Mosaic tiles have become an increasingly popular addition to kitchens and bathrooms across the UK in the form of splashbacks. They are perfect as a colourful accent that helps to complement the style and décor in your space as well as being a practical addition to your home. Mosaic tiles are durable, hygienic, and incredibly easy to install, making them ideal for use throughout the home.
In this article, we will be talking you through how to install a mosaic tile splashback with minimal time, effort and expense.
The first step to tiling any wall is to have the right tools and materials for the job, which we have listed below:
- Bucket
- Gloves
- Sealing Gun
- Wet Cutting Tile Saw
- Grout float
- Level
- Pencil
- Measuring Tape
- Masking Tape
- Tiling Trowel
- Protective sheet
- Tile nipping tool
- Sponge
- Screwdriver
- Rubber mallet
- Utility knife
- Pull Bar
- Silicone Sealant
- Tiles
- Tile spacers
How to install a mosaic tile splashback
Preparation
- Prior to installation, you will want to ensure that the surface of the walls is smooth and flat. If you are tiling over a painted wall, you should lightly sand it down to create a smooth, even surface.
- If you are tiling near or around electrical outlets, you should switch off the power to them and remove any decorative plates or accessories fixed onto the wall.
- Take your protective sheet and masking tape and fix the sheet onto your surfaces and surrounding areas to prevent any stains or damage during installation.
- To determine the finished layout of the mosaic tiles, start by drawing a vertical line in the middle of the area you will be tiling and then a horizontal line to mark where your first row will be.
- Install a tile finishing trim at the edge of where your splashback tiles will finish. You should use flat head nails to ensure a smooth and cohesive finish.
Installation
- Once you have completed all the preparation steps, you can begin applying a very thin layer of the tile adhesive onto the wall using the trowel. You should use the trowel's notched edge to create grooves that all move in the same direction.
- If the adhesive starts to harden, you should apply a small amount of water to make it easier to work with.
- Once you are happy with how your adhesive has been applied, you can start laying the first mosaic tile sheet onto the wall.
- Place tile spacers alongside your countertop so that there is a space between your tiles and counter which will later be filled.
- Gently push your mosaic tiles into the adhesive to secure them in place. If you have spread the adhesive thinly enough, it should not push up through the gaps between the tiles.
- Use a rubber mallet to lightly tap the tiles to ensure it has stuck to the wall and is evenly laid.
- Continue installing the first row of mosaic sheets, using tile spacers between each sheet to ensure even spacing. This spacing should match the width of the space between the tiles on your sheet.
- If you need to work around electrical outlets or other objects, measure how much of your tile sheet you require for the space and use a tile nipping tool or wet saw to cut it to size.
- As you go, make sure to use a level to check each sheet is applied at the correct angle.
- Once all of your tiles are installed, you should wipe off any excess adhesive and dust with a damp sponge.
- You will need to wait anywhere between 24-and 48 hours, depending on the specified dry time for your adhesive.
- Once this time has elapsed, you can begin grouting, which starts with mixing your grout as specified by the manufacturer's instructions. You will want to ensure you have an even colour and toothpaste-like consistency before grouting.
- Remove any tile spacers and dampen the mosaic tiles with clean water to stop the grout from sticking to the surface too much.
- Using your grout float, start applying your grout in small sections at a time, ensuring it is even and smooth.
- Use the float to sweep across the tiles and remove any large clumps of grout from the surface.
- When you have finished grouting in between all of the lines, use a lightly damp sponge in horizontal sweeps to remove any excess from the surface. Try to ensure that you don't use too much water, as this will dilute the grout.
- After waiting for 24 hours and checking that your grout is dry, you can apply your chosen grout sealer to the joints, and after a week, you can use silicone silicone to fill in the gaps between your mosaic tiles at the countertop/cabinets and outlets.
By following this simple guide, you should be able to create your own beautiful bespoke mosaic splashback that any guest will marvel at. The trick is to prepare as best as possible, take your time when applying the tiles and ensure you use high-quality products. With enough care and patience, you will have a flawless splashback that looks stunning and is practical for use in your home.
If you are interested in creating a gorgeous custom splashback, why not take a look at our stunning range of mosaic tiles, perfect for a kitchen or bathroom splashback!
