Installing your mosaic properly is very important, as it will last forever. You can hire a professional (recommended) or you can do it yourself. Here’s how:
How to install your mosaic
- Clean the surface on which the mosaic will be installed.
- Gently clean the mosaic with a damp cloth ensuring that it is free of dust and dirt.
- Apply a high quality color enhancer, and then apply a stone sealer to the mosaic to protect the stone during the installation. This coating should be left to dry for at least 4 hours to ensure that the sealer is fully absorbed by the marble
- Take off the plastic protection in the back of the mosaic. As the mosaic will be placed upside down, make sure that you protect the front of the mosaic by placing it over a soft cloth or plastic to prevent it from scratching
- Gently buff out the backing of the mosaic to eliminate some of the excess dry glue and ensure that the mesh is exposed as much as possible. This buffing may be made with a metal brush or sandpaper. Do not over buff the surface, or you will run the risk of breaking the mesh.
- Clean the debris with a vacuum cleaner or a broom and inspect
- Prepare and apply the thinset on the surface over which you will install your mosaic. Apply at least 1/8 of white thinset (grey thinset can stain light stones) and mark 2mm deep canals across the surface or as recommended by the thinset manufacturer.
- Set the mosaic in place over the thinset, lightly applying uniform pressure over it, ensuring that the thinset penetrates through the mesh and between some of the tesserae (stones) of your mosaic.
- Continually clean the mosaic surface with a wet sponge ensuring that the thinset does not excessively accumulate in any area over the mosaic.
- Allow the recommended thinset time to dry, usually 24 hours or more.
Grouting the mosaic
- Prepare a non-sanded grout mix. Use the minimum grouting thickness mix available, usually it’s made for grouting less than 1/8th of an inch.
- Make sure to clean the surface of the mosaic with a damp cloth.
- Grout the surface of the marble mosaic like you would grout any other tile
- After 20 minutes, continually clean the surface of the mosaic to wipe off all the excess grout.
Color of the grout
The color of the grout mix should not be a dramatic contrast with the darker colors of the mosaic, nor with the lightest colors. You should use a medium color for best results. In ancient times, the most utilized color was dark grey, like today’s natural concrete. If you are looking for an antique look, you could consider dark grey grout
Regular maintenance
The maintenance of your mosaic is similar to that of any natural stone material. It is recommended that you clean it thoroughly with a non abrasive natural stone cleaning solution. Cleaning frequency can be approximately every 6 months. Apply a STONE SEALER to further protect your mosaic.
I just wanted to thank you for your help with the mosaic! We are extremely happy with the work that you did and the whole process.