QUESTION: What type of Adhesive should I use to adhere glazed tile to mesh?
I have a commission to make a 3' x 4' mosaic mural using glazed wall tiles. I have cut a 1/4" thick cement board (hardibacker) which is the thickness the kitchen remodel contractor asked me to use. Is this thickness adequate for a 12 square foot mosaic? I plan to usese fiberglass mesh over the design. But what type of adhesive should I use to attach the glazed tile pieces to the mesh?
I currently plan on delivering the mosaic ungrouted so that the tile contractor can grout it along with the rest of the tiling for the kitchen. Is this a good plan? Any suggestions or improvements?
I generally do mosaics in the double-reverse process, so this is new terrain for me.
ANSWER
I think you will be fine with the one quarter of an inch Hardibacker for the mosaic.
The most important thing is that the mosaic is screwed into wall studs which will hold it nice and straight.
Might I ask why you are not doing the mosaic directly onto the cement board? It's much easier and faster.
I prefer to draw the design onto the Hardi and adhere the tiles directly.
If you mark on the board where the screws need to go into the studs, you can drill countersunk holes before you start gluing.
Leave out the tiles that will go over the holes and glue them on once the board has been screwed to the wall.
As for adhesive, you can use either PVA glue or thin-set. If you decide to go ahead and use the mesh,
you can still use either PVA glue or thin-set to adhere the tiles to the mesh.
Today's Tech Tip is courtesy of "Ask a Pro" on the Society of American Mosaic Artist (SAMA) membership website.
