Glass mosaic tiles can be one of the best design decisions you make for your home or business. It allows you flexibility in the colors that are available. There’s no need to stick with just one color for your backsplash when you can create a custom color scheme that will match your granite countertops, oak cabinets, and stainless steel appliances. Glass tiles are not an old-fashioned product, so 20 years from now they will still look elegant.
A professional installer is always recommended for the installation of your glass tiles. They have experience working with this thinner material and can make your finished area look perfect. However, many people will install the glass mosaic sheets themselves. Below is a guide on how to complete this task without paying the professional to do it for you. Information provided is for glass tiles face mounted on paper. Typical tile thickness is 1/8″.
You will need several tools and supplies on hand before you begin. Make sure you have 3 buckets: one to mix the thinset, one to hold the water, and one to mix the slurry. You will also need an evening mask when you mix the powders with water. It is also recommended to have a putty knife, 3/16″ notched trowel, 1/16″ spacers, old cleaning rags, a fine (not very porous) sponge, and a grout trowel on hand.
Before you begin, make sure your surface is prepped. Do not tile directly on the sheetrock. Instead, use a thin backer board if possible. There is a lot of information on the internet on how to prepare your surface in different areas of your home or business. Read about it first. You will also need to find your starting point. This will be different for all installations. Don’t start in a corner. You prefer to end up in a corner.
Do not use caulk with glass tiles. A thin-set mortar is recommended instead. Mix dry thin set with a latex additive, not water. The additive makes the thin layer sticky and creates a great bond with the glass tiles. Prepare the thin set according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Be sure to wear a dust mask.
You are now ready to spread a thin layer over the surface with the spatula. You will want to work in small areas until you get used to the installation process. To get started, simply spread enough adhesive to cover an entire sheet of your glass mosaic. Trowel the entire thin course with long, straight strokes. Hold the trowel at a 45 degree angle to get the proper 1/16″ depth. Be sure to wipe any excess thinset back into the bucket.
Load the first sheet WITH THE PAPER SIDE OUT. Position it exactly where you want it, and then gently press the sheet down with a 2×4 flat. This will ensure that all tiles touch the thin set. You don’t want any of the adhesive to squash between the tiles. If you see this happening then you have spread your thin set too thick. You may want to remove the sheet and clean the thin layer. Now you can try again.
Lay out another section of skinny game next to the first sheet. Using 1/16″ spacers, place the next sheet next to the first. Press flat with the 2×4.
Continue to work in this manner until the first sheet has set for approximately 15 to 30 minutes (the thin layer will begin to harden). Take an old towel or sponge and dampen the paper. You’ll know it’s done when the paper turns a darker brown. Gently pull the paper against itself from each corner until it is completely released. If you roll out, you’ll probably draw a chip or two.
Continue installing sheets and removing paper until the surface is covered. Be sure to clean the grout joints as you remove the paper with a toothpick. Once the thin set has set, it will be very difficult to remove later.
Another great thing about glass mosaic tiles is that you can easily cut the sheets to fit around outlets or any protruding area in your space. However, if you get to the corner and realize that the tiles aren’t going to fit perfectly in the corner, you’ll have to do some cutting. A wet saw is NOT recommended. It will only break the glass. We recommend using a pair of wheeled cutters to cut the tiles around the fixtures. Just break the tiles in half when needed. You can also get intricate cuts too. Always make cuts toward your corner. Once you’ve grouted, you won’t be able to see any wobbly cuts that might occur.
After the tiles have set for 24 hours, you are ready to grout. Use another bucket to mix the grout according to the manufacturer’s specifications. There is no need for a latex additive to the grout. Just use water. Spread the grout over the tiles with a grout trowel in a back and forth motion to fill all grout joints. Be sure to clean any excess grout from the surface of the tiles.
Wait about 10 minutes to allow the grout to settle slightly in the joints. Then take a slightly damp sponge and start cleaning up the rest of the grout. If you notice grout starting to come out of your joints as you clean, then you’re ready to do the final cleanup. Take cheap paper towels and finish cleaning the tiles. This will remove the rest of the grout from the tiles, but will not add water or remove the grout from the joints.
Once the grout is off the top of the tiles, use a stiff brush to work the grout out of the pores. After about an hour, use a clean cloth to remove any mist that may form. If the haze persists, mix ½ distilled vinegar and ½ water. Dip a clean white cloth in the mixture and wring it out well. Wipe down your tiles and the grout haze should be gone.
After the grout has cured for several days, be sure to seal it with a high-quality grout sealer.
NOTICE: This information is provided as a guide only. There is no guarantee. Hire a professional installer who has experience working with face mounted glass mosaic tiles.