Mosaics in Morgantina (Sicily), dated 3rd century BC.

In ancient Roman times, mosaic art was used to decorate floors and walls in villas, palaces and baths. It was created in the form of small cubes, which were made of strong glass ─ smalts. Small pebbles and pebbles were also often used.

Pompeii, the "Battle of Issei" mosaic was created from 1.5 million pieces that were assembled into an image. A technique called " opus vermiculatum ": the parts were assembled in the form of winding lines, applying one piece to another.

Early Christianity and Byzantium.

The period of the Byzantine Empire is considered the greatest peak in the development of mosaics. During this era, the mosaic became more refined, using small modules and pebbles. The masonry was made delicate, and the background most often appeared in gold.

Medieval Eurasia.

Rococo era

The mosaic was created from shells of mollusks caught in the sea. Most often used to decorate rooms. In Europe, beaded mosaics have reached popularity. The beads were scrupulously laid out on wax applied to paper or cardboard. Bead embroidery patterns in the form of crosses were used. However, unfortunately, few such specimens have survived.

In Germany, the van Zelow manufactory (1750-1770) made mosaics from beads. In the future, the method was lost. They decorated the flat part of the furniture, such as the tabletop. Bottles, various figurines in the form of a bird, etc. were also subjected to decoration. Most of them can be found in German museums. However, one is in the Arkhangelsk Museum-Reserve.

Islam

Often, mosaics were used to decorate the palace of the heads of the East. For example, the Palace of Sheki Khans has become one of the best works of medieval architecture in Azerbaijan. It is one of the most valuable architectural monuments of the eighteenth century. Date of construction ─ 1762. The author is Huseykhan. The palace was part of the complex of buildings and was the residence for the Sheki khans. It has a structure of two floors: the facade is made with frames that were in the form of lattices and rose, and a set of shebeke (small glasses of different colors). The image has many colors with a colorful addition in the form of paintings on the walls of an architectural monument.

II floor. XVIII in. reached a huge development of pictorial art in the Sheki Khanate. It is closely related to the implementation of construction and architecture. All buildings of importance were decorated with wall paintings, which was an extremely popular technique. This is confirmed by the examples of pictorial art located in the Palace of the Sheki Khans, which have survived to this day and have not lost their artistry. The painting had many themes: hunting, battles, floral or geometric ornamentation, based on the motifs of "Khamse" (Five) by Nizami Ganjavi. Palace or peasant life and much more were also depicted. Most often used blue, red, golden or yellow shades. The plafond of the hall has an encryption of the name of the painter Abbas Kuli. It is worth noting that the palace was undergoing restoration, and therefore you can see the paintings made by the masters at various intervals of time.

Mosaic of France

One of the most popular mosaics in France is Emo de Briard. An enterprise that produced Briar porcelain beads, and in the future, mosaics, opened in 1837. A huge number of works based on Briar mosaics have been created. For example, the popular artist Eugene Grasset, who was one of the most influential figures in Art Nouveau, used it in his creations. This mosaic is still being made today. She is one of the few who remained completely under French production.


Russian mosaic

In the period of Russia, mosaics began to be used after the spread of Christianity. However, it did not become popular, as it was an expensive imported product. It was delivered from Constantinople (Byzantium had a monopoly for the sale of smalt).

In Kyiv, in the St. Sophia Cathedral, the world's largest ensemble of original mosaics and frescoes has been preserved. They date from the first half of the eleventh century.

Mikhailovsky Golden-Domed Monastery.

New time and Russian mosaic

Lomonosov decided to revive mosaic art. Subsequently, no one continued his idea and the mosaic art was forgotten again.

In the 1840s decided to translate the picturesque icons of St. Isaac's Cathedral in the form of a mosaic. Due to the high humidity of St. Petersburg, which was founded on a swamp, the frescoes fell off before the painting was completed. If the paint was preserved, then it immediately turned black and dimmed, which was facilitated by censers, candles, lamps, etc. The Russian government decided to send graduates of the Imperial Academy of Arts to study in Rome to learn from the masters working at the Mosaic Studio located in the Vatican. Glass technologists were invited from Rome to St. Petersburg, who were engaged in the manufacture of smalt.

In 1851, the students returned home, where an organization for the production of smalt was created by Italian technologists. This year is considered the founding of the Mosaic Workshop.

The workshop was created for the mosaics of St. Isaac's Cathedral (the term was 66 years, but they were never completed due to the revolution), it accepted many orders. For example, for the Cathedral of the Savior on Blood, located in St. Petersburg, the Savior on the Waters, ornamental mosaics of the Cathedral of Christ the Savior in Moscow, for portraits of the royal family or individual orders.

The workshop used a "direct method" of typesetting to achieve realism in painting. However, it was extremely costly not only in time, but also in cost.

The Academy sought to find a solution to this problem. In 1888, she sent employees such as A.A. Frolov, to Venice, where A. Salviati created and applied a different, more economical technique of mosaic art. He laid it out in the form of a mirror image of the front part on the base, which was temporary. Subsequently, it was transported to the installation site. This technique was called "reverse" or "Venetian".

Since the Academy did not want to adopt this experience, Frolov opened his own studio, which later became successful under the leadership of his brother and gave rise to the development of Soviet mosaic art.

Today, the development of autochthonous art is taking place. For example, the mosaic of the Huichol tribe. It is rare, as the material is beads. It can also be laid with holes up.

Styling techniques

During direct set, pieces of mosaic art are pressed into the base, which is often the ground. With the reverse technique, on the contrary, they are collected on a temporary basis, and then transferred to a primed plane.

Laying: the method is similar to laying tiled material. Used glue and grout for seams. You can buy all of this at a hardware store.

The base is checked for strength, its shortcomings are revealed in the form of cracks, cavities, oil stains, etc. It must be durable and dry, have a smooth, cleaned surface from various agents that reduce the adhesion of mosaic elements to the surface. Also, it should not be dusty, dirty, in cement milk, paint residues, etc. If necessary, it is necessary to clean the surface mechanically, by sandblasting. During visual inspection, the base must be even, free of sags, pits, scratches, dry and primed.

Stacking on paper

First, prepare the surface and apply glue, making an even distribution over all areas. Best used with latex adhesive base. The mosaic is carefully glued to the side opposite to the paper. The distance between the pieces should be even, without using excessive pressure. After that, the fixing occurs with the help of light strikes of the platform, which have a rubber base.

After a day, the paper is removed by wetting it for better lagging. The surface is cleaned of residual glue and paper, after which the joints are grouted with a grater made of rubber. It is best to use a grout from a mosaic manufacturer. After that, the mosaic is cleaned and the surface is polished.

Laying on a mesh base.

Unlike paper, here the mosaic is glued face up. After the glue dries, you can immediately overwrite the seams.

materials

Materials can be different (stone, smalt, ceramics or metal, recently included porcelain stoneware). However, smalt still has the greatest popularity for creating a classic element of architecture, primarily for interiors. Materials such as glass and ceramics are also common. They are durable, affordable and come in a variety of colors, are easy to work with and come in a wide range of shapes and sizes. Stone is most often used when creating a floor composition, and metal is used to expand the expressiveness of a mosaic work. Porcelain stoneware is used in facade work: sidewalks, park paths, floors in public buildings, etc.

Due to the functionality of this material, as well as its resistance to environmental influences and various influences, it has become widespread in the creation of many structures with difficult operating conditions. These can be landscape gardening areas, water structures, when creating a fireplace or stove, etc.

Mosaic based on smalt or other glass has not only become widespread in many architectural works: panels, frescoes, etc. It can also be used as an independent applied direction of decorative art in ornamental compositions or other concepts. It has great artistic potential by creating simple patterns in decor that can be patterned in any composition.

The production of tiled mosaics can be carried out using various materials. In industrial production, glass and ceramics are most often used for these purposes. In recent years, a technology for the production of plastic mosaics has emerged and is actively developing. The production of mosaic tiles from plastic bottles is one of the new trends that have emerged today. The main advantage of this type of tile is environmental friendliness.

Mosaic types

Glass and ceramics, as well as products made from them, are distinguished by significant durability.

Each of the materials has its own advantages and disadvantages:

  • Glass is beautiful and quite simple (on an industrial scale). The disadvantages include high weight and low strength;
  • Ceramics is also aesthetically pleasing. The disadvantages are the same as those of glass, only the strength is higher, but still low. In addition, many buyers are not satisfied with the cost, sometimes simply sky-high;
  • Plastic is beautiful, environmentally friendly. The material is light and cheap. It is possible to establish the manufacture of mosaic tiles at home.

Glass and ceramics, as well as products made from them, are distinguished by considerable durability. The joke of archeology students: “Ancient people were only engaged in breaking dishes” is based on the fact that the main archaeological artifacts are fragments of ceramic dishes. Glass and especially ceramics cannot be completely recycled and recycled.

Modern environmentalists are constantly fighting plastic, despite the fact that, unlike other materials, it has the advantage that some types of its processing are available to anyone and do not require special costs. But if the process of recycling plastic bottles, although useful for nature, is not always accessible to an ordinary small entrepreneur, then the production of certain types of plastics at home is quite within the reach of everyone.

Tile making


Mosaic can be made of glass or acrylic resin

With the advent of the wide sale of some components that allow the production of plastics in artisanal conditions, amateurs appeared who could produce simple plastic products right in their kitchens. In recent days, the production of mosaic tiles from affordable materials sold in any household chemical store is gaining popularity. Equipment for the production of mosaic tiles is not high-tech and science-intensive. The process does not require special skills, special education and energy consumption. The main thing is that the manufacturing technology of mosaic tiles is not violated.

Raw material

For the production of plastic tiles based on, for example, acrylic resins, the following ingredients are used:

  • Acrylic resin is one of the main elements of future tiles. Consists of two components component A (resin) and B (hardener);
  • Filler main element. Depending on the desired strength and density, it is possible to use sand, stone chips (for this, marble or granite processing waste is used) or fine gravel as a filler;
  • Dyes are used inorganic pigments based on iron oxide, chemical compounds of titanium, lead, zinc and chromium. It is selected depending on the desired color of the finished product.

Equipment


Glass Mosaic Making Machine

Actually, there is no equipment, in the usual sense of the word. Machine tools and blast furnaces are not used in production. Here you will not see conveyors and cranes. The production room is more like a laboratory. All that is needed for such production is:

  • Mosaic tile molds depending on the requirements for future products, use glass containers of appropriate shapes and sizes;
  • Scales to obtain high-quality products requires strict observance of the proportions of the components;
  • Capacities for a dosage of storage of components. For this, glass containers with a volume scale printed on their walls are suitable;
  • Hand tools preferably plastic or glass spatulas, spoons, tubes for moving and mixing the components.

Process


Acrylic resin mosaic kiln

The production itself does not require long-term preparation and the use of additional equipment. The whole process consists in preparatory operations, consisting in the dosage of components - filler, resin, dyes, as well as mixing them in the right proportions. In this case, the prepared resin is poured into a container with a filler. Forms are filled with the resulting mixture. This procedure is performed at room temperature, with which the finished tile also dries. After that, the tile is removed from the molds, processed to obtain a finished look.

Technological methods for the manufacture of mosaic tiles may differ from those described in the case of the use of other materials. For the production of large volumes of products, there is more sophisticated equipment that allows you to mechanize and automate the process.

Mosaic


Mosaic is a great way to show your artistic features.

Making a mosaic from a tile consists in gluing the finished tile onto a wooden board according to a pre-designed pattern. To do this, a PVA-based adhesive is applied to the cleaned and dried wooden surface. In the case of installation of mosaics indoors with high humidity or outdoors, more moisture resistant adhesives can be used.

Mosaic is a great way to show your artistic features. Recently, for some people, a hobby is increasingly developing into a profession that brings a good income. Some remembered that they can draw, others took up modeling or embroidery. The production of mosaics in our time of global instability can also become a major source of wealth, especially if you have talent and hard work.

"Made of pieces" - this is how the mosaic has been called since the time of its invention. A variety of materials used for manufacturing, their durability, unpretentiousness in relation to maintenance, the possibility of restoration provide a high demand for this cladding technique. No less popular is the production of mosaic tiles.

Modern technologies and materials make it possible to push the boundaries of the use of mosaics from the creation of traditional panels to the lining of pools, fountains, columns, arched structures and other surfaces of complex geometric shapes. Ceramic mosaic traditionally holds the lead, however, glass, metal, decorative and finishing stones are gradually gaining popularity, occupying their niche in the market.

Mosaic types

The manufacture of mosaic tiles involves the use of various materials. So the consumer gets the opportunity to choose between types, each of which has its own characteristics, advantages and disadvantages.

ceramic

  • Satisfies the most demanding aesthetic taste.
  • Medium strength.
  • Well-established production technology.
  • High price.

glass

  • High aesthetics.
  • Wide range of colors.
  • Resistant to high and low temperatures.
  • Use in the aquatic environment.
  • Insufficient strength.
  • Big weight.

plastic or plastic

  • Attractive appearance.
  • Light weight.
  • Low cost.
  • Easy production.

The service life of ceramic and glass mosaics is practically unlimited, which is confirmed by the excellent condition of archaeological finds: dishes, tiles, mosaic paintings.

As for the plastic. The amount of plastic waste in the modern world makes environmentalists sound the alarm and support all possible ways of their disposal and recycling. Of course, not everyone can build a plastic bottle recycling workshop, but mastering and launching the production of mosaic tiles at home from plastic is a completely feasible dream.

Mosaic tile production

When choosing the right material for making mosaic tiles, you can choose glass or acrylic resins. Buying components for production today is not difficult - stores offer a good range of chemicals and fillers.

The manufacture or purchase of equipment does not require knowledge of high technologies and high financial costs. The process itself requires compliance with manufacturing technology, is characterized by low energy costs, and in terms of the complexity of development it is quite accessible to any competent person.

Raw material

The choice of ingredients for the manufacture of mosaic tiles - binders, fillers, dyes - is dictated by the requirements for the strength and density of the final product. The standard bonding material is acrylic resin. It is a liquid acrylic resin that hardens when a special catalyst is added.

The liquid consistency of the resin allows the use of various fillers:

  • sandy;
  • marble chips;
  • granite chips;
  • colored gravel of small fractions.

Both organic and inorganic dyes are used to color the mixture. The color of the finished tile is determined by the choice of the base of the appropriate pigment. The most common: iron oxide, chromium compounds, lead, zinc, titanium.

Equipment

The manufacturing technology of mosaic tiles is so simple that it does not require a huge room, sophisticated equipment and an oven for baking tiles. The sizes and shapes for the production of mosaic tiles by pouring are selected according to the size requirements of the tiles.

The process of dosing components requires special attention. Accurate scales and graduated containers are needed to accurately measure the weight and volume of ingredients.

Containers for storing raw materials are selected based on their shelf life and planned production volumes. Tools for preparing the mixture, pouring and molding it (spoons, a set of spatulas, tubes, etc.) use glass or plastic.

Manufacturing process

The use of such simple tools for the manufacture of acrylic plastic mosaics speaks of the simplicity of the production process itself.

The most difficult stage is the preparation of the mixture. Dosing accuracy of each component is important to obtain a high quality product. The required amount of filler is placed in the mixing container, the measured weight of the dye is added and filled with acrylic resin. After mixing, the finished mixture is distributed into molds. Hardening and drying of the tiles occurs naturally without exposure to high temperatures. After extraction from the molds, the finished product is subject to finishing to give it a perfect shape and appearance.

In the case of using other starting materials, a change in the technological process may be required. The described technology is intended for the manufacture of small volumes. With their growth, additional equipment for the production of mosaic tiles will be required, which will allow introducing elements of mechanization and automation into the production process.

Mosaic set features

Unlike ancient times, when each piece of the mosaic was laid out by hand, modern manufacturers in the factory assemble matrices ready for laying from pieces. Each matrix is ​​a piece of mosaic glued onto a sheet of special paper (kraft paper) or mesh, arranged in a certain order. Matrices (modules) designed to create complex drawings or paintings are available in small sizes, which simplifies the process of fitting when laying. The usual module size is 30x30 cm.

Finished modules are attached to the prepared surface using a special adhesive for mosaics. Such glue provides adhesion strength of the mosaic tile to the surface of at least 30 MPa.

It should be remembered that the grid is always located on the installation side, and the front side of the matrix is ​​​​usually covered with a layer of paper, which is soaked with water after installation and removed. Although the modular system greatly simplifies installation, on average, depending on the size of the mosaic, the work takes from several days to several weeks.

Unlike laying ordinary ceramic tiles, working with mosaics requires special skills and careful surface preparation from the master. The basis under a mosaic has to be strong and equal, with a smooth surface. When installing on plastered surfaces, special impregnations are used that increase adhesion, and when plastering, reinforcing additives are used to increase the strength of the mosaic and further prevent the formation of cracks.

If the mosaic is placed in rooms with high humidity or in direct contact with water, preliminary waterproofing of the surface is required. There is a fairly large selection of professional materials for waterproofing pools, fountains, showers and bathrooms.

Preliminary marking of the base plays an important role in preparation for laying the modules, especially on curved surfaces. Taking into account the complexity of the mosaic coating process and its duration, it is necessary to choose adhesive mixtures with a long (at least 30-60 minutes) shelf life after preparation. The volume of the mixture for one-time preparation is selected by the master based on work experience, taking into account the complexity of the surface.

Mosaic panel set technique

The technique of creating artistic mosaic paintings (panels) has been known since antiquity. It came to modern design with minor adjustments and improvements. In the old days, craftsmen selected the sizes and colors of mosaic pieces directly at the place where the panel was created and immediately laid the selected piece in a layer of plaster on the base. This work required high skill and artistic talent, since it is very difficult to imagine the whole picture and correctly select each piece, and any mistake would cause the picture to be distorted.

  • Today, two main methods of creating mosaic canvases are used: the technique of direct and reverse set. When using the first method (direct set), the composition or its fragments are assembled on a base (glass fiber or other materials are used), laying out the pieces of the mosaic face up, which makes it easy to control the results and make adjustments. Upon completion of the assembly, the finished fragments, together with the base, are attached to the surface intended for installing the panel.
  • The second method (reverse set) involves laying the mosaic pieces face down. To do this, use a mirror image of the picture, covered with tracing paper, on which, in accordance with the coloring, a mosaic is laid out. With the advent of self-adhesive film, this technology has become even more simplified. After completion of the assembly, pouring and fixing on the base is carried out. If necessary, carry out additional processing and grinding.
  • One of the simplest technologies is considered to be geometric. Using a simple selection of colors, the master, or the customer himself, creates a grid pattern - indicating the colors, according to which the tile is laid out on the grid matrix, and then fixed to the surface.

Creating more complex mosaic patterns using photographs and paintings requires the use of specialized computer programs ( Mosaic 2005, Mosaic Deluxe) or an image editor photoshop. They process images, calculate the number and size of tiles, taking into account the actual dimensions, which is especially important for the correct visual perception of the finished panel, and select the color scheme.

Technology for making mosaic tiles at home

What will be needed in the manufacturing process:

  • A set of containers for storing ingredients.
  • Containers of different volumes for the manufacture of the mixture.
  • Devices and tools for pouring the mixture into molds.
  • Forms for the manufacture of tiles of different sizes.
  • Mesh for reinforcement.
  • Matrices for installing tiles.
  • Acrylic plastic and catalyst.
  • Various fillers.

It is necessary to remember about the protection of the skin of the hands and carry out all work in protective gloves. In the manufacture of mosaic tiles, the following sequence of actions must be observed:

  1. Weighing and dosing of components for the preparation of the mixture.
  2. Preparation of molds for the manufacture of tiles for pouring the mixture.
  3. Mixing components.
  4. Pouring the finished working mixture into molds.
  5. Extraction of finished tiles from the mold.
  6. Finishing and polishing of tiles.
  7. Formation of a pattern from tiles and laying out on matrices.

Acrylic plastic is the main component for production. Provides high ecological purity of finished products, UV resistance, antibacterial properties and is completely harmless to living organisms. Acrylic resin and hardener catalyst are free of styrene.

It is also possible to make mosaic tiles. It is enough to purchase or assemble a battle of tiles of different colors, bring them into line with the required sizes and fold them in the required sequence.

Why choose a small tile for renovation?

The choice of mosaic tiles for interior decoration is largely determined by the knowledge and understanding of the distinctive features and advantages of using this type of cladding. Consider some of the positive aspects of the use of mosaic coatings in order to make an informed and correct choice.

  • Tiles sizes. The small size provides ample opportunities for the formation of complex patterns and their application even on curved areas of the surface, and also simplifies the procedure for replacing individual pieces in case of damage.
  • Variety of colors and shades. The technological method or methods used for the production of mosaics allow a wide range of colors to be obtained, which distinguishes it from ordinary ceramic tiles. Picturesque drawings with subtle transitions of shades bring a pleasant revival to the interior and serve as the envy of guests.
  • Target application. A wide variety of materials for mosaic coatings - glass, metal, ceramics, smalt, plastic - makes it possible to make a choice taking into account all the features and characteristics of the intended place of use of the mosaic. Good strength and wear resistance make it suitable for flooring, and zero water absorption glass mosaic allows the material to be used in rooms with high humidity and in direct contact with water.
  • Installation and operation. Increased requirements for cleanliness and quality of surface preparation make it possible to lay tiles on a thin layer of adhesive and use it sparingly, which, given the high cost of the latter, allows significant savings. The use of mosaics in the form of ready-made modules (matrices) facilitates the installation process, and the use of the above tips and recommendations will make it more efficient.

You can make mosaic tiles yourself at home, to do this, you will need readily available and inexpensive materials that can be purchased at hardware stores, and molds - which you can also make yourself. From the made mosaic tiles, you can collect countertops, mosaic panels, etc., which will give the interior a completely unusual look.

mosaic tiles

Decorative mosaic tiles are a great option for decorating bathrooms, kitchens, swimming pools, saunas, as well as for exterior and interior decoration of residential and public buildings, a wide variety of interiors. Strength, durability, resistance to environmental influences and amazing beauty, color saturation - these are the qualities that make the mosaic forever young and popular. To date, mosaic is the most modern and stylish finishing material used in decoration.

Mosaic panels

It seemed that mosaic compositions were gone forever. But this lasted only until the 18th century, when the Russian scientist Lomonosov reinvented the technique of making colored glass. And immediately in Russia, a great many wall panels were created in the technique of Roman or Byzantine mosaics. Further more. In the Urals, as the extraction of stone expands, Russian mosaics appear. It further developed the ideas of the Florentine mosaic. Now not only marble and jasper are used, but also semi-precious gems - malachite, lapis lazuli, etc. In addition to smooth walls and vaults, all kinds of architectural details (columns, pilasters) and decorative objects that have a complex shape and shaped surface began to be laid out with mosaics (vases, bowls, boxes). To create more expressive works, Russian mosaics used not just the color of the stone, but also its natural pattern.

Who first thought of creating mosaic panels is not known, but such panels can also be found in the ruins of Egypt, Ancient Greece and Rome. Creating a mosaic picture required painstaking manual work. That is why mosaic panels laid out from small pieces were considered the privilege of very rich people and persons of royal blood. With the help of mosaic panels, you can give the interior a completely unusual look. Panels in Greek and Roman styles are in great demand. Absolutely any idea can be realized in a panel: from paintings by great painters to a photograph of your beloved dog. The selected drawing is digitized, and then, using special programs, a diagram of the future panel is created, the size of the mosaic elements and their color scheme are selected. By using relatively large pieces when laying, you can create the effect of large, confident brush strokes. These panels are ideal for a living room, decorating walls or floors in a swimming pool, or to give an exclusive look to the facade of a building.

To convey subtle details, smooth color transitions, very small pieces are used, with which you can achieve the effect of the integrity of the mosaic panel. Made by a master, it will be difficult to distinguish it from a real picture. Such a mosaic can become a highlight of any interior; it does not require a long distance in order to fully appreciate its beauty.

A mosaic panel can be made as a central design element of the room, placing it on the entire wall, ceiling or floor, or to focus on other decor elements. In addition to their excellent decorative qualities, such artistic panels, made using modern materials, form a surface with excellent performance. Mosaic paintings can be safely placed in bathrooms and shower rooms, baths, pools.

Just look at these amazing mosaic panels! A large number of paintings, most of them based on nature... these amazing mosaic tiles are able to surprise anyone who enters the bathroom for the first time. Some of the designs are three-dimensional, which creates an even stronger sense of an outside presence brought into the home. To convey subtle details, smooth color transitions, very small pieces are used, with which you can achieve the effect of the integrity of the mosaic panel.



Mosaic set features

Modern mosaics are assembled in the same place where they are produced. For precise drawings, the chips are molded into small molds or chipped by hand. In stores and salons, finished products come in the form of so-called matrices (modules). They are pieces of paper or mesh on which chips are glued in a strictly defined order. Matrices are more often made square (30x30 cm), less often - rectangular, with side sizes that are multiples of 30. Sometimes there are matrices of other shapes.

At the installation site, it remains only to connect the fragments and attach to the desired surface using a special (not tile!) Glue. It is important to keep in mind that the paper is glued to the front side of the chips, and the mesh is glued to the back. After installation, the grid remains under the chips forever, and the paper is moistened and removed. It will take a specialist to lay the mosaic from 2 days to 2 weeks (depending on the size and other features of the surface).

It is important to realize that the skills of a master tiler are of little use for laying mosaics. She is very capricious and does not forgive even small mistakes. It is extremely important to prepare a solid base with a smooth, even surface. Cement-sand plasters can only be used with adhesive and reinforcing additives, such as Collaseal or Fiberflex (INDEX, Italy). Then the layer that comes to naught during leveling (up to 0.5 mm) will not chip off, and subsequently cracks will not occur in the plaster. The base should be carefully marked, taking into account the position of the typesetting elements on curved surfaces and at the junctions. The goal is to reduce the number of chipped (cut) chips. Of course, you need to make sure that the matrices are glued to the base with the right side. At the same time, modules on paper are more suitable for convex surfaces, and modules on a grid are more suitable for concave surfaces. The adhesive is required to ensure adhesion of at least 3 MPa and have a viability of at least 30 minutes for laying simple panels and more than 60 minutes for complex ones. It must be closed in an amount sufficient for one hour of the master's work. The area to be smeared should be no more than 1 m2 (for 9 mosaic matrices), if the pattern is simple and the surface is flat. In difficult cases, glue is usually applied under 2-4 matrices.

Finally, if the mosaic is used in a damp room, do not forget about the reliable waterproofing of the base. For swimming pools and bathrooms, there is a wide range of system materials (from SCHOMBURG, INDEX, VANDEX, etc.). Otherwise, after 3-5 years, the mosaic will begin to fall off along with pieces of the base.

Mosaic panel set technique

This is the most ancient type of mosaic technique. It was characteristic of Roman and Byzantine mosaics. It is the most difficult and time-consuming to perform.

There are two types of installation - direct and reverse dialing. In the first case, the image is laid out directly on the surface and fixed in the plaster layer. The second began to be used after the XVIII century. It is more simple to implement. The image is laid out on a tracing paper face down. After fixing the composition from the back side, its front part is finally processed, and sometimes polished. As a result, there is not just a mosaic effect in the usual sense, but an illusion of subdued brilliance and texture, not even of a stone, but of a tapestry or carpet. There are different technologies for creating a mosaic panel - from the simplest, geometric, to very complex, computer-assisted, allowing you to recreate a reproduction of any picture.

geometric technology is considered relatively easy: when creating a pattern, the mosaic does not need to be cut into smaller pieces. Compositions are obtained by simple selection of colors. Then the master manually lays out the desired ornament on the grid-matrix. Therefore, when ordering such a composition, the client can independently draw a grid, indicating the colors of the picture.

Reverse Mosaic Technique

The mosaic is glued to the paper base with a water-soluble wheat flour paste, the slow curing of which allows the mosaic artist to make substitutions or adjustments. The drawing or sketch is applied to the correspondingly cut paper with the reverse side.

But more complex work is performed on a computer. The desired photo or picture is scanned and then the program divides the image into cells. Then a color scheme with different shades is selected, depending on the complexity of the pattern. Although there are some subtleties here - you need to consider from what distance the panel will look. The larger the dimensions of the future “drawing” and the larger its constituent elements, the greater should be the distance to it.

You can use the following programs Mosaic 2005, Mosaic Deluxe, as well as photoshop.

Technology for making mosaic tiles at home

To make mosaic tiles, you will need the following tools and fixtures:

  1. Forms
  2. Gloves
  3. Container for mixing components
  4. Fill tool
  5. Matrix
  6. Reinforcing mesh
  7. Filler

This technology uses readily available and inexpensive materials that can be purchased at hardware stores.

The process of making mosaic tiles consists of seven main steps:

Stage 1. Preparing molds for pouring

Stage 2. Filler preparation for pouring

Stage 3. Preparation of the working mixture

Stage 4. Form Fill

Stage 5. Extract fills from shapes

Stage 6. Workpiece processing

Stage 7. Matrix set

We offer mosaic manufacturing technology and the main material for the manufacture of mosaic tiles (mosaics) and cast stone - acrylic resin.

The acrylic resin (plastic) offered by us has a high biological indifference to biological objects, in other words, it is absolutely harmless to humans! Does not contain styrene! This plastic is successfully used even for medical purposes.