Adhesive for glass tiles. How and how to glue glass mosaic tiles on a plywood base? What glue is better to use for glass mosaic

If you decide to finish the kitchen, bathroom or bathroom on your own, then the question may arise: what glue to glue the mosaic on? Before choosing glue, it is advisable to get acquainted with the features of this finishing material.

Mosaic is a small rectangular tile assembled into modules of a certain size. The basis is a polymer mesh on the wrong side or paper on the front side. This design speeds up the work, but requires high reliability of adhesion of each mosaic element to the wall or floor. The choice of glue is made taking into account the material from which the mosaic is made. It can be ceramic, glass or natural stone.

What types of glue are used for mosaics

• Dry cement-based adhesive: the most affordable option, contains white or gray cement, diluted with water or liquid latex, which increases the moisture resistance of the adhesive layer.
• Dispersion Adhesive: Ready-to-use paste of minerals and acrylic additives, packaged in a plastic jar.
• Two-component adhesive: consists of polyurethane and epoxy resin, does not contain water and is used in the decoration of bathrooms and swimming pools.

How to choose adhesive for ceramic mosaic

For laying ceramic mosaics on a cement screed or plastered surface of a large area, glue with cement, the most affordable, is suitable. If the base does not absorb moisture or can be deformed (“warm floors”, waterproofing layer), then a more elastic dispersion adhesive is used.

What glue to use for glass mosaic

If the glass mosaic is transparent or translucent, then use a white cement or polyurethane based adhesive to keep the colors of the tiles after installation. To finish bases with increased requirements for moisture resistance, glue diluted with a plasticizer (liquid latex) or epoxy glue with polyurethane is used, which can also be used for grouting.

What kind of glue to use for natural stone mosaics

If the stone absorbs moisture and may change its color, then a water-free polyurethane adhesive is recommended. For mosaics that are not sensitive to moisture, the same adhesive options are allowed as for ceramics.

Can be used to decorate the facades of houses, swimming pools, bathrooms, fountains, lobbies, corridors, walls in the living room and other surfaces. When choosing an adhesive for glass tiles, it is important to consider exactly where this material will be laid. The adhesive composition must have suitable technical properties:

• high adhesion;
• increased strength;
• moisture-repellent characteristics;
• the color of the adhesive must match the color of the mosaic.

good option in this case, the choice of Axton adhesive will be. From the wide range of this brand, one can single out the corresponding product. It is suitable for floor and wall cladding, both indoors and outdoors. With it, you can glue mosaics, ceramics, stone with a tile size of 5 by 5 cm.

If Axton is to be used in swimming pools, underfloor heating, outdoor tanks, terraces and balconies, it must be mixed with a latex additive.

In a swimming pool

To lay the tiles in the pool, you need to use elastic compounds with adhesion level more than 1 MPa, and if a glass mosaic is laid, then the adhesion must be at least 2.5 MPa.

In the use of elastic adhesive lies solution to the main problem- relieving stress that occurs when the structure is deformed between the tile and the surface. The use of inelastic adhesives can lead to the fact that in the near future the lining will simply come off the base. This will lead to the impossibility of using the pool and carrying out forced repairs.

If we are talking about lining the bowl with glass mosaic, then a latex composition is added to the elastic adhesive. This additive improves the properties of the adhesive and serves as a guarantee of reliable attachment of the glass mosaic to the surface. Epoxy formulations may also be used.

The adhesive must be applied to the waterproofing with notched trowel. First, it is applied with a smooth surface of the spatula, this will ensure tight contact of the adhesive with the waterproofing, and then with the serrated side. The size of the spatula tooth must be selected in accordance with the size of the tile. Excess glue is removed with a spatula.

It is necessary to apply as much glue as necessary so that you have time to adjust the position of the tile (in about half an hour). If you work in adverse conditions (with the scorching sun, wind, high temperature), then the time may be reduced to a couple of minutes.

Don't forget to check, whether a crust has formed on the glue, this is easy to do if you just touch it with your finger, if a crust appears, the glue will have to be removed and applied again.

When covering the adhesive solution with tiles, you need to properly press the mosaic, rubbing it a little to the base. This will ensure reliable wetting of the adhesive. The mosaic is slammed with the wide side of a spatula or a rubber grater.

For laying mosaics in the pool you can use the adhesive composition Litokol K55, it is ideal for outdoor and indoor work with tiles, natural stone, ceramics, mosaics. Its base is high quality white cement. The composition itself has a snow-white color, so the tile joints also remain white, without spoiling the design of the pool.

Glue Litokol can change its viscosity, at rest it is thicker, and under mechanical action it becomes liquid. It is easy to apply on surfaces and it is also easy to attach various elements to it, for example, a mosaic. When carrying out vertical work, the mosaic tiles will not slip.

In favor of using Litokol for laying mosaics in the pool, such characteristics:

• high resistance to water;
• resistance to frost (relevant if the pool is open);
• high adhesion (more than 1 N/mm2);
• high elasticity.

Glue is applied in a layer of 2-5 mm. It will take longer to harden in conditions of high temperature and low humidity. It will also take a long time to wait for the glue to harden if its layer was too thick.

On the grid

Mosaic laying- this is a kind of art, because you have to make complex compositions from this material. But it is not at all necessary to buy a glass mosaic consisting of individual pebbles; you can purchase a mosaic on a grid. This type of material is not so capricious, but its installation has its own nuances.

Using a rubber spatula, lightly press the sheet. This must be done in such a way that the back side of the fiberglass mesh is evenly dipped into the adhesive solution. You need to glue the sheet already on the marked surface, the front side should be on top. The seams between the sheets in thickness should be the same as the distance between the "chips" of the mosaic on the grid.

For laying this type of mosaic, choose Mapei glue. The Italian manufacturer offers a whole line of adhesives for various types of surfaces. This adhesive is ideal for mounting glass mosaics. Mapei contains synthetic resins and specialized additives, which have been developed in the laboratory and are characterized by excellent ductility. Their properties allow sticking the mosaic on the grid to the wall, while the material will not slip. Excellent adhesion to the surface will ensure the durability of the invented design.

Mapei glue boasts high adhesive characteristics, which makes it possible to lay the cladding without the use of primers. Such an adhesive composition can be used even in conditions that reduce adhesion: in pools, on facades, in showers, etc.

White tile adhesive for mosaic

White tile adhesives are used for laying mosaics and glass tiles. This is due to the fact that its color does not spoil the appearance of the transparent material and the overall design of the room at all. One example of a white adhesive is the Ceresit CM 115 adhesive composition - this is a one-component composition with excellent adhesion to glass.

When lining swimming pools, smooth surfaces, outdoor steps, deformable bases, Ceresit CC 83 emulsion is often added to the mixture. It gives elasticity to adhesive and cement compositions, making them more resistant to cracking and providing higher adhesion.

Adhesive consumption will depend on the spatula used. A thin mosaic (up to 3 mm wide) is placed on a comb with a tooth height of 2-3 mm, here a little glue is required (approximately two kg / m2. Use the mixture after the package has been opened and has been outdoors for some time , not recommended.In conditions of high humidity, the adhesive gains strength very slowly.

Each of the above adhesive compositions has a wide range of applications, but before buying make sure it's right for your type of work.

For many, mosaic tiles are associated with exotic oriental baths and luxurious pools, but today the range of its use is much wider. Facing with exquisite mosaics can give the design of an ordinary bathroom, kitchen or living room a special charm. The decorative possibilities of this tile allow designers to think boldly and in an original way. In the embodiment of design ideas, the craftsmen are helped by a special adhesive for the mosaic, the use of which guarantees high-quality, reliable fixation of each fragment.

Manufacturers offer various adhesive options for mosaics. Each of them has its own characteristics. These qualities determine in which situations the adhesive will be used.

Three types can be distinguished:

• cement or dry;
• ready, also called dispersion;
• two-component or reactive.

Let's consider them in more detail to determine what kind of glue is needed for the mosaic.

cement

Produced using white or gray cement, which accordingly determines the shade of the mixture. Before work, it is diluted with water or mixed with latex. There is a rigid, elastic and highly elastic (deformable) cement adhesive. The product of the first category is appropriate in standard situations where it is necessary to veneer a flat, clean surface with a mineral base. You can confidently apply cement-based mosaic adhesive on a brick or plastered wall, on a working area made of gas and foam concrete blocks, on a cement or concrete screed.

An important advantage of dry glue is its low price.

In more complex cases, it is recommended to use elastic and highly elastic mosaic adhesive. This applies to surfaces that do not absorb moisture or are susceptible to temperature changes (outdoor work, facing a "warm" floor). The deformative adhesive firmly fixes the mosaic in rooms with increased vibration, for example, in houses and apartments located near the subway or railway. The high elasticity of the composition allows you to compensate for all fluctuations.

Dispersive

This is a mosaic adhesive ready for full use. It contains only one component. The main advantage of dispersion adhesive is its ease of use. Before work, you do not need to mix anything. There is no need to dilute the mixture with water and use a construction mixer. It is convenient to work with dispersion adhesive in a residential area: there is no dust from it. This is an excellent tool for small repairs: material consumption is minimal, the finished mixture does not dry out and does not lose its qualities, it is enough to close the container with the remaining glue tightly with a lid until it is needed again. These factors fully justify the higher cost compared to cement-based adhesives.

Reactive

This is a composition whose ingredients (base and hardener) enter into a chemical reaction with each other when mixed. The most popular products are based on polyurethane and epoxy. Two-component mosaic adhesive is designed to perform the most difficult tasks. It does not contain water, so it is suitable for materials that are sensitive to it, in particular, for some types of natural stone.

Perfectly fixes the mosaic on surfaces that do not absorb moisture: on glass, metal, wood, plastic.

Working with a two-component mixture requires some skill. You need to apply it on a small area, while moving quickly and at an accelerated pace. The glue dries quickly and becomes unusable. If you do not wipe its remains from the mosaic while still fresh, it will be very difficult to scrape off later.

Choosing a Mosaic Adhesive: What to Consider?

What is the best adhesive for mosaics? The choice depends on the type of tile itself, on the characteristics of the surface to be decorated, on the purpose of the room and its operating conditions. In addition, before deciding which adhesive to use for the mosaic, it is necessary to take into account the time allotted for the work. If time is limited, it is recommended to use a quick-hardening mixture.

Mosaic type

Facing made of glass elements is the most whimsical in terms of installation. Through the transparent pieces you can see what is under them. In this case, it is best to use white mosaic adhesive.

The fixing composition of gray, translucent through the glass, can distort the pattern of the design.

Ceramic tiles do not require such a reverent attitude; almost any mosaic adhesive is suitable for laying it, regardless of color. The dense structure of ceramics reliably hides all traces of black work, here more attention should be paid to the nature of the surface. Adhesive for natural stone mosaics is selected taking into account the characteristics of the material itself. Some types of stone are undesirable to be exposed to moisture; in working with them, it is recommended to give preference to a quick-hardening or reactive adhesive.

Surface nature

A smooth, durable surface is the most successful basis: mosaic glue is easy to apply, tiles hold securely.

On plaster or on a cement screed, it is easy to fix the cladding with any fixing compound. If it is necessary to lay elements of the future decor on an uneven wall, on a surface with waterproofing or on top of old ceramics, you should use a mosaic adhesive with a high elasticity index. It can be made with epoxy or polyurethane.

The nature of the room

Surface cladding, which will not be subjected to heavy loads and increased moisture, does not require anything special. It is quite another thing to lay the mosaic on the grounds that are under the constant influence of water.

Mosaic adhesive in the pool must meet special requirements. The most important are the following:

• good wettability or ability to absorb moisture;
• high elasticity, which ensures reliable fixation of the tile on the surface.

In a very humid environment, a waterproof mosaic adhesive with an adhesion of at least 2.5 megapascals is used to install glass tiles. Thanks to this, the adhesion between the pool waterproofing materials and the glass will be strong and durable. Mosaic glue with the addition of liquid latex has a more reliable fixation.

Important! Adhesive for laying mosaics in the pool must withstand at least two weeks after all work is completed. Only then can the container be filled with water. Works in an outdoor swimming pool must not be carried out at temperatures below +5°C.

How to lay mosaic tiles: step by step instructions

1. The first step is to prepare the work surface: sand it well so that there are no bumps, remove dust, dirt and remnants of the old coating. For a more accurate fixation of the tiles, it is recommended to make markings on the base to be veneered.
2. Having chosen the best adhesive for the mosaic in a given situation, it must be stirred. The exception is a one-component ready-made composition. When calculating the proportions of the ingredients, you should be guided by the manufacturer's instructions so that the mixture is neither too thin nor too thick.
3. Mosaic tile adhesive is applied with a special spatula with teeth. The adhesive solution must be evenly distributed over the surface to be treated. For a stronger grip, you can lubricate both the base and the tile.

Important! The back side of the glass mosaic must be covered with an even layer of glue. If you apply the fixing mixture only on the wall with a notched trowel, the resulting grooves will be visible through the transparent material.

1. Regardless of which mosaic adhesive is used, maximum adhesion between surfaces must be achieved. To do this, you can gently knock on the tile, pressing it a little. In order for the mosaic to lie flat, you need to correct the position of its individual elements.
2. After one to two days, you can overwrite the seams. Start cleaning the mosaic should not be earlier than twenty minutes. It is not recommended to use a sponge that is too wet for this, as water can damage or wash away the grout.

Mosaic on grid or paper

Modern manufacturers of materials for interior decoration seek to simplify the process of their use as much as possible. Adhesive mosaic is no exception. Now there is no need to spend a lot of time to carefully lay each of its individual elements. For the most comfortable work, a mosaic based on mesh or paper was created. This technology allows you to stack the pattern in blocks, rather than small pieces.

Glue for mosaic on a grid or on paper does not have any fundamental differences. But before laying the tile sheets, it is advisable to mark the surface so that the pattern comes out smooth and beautiful. During the gluing process, it is necessary to ensure that the fiberglass mesh, which is located on the reverse side of the mosaic, is evenly immersed in the solution. The paper base connects the tile fragments in front. After gluing, the lining must be moistened with a sponge, and then carefully remove the soaked material, trying not to move the mosaic.

Important! Particular attention should be paid to the seams between the tile sheets. Their dimensions must exactly repeat the distance between the individual mosaic fragments.

So, what will help you choose the right mosaic adhesive: user reviews, expert advice or manufacturer's instructions? It is necessary to take into account useful information from various sources. In addition, the important factors discussed above will help you make your choice.

A glass mosaic is made on a grid using high-strength glass, which is wear-resistant and will not be exposed to a humid environment, so the solution is suitable for any room.

Which glue for glass mosaic on the grid to choose

If you want to stick the mosaic with your own hands (instructions below) or do the installation in a different way (the cost of such services is quite acceptable), then you will need a special adhesive composition. It must have a high level of adhesion for cement, ceramic, metal and wood coatings. Pay attention to the packaging, as there must be information about the possibility of its use in temperature fluctuations and high humidity. Also know that they only come in white and gray in color.

On what and how to glue the glass mosaic on the grid

It doesn't really matter if Spanish or any other mosaic is used when choosing an adhesive. It may be as follows:

Hand crafted composition. In this situation, you will need to take some sand, cement and water, mix everything and achieve the necessary density. Remember that only fine sand is used, in which there is no impurity.

Regular tile adhesive. In this situation, we are talking about a composition in which there is Portland cement with sand and additives.

polymer product. This composition uses a polymer component that hardens after drying.

white glue. It implies a cement composition similar to the gray version, but with a special additive to change the shade.

Laying glass mosaic on the grid

After the standard surface preparation, which is necessary for such types of work, it is worth checking the evenness of the walls or floor, depending on where the installation is being done.

This is due to the fact that the slightest unevenness becomes the cause of marriage. After the wall must be marked.

Please note that it must be completely dry.

Now the adhesive is applied. Do not forget that it dries out in about 15 minutes, so you need to hurry and do not forget in advance to calculate how many tiles you can put in the allotted time so as not to have problems with a hardened surface. Be sure to apply the same composition of tile adhesive to the sheet with tiles.

It's time to put it on the marked place and roll it, so you can not do without the use of a rubber roller. After half an hour from gluing the tiles, it is necessary to pour water over the entire surface, which allows the paper coating to soak and easily cope with its removal.

Rub the seams only after 2 days from laying

Instructions for grouting the seam are available on the packaging of the purchased composition. Remove residues with a soft dry cloth.

How to glue (glue) a glass mosaic on a grid

The process should start from the bottom and go to the very top of the sheet. Apply glue to the tile and the prepared wall or drywall, and not in a thick layer, which is leveled with a spatula. You should not press with your hands, as the base may lose its integrity, and the pattern will become “crooked”. For this purpose, use a flat spatula or a large sponge, which irons the sheet.

How to cut glass mosaic on mesh

There will be no particular problems in order to cut it on your own. Everything is done carefully, as there is a high risk of breaking the glass surface. Cutting a glass mosaic is recommended with sharpened scissors, but a knife will do. If we are talking about the glass itself, then a grinder and a diamond disc are used.

Glass mosaic on the grid price, where to buy

There are many options, so it is difficult to give specific advice. You can pay attention to China, but the reviews are not always positive. It is worth watching a thematic video, looking for photos and deciding on the place of purchase, where there are the right sizes.

Glass mosaic on a grid for a bathroom, kitchen

For the bathroom, one-color, for example, white mosaic tiles or with other shades and patterns can be used. If we talk about the installation process, then it does not differ from the previously described. But it is worth using glue, which differs from analogues in its elasticity, will be strong in order to adhere materials to each other and has no problems when water gets on it.

Any of the acceptable solutions for a specific interior is taken into the kitchen. Basically, we are talking about creating a mosaic kitchen apron, for which the size is 1 by 1, five by five or 2 by 2 centimeters with a thickness of three to four millimeters.

How to lay (lay, lay) a glass mosaic on a grid and laying technology

It is recommended to lay glass mosaics in the same way as ceramic tiles, and similar tools will be needed for these purposes. Some details of the process have already been given in this article earlier.

Mosaics are laid with various cement-based adhesives, using polymers. If the walls are covered with plaster or drywall, then the use of adhesive material for ordinary tiles is allowed. But to work with a base made of wood, plastic, a completely different adhesive composition will be required. Another nuance is the color of the glue. It comes in white or grey. This difference is caused by the use of different components, materials for the manufacture of mosaics. For glass products, given its high transparency, white glue is better suited.

Technology of laying mosaic tiles

Mosaic tiles are assembled from numerous ceramic, glass, mica elements on a construction mesh or paper base. Therefore, finished products have increased flexibility. If necessary, they can be cut to the required size.

In the process of laying mosaic tiles with your own hands, you will have to do some preparatory and finishing work. First of all, prime the surfaces. Treatment with a deep penetration composition is necessary to increase the adhesion of the material, bonding the surface layer of the base. The primer is applied with a brush, then evenly rubbed over the surface.

The next step is to apply the adhesive. Taking into account the peculiarities of the mosaic canvas and the prepared base, the adhesive is applied with a spatula with a small comb (with a tooth pitch of 6-8 mm). Thanks to the use of a comb, it is distributed evenly, so the mosaic lays down in an even layer, and there are no distortions on its surface. It is not recommended to smear too large a section of the wall with glue; over time, it will weather and lose its characteristics.

The back side of the glass mosaic tiles must be covered with an even layer of adhesive material. If this is not done, then through the transparent tesserae, grooves will appear from the fixing mixture applied to the wall, smoothed with a notched trowel.

Mosaic tiles are available in two types, so gluing is carried out taking into account their features. The canvas based on the building mesh is fixed on the wall, and on this the process can be considered completed. Another thing is paper-based tiles. It is fixed with paper outward, after which the latter is soaked with water and removed. The disadvantage of such a mosaic is that it is difficult to maintain an equal distance between its individual elements.

After fixing the mosaic, they begin to align it. It is not recommended to press the tile with your hands to obtain a flat plane. It is better to use a manual grater designed for stripping putty. It is ideal for pressing the mosaic sheet against the wall, which allows you to get a smooth surface of the cladding. In the process of work, it is necessary to monitor each cube so that it not only aligns, but also takes its rightful place. That is, the seams between tiles and its individual elements must be uniform.

Mosaic cleaning is carried out with fresh glue after the final adjustment of the position of individual tesserae. To free the seams from the remnants of the adhesive, you can use a small spatula or screwdriver.

With a properly selected comb, the presence of glue between the seams will be minimal.

The most time-consuming process is grouting. Given the large number of joints that will have to be filled with grout, and the increased consumption of material compared to conventional tiles, it is better to use a wide (15–20 centimeters) rubber spatula. It will be more convenient for them to fill all the seams. After waiting for the grout to harden a little, its excess is removed with a wet sponge.

Adhesives are divided into:

• cement;
• dispersion;
• reactive (two-component).

Cement tile adhesive

The main advantage of dry glue is an affordable price. In production, white or gray cement is used, so the finished mixture has the appropriate shade. Before use, the material is diluted with water, it can also be mixed with latex.

When working with flat concrete, brick or plastered surfaces, cement screed, ordinary glue is taken. In difficult cases, for example, for facing a “warm” floor, an elastic and highly elastic mixture. The high flexibility of the composition of the deformative adhesive makes it resistant to increased vibration, which is typical for houses and apartments located near the metro, railway.

The marking indicates the purpose of cement-adhesive compositions. Marker C 1 marks ordinary mixtures with an adhesion of at least 0.5 MPa, intended for outdoor use, for dry and wet rooms. Marker C 2 denotes improved mixtures of increased elasticity with adhesion of 1 MPa and above, the additional characteristics of which make them suitable for interior work in rooms with high humidity and large temperature differences.

Additional product features are indicated by the following markings:

• F (Fast) - fast. Quickly gains strength, so it is suitable for urgent repairs.
• E (Extended) - long. Due to the longer retention of adhesive properties, the time of work is increased.
• T (Tixotropic) - thixotropic. Increased slip resistance, so mosaic tiles can be laid from top to bottom.
• S - deformable, highly elastic adhesive composition.

Ready-made dispersion compositions

Ease of use is the main advantage of dispersion adhesive, since the ready-made mixture does not need to be mixed, diluted with water, or use a construction mixer. Great for interior work. Material consumption is minimal, glue in a closed container retains its properties for a long time. The only drawback is the high price, but it is compensated by the factors listed above and ease of use.

Dispersion one-component resin-based acrylic mortars have the following classification:

• D1 - ordinary solution;
• D2 - improved composition, characterized by a greater degree of water resistance.

Considered adhesive solutions have high elasticity, thixotropy. The applied base is completely waterproof, which allows gluing mosaic tiles in rooms with high humidity. For example, in the kitchen, bathroom.

The increased adhesion of the solutions expands the scope of their application, so the mosaic can be attached to bases made of wood, plastic, metal, drywall, as well as any surface subject to deformation. But for stronger bonding, the base must be covered with primer.

Reactive two-component formulations

The composition of any reactive adhesive includes a base, a hardener, a catalyst, a solvent, a filler, and other general and special-purpose components. When combined in a certain proportion, a chemical reaction occurs, as a result of which an adhesive substance with certain characteristics is formed. If the ratio of the listed components is incorrect, the strength of the adhesive bond is reduced. The cooking process does not require the addition of water. Marked with the letter R (Reaction).

Ready mixes are suitable for tasks of any complexity, so they are used when fixing tiles, mosaics, natural stone. Since the glue dries quickly and begins to lose its properties, all work is carried out at an accelerated pace. And the remains of the adhesive mixture are promptly removed from the surface. For this reason, it is not recommended to prepare adhesive material in large volumes.

The most popular products based on polyurethane and epoxy are:

• Epoxy.
• Polyurethane.
• Epoxy polyurethane.

The absence of water in their composition makes the adhesives suitable for materials sensitive to moisture. This allows you to securely fix mosaic tesserae on any surface with a base made of wood, plastic, glass and metal.

1. 1. Epoxy two-component acid-resistant material is more suitable for flooring, walls of industrial premises where strong chemicals are used. Therefore, for other cases, its use is impractical.
2. 2. The polyurethane composition is the most flexible and retains its characteristics in any operating conditions. Its properties allow you to work with a base made of metal, wood, waterproofing, with the exception of bituminous surfaces. Such mixtures are resistant to moisture, so they are used when decorating walls and floors with mosaics in kitchens, bathrooms, swimming pools, building facades with natural marble.
3. 3. Epoxy-polyurethane compounds have greater strength, and their scope, as well as properties, are similar to polyurethane adhesives.

Laying a mosaic on a pre-prepared base is not a difficult process. The main thing is to follow the technology and choose the right glue, then the mosaic canvas will last for many years.