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August 28, 2009
How to install this mosaic tile?
We are going to remodel our bathroom and would like to install this beautiful tile on the wall. I like the tiles very much and my husband and i have no idea how to install these tiles. Could anyone help?
Another question, we found the tiles on this website: http://www.builderelements.com/shopdisplayproducts.asp?id=26&cat=Crystal+Glass+Mosaic&page=3#productpage
Anyone ever brought tiles from them? What about their service?
Thanks.
Comments
Mosaic tile, or penny tile is installed like you would install any other tile. However, on walls it's not an easy task. Registration is what makes it difficult. Gravity and the light weight backing makes the tiles move. If you have no experience, get a tile contractor to do it for you ( not me either ). It's money well spent.
Posted by: Rick at August 28, 2009 6:53 AM
If you attemt to install translucent glas tile yourself, make sure NOT to used the notched part of the trowel to apply the adhesive. When it dries you will see the notches behind the tiles. I've never actually done these small tiles myself but have done other tiling jobs. I'd get a preofessional installer for these.
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at August 28, 2009 8:27 AM
Hulu has a show where a woman just does over bathrooms. Season 5, episode 5 she re-does a bathroom using this glass tile on the wall, and shows all the tricks of how to install it properly.
http://www.hulu.com/bathroom-renovations?c=Home-and-Garden/Do-it-Yourself
Scroll on the bottom to season 5, episode 5.
Posted by: bkrules at August 28, 2009 10:11 AM
I've installed a number of mosaic tile floors and other tile projects, and had much better luck as a DIYer with hex tile vs. the round penny tile. I am a perfectionist, and was disappointed in how difficult it was to install the penny round tiles to look seamless as a field of tiles. I have been told (since installing, sadly) by the folks at Mondial Tile that the penny round is one of the hardest to install, even for experienced tile contractors. Good luck! If you figure out a trick to penny tile installation, please share with me, as I'd love to become better at installing it since I love the look.
Posted by: honeycut at August 28, 2009 11:55 AM
Hi, i am a very experienced contractor, doing many bathrooms. I have gotten plenty of tile work from this forum and would be happy to help you with this project. I have done a lot of glass tile installs, and they can be very demanding to get correct. I have plenty if references that will verify my talent.
Bill Tancredi
917-620-6328
billtancredi@gmail.com
Posted by: Old City Construction at August 28, 2009 8:22 PM
The adhesive or thinset (cementious - preferrable) must be notched and spread very evenly. There are a variety of notch sized trowels. To ensure the adhesive or thinset doesn't squeeze through the grout joints, it takes an experienced hand and eye to get the right depth troweled. Anything that does squeeze through can be scraped out before the product fully sets. Obviously if it is not done evenly, it can turn into a tedious mess.
To keep tile from sliding, use grout joint spacers. They come in different sizes, are plastic, and you pull them out when the tile has set well enough not to slide.
If you do not notch the tiles will eventually pop free. The notch is necessary for bondability. If you want to DIY, buy a sheet of cementious backerboard and try some experiments.
Good luck.
masterbuildernyc@gmail.com
Posted by: masterbuilder at August 29, 2009 9:33 AM
Thank you so much all your help. I think we need to get an experienced contractor to get it done as we are not so confidence to DIY.
Posted by: EmmaZhao at September 14, 2009 1:47 AM
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