Kitchen backsplash mosaic tiles are an alternative to the usual large-format tiles in the work area. Despite the fact that the raw materials for the manufacture of mosaics are all the same porcelain stoneware or glass, there are peculiarities in choosing its size, shape, color for each interior.
They sell a mosaic ready for laying in blank dies - squares of several chip elements. It is laid with a solid plate on the prepared wall surface.
Fragments of the mosaic are fastened to each other using a mesh, a paper base or using plastic jumpers.
If you want to save money on the work of a master, then make an apron from a mosaic with your own hands. Detailed installation instructions with tips in the video:
All you need to get started is:
- tile;
- styling glue;
- grout.
Grout based epoxy resin - the best. It is more resistant to moisture and dirt, which is especially true for light-colored seams.
Advantages and disadvantages
Advantages:
- looks stylish and original, you can make different compositions, drawings;
- a large assortment in a variety of colors and shapes for every taste;
- suitable for any room design: classic and modern interiors;
- moisture resistance;
- strength and resistance to damage;
- resistance to high temperatures;
- does not fade in the sun, retaining color and pattern for a long time.
Such an attractive apron finish has its drawbacks.
Disadvantages:
- mosaic kitchen apron will keep its beautiful view and properties only for proper care, which begins from the first minutes after installation: treatment with special agents against mold, mildew, moisture and dirt-repellent. In the future, cleaning is carried out using special substances, depending on the material (we will consider in a separate paragraph);
- laying a mosaic is a more complicated process compared to laying ordinary tiles;
- many seams, and, consequently, the vulnerability of the finish to the penetration of moisture, dirt and mold, which requires regular processing of the space between the chips, maintaining a beautiful appearance;
- in comparison with plastic and chipboard panels, mosaic will be more expensive.
Page from the online store Leroy Merlin with prices for mosaic tiles. Sorting - ascending price. The difficulties in care and installation and other shortcomings do not scare you, and are you ready to start finishing for the sake of the final result? Then the tips below and an overview possible options design of mosaic aprons, materials, size and shape of tiles will help you make the right choice.
Tile size and consumption
The most common matrix sizes are 30x30 cm, 32x32 cm.
Less common are panels with ready-made patterns 100x100 (they are also the most expensive) or rectangular matrices with rectangular, round or other irregular mosaics.
The common size of small mosaic tiles, or chips, is 2x2 cm or 5x5 cm.But even such large ones can be found on sale - 10x10 cm, and very small - 1x1 cm.
To determine the consumption of tiles:
- measure the width and length of the apron zone in your kitchen;
- choosing desired option mosaic, calculate by the size of its matrix, how many WHOLE such pieces will fit in your length and width;
- count how much material is missing in centimeters to completely cover the section of the apron, and how many dies you will need to trim.
Always take material with a small margin (15-20%) in case you make a mistake in the calculations or if you need to replace a damaged element in the future.
As practice shows, for 1 sq. m of coverage area requires 8-9 matrices. At a cost, it goes from about 600-700 rubles per 1 sq. M (at the lowest prices).
IN building stores experienced consultants will always help you calculate the expense if you have any difficulties.
Overview of different types of mosaics with examples of interiors
The form
A mosaic kitchen apron can have different shapes:
- square;
Apron decoration with mosaic tiles in black with light grout - rectangular;
- round and five-pointed;
- irregular shape for stones;
Material
The size of the tile and some of its performance characteristics depend on the material from which it is made.
- Glass Is the most popular mosaic material.
The standard size is 2 by 2 cm. Due to the special production technology, it is highly durable. At the same time, the price, in comparison with other types, is much lower.
Glass blocks can have different design not only in color. There are matte, glossy, translucent and transparent, with the addition of glitter, foil, etc.
One of the varieties - smalt... Even more durable pressed colored glass material. Differs in shade heterogeneity in different tiles and its saturation.
Another variety based on glass - mirror mosaic... Looks impressive in Art Deco, high-tech interiors. Relevant for kitchens small areasince increases the volume of the room due to reflection.
- Ceramic... The second most popular option. Affordable, has a large selection in color, shape. Has the same properties as ordinary tiles.
- Porcelain stoneware... Porcelain stoneware mosaic tiles will be more expensive than glass and ceramic, but more affordable than stone. Looks more natural.
She has a large selection of textures: rough, glossy, matte, embossed. But by choice color solutions inferior to glass mosaics.
- A rock... Kitchen mosaics made from natural minerals (onyx, marble) look and are expensive. Chips made of this material are larger than, for example, glass. Suitable for traditional interiors and will appeal to those who love natural material in decoration.
- Nacre... It is distinguished by beautiful, iridescent tints of color and light. For those who like this design, but have no funds to buy natural material made of real mother-of-pearl, it is possible to purchase a good imitation of smalt.
- Metal... The effect of steel shine is achieved by processing with a layer of stainless steel. In the manufacture of tiles, plastic and rubber are added to ceramics.
This design is suitable for high-tech, loft styles.
Colour
From the mosaic, you can make various compositions with plots, ornaments, patterns.
Mosaic panel on the kitchen apron You can use a monochromatic finish or mix different shades, gradient or stretch.
Black and white combination of colors in the design of a mosaic apron 
Another design option is to use a grout that contrasts with the color of the tile.
Mosaic apron care
In some sources you can find information that mosaic tiles are unpretentious and can be cleaned even with abrasive agents. This is not true.
For example, glass and glossy mosaics cannot stand harsh metal brushes and sponges, or aggressive detergents. Only soft rags can be used to care for it. Light dirt can be soaked and removed only with water. For deep stains, use a glass cleaner.
When cleaning glossy surfaces made of any materials, do not use soap solutions, which subsequently form a film, and the surface loses its attractive, shiny appearance.
Better to use special tool, for each of which there is an instruction with information, for the care of which surfaces it is permissible to use it.
Another important advice for the care of the mosaic apron: if possible, clean the surface after each cooking, do not start a situation with stubborn grease, bloom, which then cannot be completely cleaned from the seams.
The apron accentuates attention, it decorates the work area and at the same time constantly risks getting dirty during the cooking process. A mosaic apron has a number of features that must be considered. It is necessary to choose the design, materials, understand what the expense is.
A standard mosaic looks like small ceramic squares from a centimeter to three. mosaics are glued to mesh or paper and decorate the kitchen.
Benefits
It looks impressive and aesthetically pleasing, such interiors look original, especially if you alternate shades and lay out patterns not evenly, but in different patterns.
Long service life. If the tiles were laid correctly, and the materials were chosen correctly, then the tiles will look beautiful for a long time and will last in the kitchen. The main thing here is to choose tiles that are resistant to moisture and dirt.
It is convenient to install such tiles, you can easily bypass sockets and ledges, unusual walls, especially if the tiles are small.
disadvantages
Cost. Such finishing is not cheap not only because of the materials, but also because of the design method.
It will take a long time to lay each tile.
Training. A lot of money and effort will be spent on putting the walls in order; it will be difficult to keep the pattern on an uneven surface.
Materials. It will take a lot of grout to decorate the tiles.
Courting is not easy. The apron is often contaminated with grease and splashes during cooking and will need to be cleaned constantly. Therefore, as soon as the seams begin to allow moisture to pass through, the grout will need to be replaced.
And the plaque will have to be cleaned regularly.
is one of the most visible parts of a kitchen set, so it is important to keep it clean and tidy.
Preparation and styling
We purchase a mosaic. You don't have to think that they will give it to you by weight, usually it looks like ready-made matrices, approximately thirty centimeters wide and thirty centimeters long.
Most often, the tiles are square, they are easier to lay and create bright patterns. There are also diamonds, circles and triangles, but they are more difficult and costly to work with.
The tiles themselves are glued to paper or mesh, from there they can be easily removed for repairs. Some of the primary attachments have an even stronger function.
Before laying the tiles, it is best to sketch the drawing on paper, or use special computer design programs.
Decide on a color scheme. It can be of several types:
Monochrome design, all modules are the same in shape and shades
Mixed - the color is one, but the shape is different: squares of different sizes, circles, rhombuses, rectangles.
Gradient is a beautiful, but complex design, from bright to pale shades of the same color.
Drawing - a certain motive is drawn with the help of a mosaic.
We purchase grout. It is better if it is based on cement or epoxy. The first option is cheaper, and the second is better withstand moisture and dirt. Epoxy is more expensive, but there are no restrictions on the selection of cleaning agents. This is especially important with snow-white seams.
The adhesive should ensure good adhesion of the tiles, but at the same time protect the surface from moisture. It is advisable that all materials protect the apron from the appearance of fungus.
By color, neutral or white are most often chosen, but contrasting combinations look more interesting.
When the choice is made, we begin to lay the mosaic.
It is better to call specialists, but you can lay it out with your own hands.
Walls must be flat and clean, use wall filler before installation.
An equal distance between the tiles is imperative, if this was not thought of in advance. Therefore, markings are drawn on the wall, and the mosaic is first laid out on the floor on paper.
The glue is diluted and immediately applied to the wall, you cannot then reanimate the dried glue.
Apply glue with a spatula, then level and lay out the mosaic. It needs to be fixed by tapping it lightly. The tile can still be leveled first. The adhesive should not be squeezed out.
After three hours, we remove the paper on which the mosaic was placed according to the instructions.
Grouting is performed with a special compound suitable for a specific type of tile, removing excess until it is dry. The residues must be removed with plain water or solution. Then we polish the tiles with a soft cloth.
Which mosaic is suitable for the kitchen, types, prices, manufacturers, photos of mosaic kitchen aprons, reviews and designer tips are here.
Dimensions and shape of kitchen mosaic
The individual elements that make up the mosaic cladding are called chips or tesserae. Depending on the design, material and manufacturer, their size can vary from 1x1 to 10x10 cm.To decorate the apron in the kitchen, it is best to use mosaics from 2x2 to 5x5 cm in size.
The most popular form of mosaic pieces is squares. Often there are rectangles, less often circles, ovals, rhombuses, hexagons.
In the gallery of mosaic photos from Architeza, Fusion Natural Mosaic, Bars Crystal, Colori Viva (China) and Chakmaks (Turkey):
For the convenience of laying, mosaics are not sold individually, but in the form of so-called matrices: mosaic pieces are glued onto a base made of polyurethane mesh or paper. The standard size of such a matrix is \u200b\u200b30x30 cm, but different manufacturers it may differ by plus or minus a couple of centimeters. For example, make up non-standard 31.5x31.5 or 29.8x29.8 centimeters. Pay this special attentionwhen will you count required amount trim for the apron. 
Metall Mosaic by Natural Mosaic (China)
Colour
Monochrome mosaics of one shade are rarely used to decorate the apron in the kitchen. Mixes (mixtures) of mosaic chips of different colors, shades, textures, and sometimes sizes look much more interesting and beautiful. As a rule, mosaic manufacturers offer to buy ready-made mixes.
If desired, they can be assembled to order (this service is offered by companies selling mosaics), but they will also cost significantly more.
In hardware stores, you will probably see the so-called "stretch marks". This is the name for ready-made mosaic strips with smooth color transitions from one edge to another - from dark and light, from saturated to pale. The more shades, the softer the colored overflows, the more beautiful and richer the finished apron will look.
Mosaic matrices on a grid and on a paper base are radically different in the way they are laid. The chips are attached to the mesh with the wrong side, and it is the mesh that is covered with glue and attached to the apron, while the paper base protects the front side of the mosaic. Therefore, when laying, glue is never applied to it, it remains on top, and after the adhesive has dried, it is carefully removed by soaking it with water.
Please note: sometimes a mosaic is sold at a price per square meter, but often the price is indicated for one matrix measuring 30 x 30 centimeters or for a "stretch" measuring about 260 x 32 cm.
- An excellent alternative to traditional ceramic mesh mosaic is ceramic mosaic tile. The two main advantages of this finish are that the tiles themselves are cheaper and much easier to install. If you plan to invite a master, then you will definitely save on styling.
- The original drawing can be obtained by combining different types of mosaics. For example, glass and ceramic, stone or metal mosaics. Some manufacturers, for example Chinese, offer ready options finishes that are already combined, such as stone and glass chips. Large stores of building materials from time to time organize promotions and sales, where you can buy the remains of expensive high-quality and beautiful mosaics at very reasonable prices. Such leftovers are perfect for creating your own mosaic mix.
- If an all-mosaic backsplash doesn't fit into your renovation budget, tile the backdrop with ceramic tiles and mix it with a few mosaic decors. Even a couple of such "highlights" will greatly decorate the kitchen apron and make the interior original.
Glass mosaic
The most popular, practical and inexpensive mosaic option that is great for finishing a kitchen backsplash.
Traditionally, pieces of glass mosaic are 1x1, 1.5x1.5 or 2x2 cm squares. Their standard thickness is 3-4 millimeters. It is quite enough for facing the apron.
Ready-made mosaic mixes of stone and glass Such a mosaic is made from white quartz sand. Pigments are added for color, for shine and beautiful overflows - shimmering materials, for example, aventurine or mother of pearl.
Alternative to glass mosaic with mother-of-pearl luster - China-made shell and natural mother-of-pearl mosaic In the collections of different manufacturers, you can find matte, translucent, transparent or decorative mosaics.
You can buy it in the form of monochromatic matrices with pieces of the same shade, but more often in stores there are mixes of multi-colored glass elements.
Glass mosaic different sizes FK Mosaic (China) When choosing a mosaic in a store, take a closer look at the price tags: as a rule, the brighter its color, the more different shades, the more expensive it costs. The most inexpensive usually light mosaic in practical beige and gray tones, because it is the easiest to make. And more complex and saturated shades require the use of expensive pigments and shimmering additives, which cannot but affect the price of the finished material.
Benefits
A big plus of glass mosaic is an affordable price. But its main advantages are rich colors and excellent hygiene. There are no micropores on the glass surface, so microbes do not multiply on it, and the apron is easy to keep clean.
Glass is a very wear-resistant and heat-resistant material. With such a mosaic, you can safely lay out an apron for gas stove or a hob, it is not for nothing that it is used to decorate fireplaces and stoves. In addition, she perfectly tolerates high humiditysince it does not absorb water at all.
disadvantages
The weak point of glass mosaic is that it is very demanding on the accompanying materials: glue and grout. Suitable formulations are not cheap, and an attempt to save money on them can lead to the fact that the whole beauty of the mosaic apron will be hopelessly ruined.
Multi-format relief mosaic Radical Mosaic, China How to choose the right glue and grout?
If you decide to lay out the apron with glass mosaic, use a white adhesive. It will not change the color of translucent or transparent mosaic tiles, unlike dark or colored glue.
Another the most important moment when choosing glue and grout: formulations with the so-called high degree adhesion - 20-28 kg per square centimeter. They increase the adhesion of surfaces, and the poreless mosaic will adhere more firmly to the wall. Among the grout, you should choose epoxy. It is more difficult to work with them (not every master knows how to do it correctly) and they are more expensive, but they are not afraid of moisture, food acids, or household chemicals. And the degree of adhesion of "epoxy" is several times higher than that of cement analogues.
Many manufacturers finishing materials produce special formulations for laying glass mosaic, which help to avoid these most common problems.
If you have not yet decided on the color of the grout, pay attention to the compounds that have a light gray tint. Against the background of a colored mosaic, it will seem almost invisible.
Natural Mosaic glass mosaic mixes resemble a scattering of candy Price
The cost of glass mosaics in online stores on average starts from 3000 rubles per square meter of products from Chinese manufacturers. Mosaic finishing made in Europe (Italy, Spain) can cost 2-3 times more. Matrices are often sold individually in online stores - on average, from 400 rubles per 30x30 cm plate. The more halftones and shades in the mix, the more expensive the mosaic.
Where can one buy
The range of glass mosaics is so great that the main problem when choosing a finish for a future apron in the kitchen is to choose only one of the hundreds available.
Inexpensive collections of Chinese mosaics are widely represented on the Russian market. The Chinese successfully copy European technologies and produce rather decent material at a price half the price of European ones. Some European brands are transferring their production to the Middle Kingdom, which makes it possible to make high-quality mosaics more affordable.
When choosing a glass mosaic, take a look at the collections of Natural Mosaic, Primacolore, Bars Crystal Mosaic, Colori Viva, JNJ Mosaic, Alma Mosaic, Architeza, Caramelle Mosaic, Piranesi (China), Chakmaks (Turkey), Imex Decor (Thailand), Intermatex, Peronda, Dune (Spain)
Ezarri (Italy).
Ceramic mosaic
Both in composition and in the production method, ceramic mosaic is just a miniature ceramic tile. Therefore, its properties and features are the same as those of tiles.
It is made from white or red clay, quartz sand and other natural ingredients.
The color variety of ceramics is amazing. It does not fade over time and is not afraid of bright sunlight.
Wear resistance is one of the main advantages of such a mosaic. Thanks to the glaze, it almost does not absorb water and is not afraid of aggressive chemicals.
The surface of the ceramic is more embossed and expressive than that of glass. Therefore, a ceramic mosaic apron will turn out to be more textured than a glass one.
However, ceramic mosaics are significantly more expensive than their “sister” tiles, and their assortment and colors are not as rich as those of glass mosaic finishes.
Ceramic mosaics are usually sold in 30x30 cm matrixes. The size of the mosaic pieces can vary from 1x1 to 10x10 centimeters. Their thickness is 8-10 millimeters (twice that of glass mosaics).
The shape of the elements can be different - in addition to traditional squares, you can find tesserae in the form of rectangles, triangles, hexagons, circles, etc. There is also a ceramic mosaic that imitates the shape and color of sea pebbles. Matrices with it have uneven edges to make the surface seamless.
The surface of mosaic ceramics is glossy, matte or textured, sometimes imitating natural stone and other finishing materials and has different decorative effects like craquelure.
Beautiful mosaic inserts, borders and panels for the apron can also be found in the collections ceramic tileswhere they serve as decors.
Price
On average, from 300 to 900 rubles for a 30x30 cm matrix, depending on the decorativeness and texture of the surface.
Where can one buy
Interesting variations of ceramic mosaics can be found in the assortment of Radical Mosaic, LIYA Mosaic (China), FK Mosaic (Turkey), Peronda (Spain), Marca Corona (Italy), Jasba (Germany).
Stone mosaic
This type of finish - very beautiful and durable - traditionally belongs to the elite category. Pieces of the mosaic are cut from the plates natural stone - marble, granite, limestone, tuff, travertine, onyx, lapis lazuli and other minerals.
The stone surface can be polished and smooth, with a soft, beautiful shine, or it can be artificially aged, textured, rough.
The thickness of the stone mosaic is the same as that of the ceramic - 8-10 millimeters, but it is much denser and stronger than ceramics, and is perfect for flooring.
Keep in mind: for a kitchen backsplash, do not use porous rocks that easily absorb any coloring liquids like coffee or beets - they will leave stubborn stains. Therefore, it is better to refrain from buying mosaics made of marble, travertine and limestone. To protect the stone surface from moisture and household pollution, experts recommend using special impregnations. They fill the pores, creating a protective layer that makes cleaning very easy.
A stone mosaic has a peculiarity - only a grid serves as the basis for matrices. The standard size is 30x30, 30.5x30.5 or 32x32 cm. Chinese manufacturers also have custom sizes grids - for example, 30.7x31.1. So be especially careful when calculating.
Individual elements are usually 2x2 cm or 5x5 cm squares, but there are also elongated rectangles 3x1.5 cm and 7.5 by 1.5 cm, and other options for sizes and formats.
In some mixes, colored glass inserts or decorative fragments in gold or silver are added to the stone pieces. The contrast of stone and glass surfaces on kitchen apron looks very impressive.
Mixes of glass, stone and metal mosaics in different variations, Intermatex (Spain) 
Price
In Moscow online stores, a stone mosaic costs an average of 6.5 thousand rubles per square meter for Chinese products.
Stone mosaic decoration is also sold individually - at 900-1900 rubles for a matrix of 30x30 cm.
Russian floor mosaic can be found from 3800 rubles per square meter
Where can one buy
In terms of price and variety of collections of stone mosaics, Chinese manufacturers are clearly in the lead on the Russian market. When choosing this finishing option, pay attention to the collections
Altra Mosaic, Natural Mosaic, Colori Viva, JNJ Mosaic, Architeza, Bertini Mosaic, Caramelle Mosaic, Art & Natura, ABC Stone Mosaic (China), Anatolia Stone, FK Marble and FK Mosaic (all three - Turkey), Marmica (Russia), Intermatex (Spain).
Porcelain stoneware mosaic
It differs from ceramic not only in the base material. If ceramic "mosaics" are created one by one in special molds, but porcelain stoneware mosaic is a slab of porcelain stoneware cut into small pieces. The size and thickness of porcelain stoneware chips are the same as those of ceramic mosaics, and in appearance they are very similar to stone ones.
However, it is much more common to find porcelain stoneware mosaic tiles. standard size 30x30 centimeters. Depressions on its surface, which are filled with grout after installation, create the illusion that the apron or the floor is lined with real mosaic.
For the installation of porcelain stoneware mosaics, experts recommend the use of adhesives and grout intended for traditional porcelain stoneware.
Where can one buy
From the Russian manufacturers of porcelain stoneware mosaic tiles, pay attention to the domestic brands Estima Ceramica and Italon.
Metal mosaic
This option for finishing the apron is quite rare, but it looks very impressive. In fact, metal mosaics are thin plates of stainless steel or brass (their thickness is only 0.6 millimeters), fixed on a base made of soft plastic, rubber, less often ceramics.
The surface of the metal mosaic can be different: glossy or matte, decorated with figured notches, small bulges or relief pattern... The color of the metal is also selected at will - traditional steel, under shiny or old gold, antique bronze, etc.
Mosaic chips are also very diverse in shape. In addition to squares and rectangles, hexagons are popular, circles, rhombuses, and combinations of different shapes are less common.
A good metal mosaic lasts a long time, does not oxidize, is not afraid of moisture, heat and stains. But it has its drawbacks. Spatter marks and fingerprints will be visible on a smooth mosaic surface (in this regard, a notched coating is much more practical).
Metal look glass mosaic tile from Chinese brand Natural Mosaic A great alternative to expensive and not very practical metal mosaic is ceramic or glass mosaic that imitates shiny metal in silver or gold shades. Ceramic surface thanks to modern technologies and shiny additives very reliably imitates the texture of different metals. This imitation costs much less - 500-700 rubles for a standard size 30x30 cm plate, but it looks no less impressive and elegant. Interesting collections of such mosaics can be found, for example, from the Chinese factory Natural Mosaic.
Price
High cost is a significant minus of the metal. Mosaic tiles from "metal" collections of Chinese production cost from 11 to 19 thousand per square meter, depending on the richness of texture and originality of the pattern. There are options for 600-1400 rubles for standard grid 30x30 cm.
Where can one buy
The most affordable options are offered by Chinese manufacturers. Look for metal mosaic collections at Natural Mosaic, Architeza, Bertini Mosaico (China), FK Mosaic (Turkey), Radical Mosaic.
Photos from mosaic manufacturers
Nothing can add charm to your kitchen more than mosaic tiles. And if old interior is already boring, you can quickly revive it by laying a kitchen apron with a mosaic over the countertop. The small tiles, fixed to a 30 x 30 cm underlay, are very easy to install. You can lay out the tiles, for example, on Saturday and grout on Sunday.
Professional tiling tiling is quite expensive (plus material costs), so you can save a lot of money by laying the tiles yourself.
With this detailed step-by-step master class you can easily lay out a kitchen apron yourself mosaic tiles... For this you will need simple toolswhich can be bought at any building supermarket or ceramic tile store. This is a 5mm notched trowel for applying mastic and a trowel for grouting. You will also need adhesive putty, a high quality grout mortar, and a sealant.
Choice of mosaic tiles
Mosaic Tile Sheets
It is easy to lay out a beautiful kitchen apron with mosaic tiles. It is enough just to make the markup and fill the wall with tiles between the contours of the sockets and cabinets. In fact, the hardest part about mosaic decoration is choosing. The assortment of colors, shapes and patterns is unusually diverse. In addition, mosaic tiles can be made not only from ceramics, but also from glass or metal - this can add interesting accents to the interior of the kitchen.
Mosaic borders
Special strips of mosaic tiles with a size of 10 × 30 cm are produced for trimming the borders. As you can see, you have the opportunity to choose a mosaic for the existing kitchen interior or try something new!
Step 1. Preparing the walls
Before laying the tiles, remove the drops of grease on the wall (the mastic will not stick to the oily surface) with a sponge soaked in a solution of water and soft remedy for dish washing. If there are too many traces of grease or they cannot be removed, wipe them with a lint-free cloth dampened with a special anti-gloss liquid, or use an abrasive material. Glitter liquid is sold in art stores and in the Home Furnishings section.
Then outline the contours of the countertop and upper cabinets along the sides where the tiles will be laid. Glue a special adhesive tape for tiles along these lines (photo 1), leaving a gap of 6 mm between the wall and the tape. Cover the countertop with newspaper or plastic wrap.
Disconnect the power and remove the faceplate from the wall outlets. If the base of the socket extends more than 6 mm into the wall, it is recommended to insert a special socket. It will be a guide when laying tiles. It can be removed before grouting.
From the highest point of the area where the apron will fit, measure down a distance equal to three or four full rows of tiles so that you do not have to cut them in the future. At the level of the received mark, fix it on the wall wooden beam (or level).
Usually, the section of the wall between the worktop and the hood is the largest, so tiling should be started there. Draw a center line on the wall - in the middle of the hood between the cabinets (photo 1). Measure the distance from the centerline to the cabinets. If, with such a markup, you have to trim the tiles on the right and left, move the centerline a little - so, at least, trimming will be necessary only on one side.
Step 2. Laying the tiles
Photo 2. Apply glue
Spread the adhesive on the wall in a thin layer, starting at the centerline. To prevent the adhesive from drying out prematurely, apply only as much of it as is necessary to install two or three tile substrates at a time.
Using a notched trowel, grab some mastic from the bucket and apply it to the wall (no special techniques needed here!). First, fill the areas along the centerline, level, hood and top cabinets with mastic (photo 2). Then fill in the middle with broad strokes. Hold the trowel at a 45 ° angle to the wall to spread the mastic in a thin layer - the marking lines should be visible through it. Keep a bucket of water and a sponge handy to clean the spatula all the time. If the mastic starts to harden on the putty knife, wipe it off with a damp sponge.
Install plastic tile spacers over the joist (level) and countertop. This will create a gap that you need to cover up later.
Align the first underlay with the tile along the centerline. Press the tiles against the wall with your hand. If the backing slips and the mastic comes out at the joints, the adhesive is too thick (remove the tiles from the wall, remove excess mastic and level the surface again with a trowel). Excess mastic in the seams can be removed with a utility knife.
Make sure that the joint width between the underlays is 1.5 mm (no spacers are needed for this). After installing every 2–3 substrates, press the tiles to the wall more tightly using a block and a rubber mallet (photo 3).
If the tile has fallen off the backing, apply a little mastic to the backing, put the tile back in place and press down harder. Substrates are not always perfectly square, so individual tiles will need to be aligned. This can be done with your fingers or a utility knife (stick the blade into the joint between the tiles and then rotate it). After laying the tiles, you will have approximately 20 minutes to eliminate all the defects.
Step 3. Trimming the tiles
If you're lucky, the distance to the cabinets or around the outlet can match the seam between the tiles on the backing, then it can be cut with a utility knife. If not, then you can't do without a tile cutter. Nippers or a grinder can break or crush tiles, although you can try these tools for trimming ceramic tiles.
Line up rows of whole tiles around the outlets and near the top cabinets, then trim the tiles to the correct size and place them in the remaining gaps (Photo 4). Cut tiles directly on the substrate: individual tiles are difficult to cut due to small size (when cutting, they can fly in all directions!).
Let the tile sit for at least 30 minutes. Then apply sealant to the sponge and wipe the tile if you are using a porous natural stone or unglazed tile mosaic. The sealant prevents grout from sticking to the tile (not required for non-porous materials such as ceramic tile).
Step 4. Grouting and cleaning tiles
Photo 6. Cleaning the corners
Remove grout from joints during inner corners and along the bottom edge with a utility knife so that they can be smeared over. Hold the knife blade with the blunt side to the countertop.
Grouting can be started no earlier than 24 hours after laying the tiles. We used a premium grout, which is much better than the conventional grout: it has a stable color and is resistant to dirt. Since splashes and drops of grease will fall on the kitchen apron during cooking, we recommend not to save on grout and buy a quality product. famous brands at a building supermarket or specialty store for ceramic tiles. An inexpensive grout made from a mixture of cement and sand will also work.
Dilute the grout mixture with water until a solution resembles mashed potatoes in consistency. Then apply some grout to the wall with a trowel. Fill the joints with the mortar by moving the trowel diagonally (photo 5). After the joints are filled, remove excess grout from the joints.
Ten minutes after the end of grouting, remove the remaining mortar from the tile surface with a damp sponge. If the grout is not sufficiently hardened, wait another 10 minutes. Rinse the tiles by continuously rinsing the sponge in a bucket of water until the surface is clean.
The surface of the tile may have depressions and cracks in which grout gets into. In most cases it can be removed with a damp sponge, but sometimes it is difficult. Many professional tile installers leave grout on rough surfaces. However, if you want to completely remove grout residues from individual tiles, use a toothbrush.
After cleaning the tiles, remove the remaining grout from the joints at the bottom of the apron and from the corners at the joints (photo 6). These shrink joints provide stress relief without cracking the grout.
2 hours after finishing grouting, polish the tile with a microfiber cloth. Then cover the shrinkage joints with a latex grout similar in color to cement.
After a week, apply a thin layer of caulk to the grout with a sponge to keep it clean.
Required tools and materials
Tools
Prepare tools from this list in advance:
- roulette;
- sealing syringe;
- 4 in 1 screwdriver;
- cordless drill driver;
- building level;
- grout spatula;
- notched trowel for mastic;
- rubber hammer;
- self-centering drill;
- tile cutter (can be rented);
- stationery knife.
You will also need a bucket, sponge, rubber gloves, microfiber rags.
Materials
Take care of purchasing materials from this list in advance:
- mosaic tiles;
- spacers for tiles;
- mastic;
- stone tile sealant;
- grout mixture;
- grout sealant;
- latex grout;
- socket box.
Get the latest news weekly
A mosaic apron is a non-trivial and at the same time time-tested alternative to aprons made of large-format ceramic tiles, porcelain stoneware, stone or glass. And although mosaic tiles are made from the same materials (and not only), the properties and appearance such an apron have their own characteristics. Let's find out how to plan the design of the future panel, prepare for going to the store, calculate the consumption of materials, choose glue and grout, and also how to lay the mosaic with our own hands.
Step 1. Choosing the size and format
So you are thinking about the design working area mosaic tiles. To do this, you first need to measure the apron and calculate the material consumption based on the size of the tile.
- Modern mosaic, as a rule, is sold not in loose form, but in the form of blanks, that is, matrices in the size: 24 × 24 cm, 28 × 28 cm, 30 × 30 cm, 31.5 × 31.5 cm, 32 × 32 cm, etc. Usually for a total area of \u200b\u200b1 square. m you need to buy 9 matrices.
- A mosaic is made up of small pieces called chips. The size of the chips varies from 1x1 cm to 5 × 5 cm, and sometimes up to 10 × 10 cm.For facing a kitchen apron, a mosaic with tiles of 2 × 2 cm-5 × 5 cm format is most often used. Below in the photo slider you can see chip formats 1 × 1, 2 × 2, 5.5 cm.
- The most common form of tiles is square. It is convenient for laying mosaics, calculating material consumption and fits into any interior.
- Rectangular chips are also popular. But circles, triangles, rhombuses, hexagons and other shapes are less common. In the next selection of photos, you can see mosaic aprons with chips of different sizes and shapes.
Mosaic pieces can be fixed in three ways:
- Connected to each other with polymer bridges;
- Bonded to a polyurethane mesh (mesh is located on the back of the matrix);
- Fixed on a paper base (the paper is glued to the front of the composition, and removed only before grouting).
Most worst case - the first, since the lintels break off easily during the mosaic laying. The most convenient and reliable option is a mosaic on a mesh that does not tear, so it is easier to glue it. In addition, the mesh in this case performs the function of reinforcement.
Step 2. Choosing a beautiful design and good material
Now you can start planning the design of the apron, which can be conditionally divided into groups:
- Monocolor - when the mosaic on the grid is laid out in modules of the same color and shape. The photo below shows examples of an apron for a kitchen made of mosaics of the same color in the interior.
- Mix - when the mosaic tile for the kitchen consists of different shades of the same color, all modules are of the same format. The more colors and shades are typed in the mix, the higher the price of the apron will be.
- Stretch ("gradient") - differs in that the grid of the "stretch" is not square, but rectangular (1: 5), and the mosaic is laid out according to the principle of a gradient - from saturated color to weakly saturated, for example, from blue to light blue. But this type of matrix is \u200b\u200bmore often used for bathroom wall decoration.
- Panel - when the factory mosaic on the grid is arranged in the form of a pattern or drawing.
The design of a mosaic kitchen apron and its performance also depend on the materials from which the composition is composed.
Ceramic mosaic
Ceramic mosaic is composed of molded ceramic tiles, therefore, it is no different from large-format ceramics - it is the same wear-, heat- and moisture-resistant, variable in design and durable. But ceramic mosaic looks more elegant and colorful, creates the impression handmade, fits better into interiors in oriental styles... Cons: it costs almost twice as much as conventional tiles and requires more grout consumption. Glass mosaic ceramics lose in design variability and colors, but wins in the texture of the chips - the ceramic composition can be matte, glossy, rough, with the effect of antiquity, imitating pebbles and stones. The thickness of the ceramic mosaic is twice as thick as glass panels - 8-10 mm.
The following photos show the traditional white mosaic in the interior of the kitchen.
And here is a mosaic kitchen apron, complemented by a border and decor.
Glass mosaic is more popular than all other types of mosaic tiles for the kitchen, as it looks beautiful and costs less, while being very easy to maintain and durable. Thanks to high temperature firing and small size tiles (minimum 2 × 2 cm) glass mosaic is much stronger ordinary glassdespite the same composition.
Conventionally, glass mosaic can be divided into:
- Homogeneous glass. Small glass blocks can be glossy and like colored candy or matte like glass cut by the sea. Also, glitter, foil, minerals, etc. can be added to glass cubes.
- Smalt. Smalt is a baked mixture of pressed colored glass with metal oxides. Smalt differs from glass in its very high strength (due to which it can be laid even on the floor), as well as in its rich color, the effect of internal glow and man-madeness, since each slab of smalt glass differs slightly from each other in shade. Smalt can be very different depending on additives and coatings. For example, she can imitate mother of pearl.
- Glass with added minerals. To get a mosaic tile like gems, the glass mass is mixed with the minerals aventurine or iridium. The mosaic turns out to be expensive, but very beautiful - with a shimmering or iridescent surface.
How to choose a glass mosaic grout?
Glass mosaics are especially demanding in the selection of glue and grout, since incorrectly selected compositions can spoil the appearance of an apron with transparent, translucent and matte tiles.
- The best glass mosaic grout is a light gray epoxy resin and the best glue is white.
- Since glass, unlike ceramics, has no pores, its adhesion to the surface is less strong, therefore, for laying glass mosaics, special adhesives and groutings with increased adhesion rates from 20 to 28 kg per cm2 are used.
For its manufacture, a variety of stones and minerals are used: from marble to onyx. The stone is very durable and practically eternal, each natural stone is unique and unique, but it is still a porous material, therefore, in order to preserve its beauty longer, it should be treated with a special protective composition that fills the pores and facilitates the care of the apron.
- From buying an apron made of soft and porous stone rocks it is better to refuse, as they absorb coloring food contaminants like red wine or beetroot juice;
- The thickness of the stone mosaic is 8-10mm;
- Stone mosaic belongs to the category of elite and expensive materials - facing 1 sq. m will cost from 7,000 rubles.
Chips can be polished, rough, have a relief or carved pattern, and stone tiles can be combined on the same base with glass, smalt or ceramics. By the way, they always have a mesh base.
The photo below shows a mosaic apron with stone and glass chips.
Porcelain stoneware mosaic tiles
Porcelain stoneware - great alternative ceramics and stone, as it is as strong as stone, but less porous and more accessible. Ceramic granite is superior in strength, but loses to it in design variability - it has a less glossy surface and, as a rule, a neutral color palette - from beige shades to dark brown. In addition, porcelain stoneware mosaics are cut and not poured into molds like ceramic tiles.
Mother of pearl mosaic
Mother-of-pearl is one of the most beautiful finishing materials with unique properties: by reflecting and dimming the directional light, it makes it diffuse and soft, at the same time shimmering with rainbow shades. If the mother-of-pearl mosaic is made of natural mother-of-pearl, it will be quite expensive, but you can choose a glass or smalt mosaic with a mother-of-pearl coating.
Metal mosaic tiles are made of ceramic, rubber or plastic, which are coated with a layer of stainless steel, brass or bronze, resulting in chips of steel or gold hues. A metal mosaic apron will be practical and reliable, and yet - metal decorative coating subject to abrasion.
Mirror mosaic
The mirror mosaic is made up of pieces of mirrors and has a thickness of 5 mm. It is quite durable, but requires a little more frequent care... Mirror chips can be tinted and most often come in rectangular or square shapes. The photo below shows the interiors of kitchens with mirror mosaics on the apron.
Some more useful information
- The most popular options are glass mosaic and, of course, ceramic. In these categories, you can find both excellent budget (600-2000 rubles / 1 sq. M.) And exclusive expensive panels. A kitchen apron that is quite affordable at the price will also turn out from a metal mosaic (500 rubles / 1 sq. M). All other types of tiles are significantly more expensive.
- As a rule, the brighter and richer the color scheme of the mosaic tile, the higher its price. Most inexpensive designs - monocolors and mixes of white, light beige, brown and gray tones without decorative additives, because their production is less complicated and costly. If the color palette of the mosaic is bright, multi-colored, decorated, with flickering effects, etc., then the price will be much higher.
- If the full mosaic backsplash does not fit into the budget, then you can use it as a decoration for ceramic tiles. The photo below shows examples of such a combination in the interior of the kitchen.
Step 3. Choosing a grout and glue
- Mosaic grout is based on cement or epoxy resin. The first option is easier to apply and distribute, more suitable for DIY mosaic laying, and it is cheaper. But it does not withstand frequent washing, absorbs household dirt and darkens over time, spoiling its appearance. Epoxy resin-based mosaic grout is considered the best in both adhesion quality and operational characteristics - it does not absorb any moisture or dirt, is not afraid of frequent cleaning of seams using household chemicals and does not change its color. If you want to make the seams white, then an epoxy resin mix will be especially useful.
But the "epoxy" has its disadvantages: high price and capriciousness in mashing the seams, as the mixture dries quickly. It is very difficult to cope with this task with your own hands, so it is better to entrust the mosaic laying to a good professional.
- Mosaic tile adhesive for kitchen apron must be waterproof and preferably anti-fungal;
- The most versatile grout color is light gray and white. You can also choose a mixture to match the kitchen apron, or contrast.
- Glass mosaic glue must be white.
Step 4. Laying the mosaic on the apron with your own hands - step-by-step instructions
So, the mosaic tile for the kitchen has been selected, the glue, grout and auxiliary materials have been prepared, it remains only to lay out the mosaic on the apron.
- Laying the mosaic with your own hands is not very difficult if you use a grout mixture not made of epoxy resin, but based on cement. Otherwise, and if you are using an expensive mosaic, it is better not to risk it and invite a master.
Step 1. Prepare the base of the apron
The wall under the future apron must be leveled, clean and completely dry - you can start laying the mosaic only 10 days after the completion of the preparatory work. For finishing alignment it is better to use a white putty.
Stage 2. Application of markings
To make the seams the same size, and the apron neat, the mosaic on a mesh or paper base is laid out on the floor at the same interval, equal to the size of the seams between the chips. Then the resulting layout is sequentially and neatly transferred to the wall, marking the dimensions of the sheets and seams. The more accurate the markings are, the faster and easier the mosaic installation will be.
Step 3. Dilution of glue
Now you need to dilute the glue according to the instructions to a creamy state using a drill with a mixer attachment. It is better not to prepare the entire volume of the composition at once so that it does not have time to dry out, because you cannot dilute dried glue with water.
Stage 4. Laying out the mosaic on the apron
In order to glue the mosaic to the wall, glue is first applied with a smooth spatula, then leveled with a notched spatula with square teeth 3 × 3 cm.Next, they begin laying out according to the markings, and then fix it by lightly tapping on it with a rubber spatula. At this stage, the tiles can be leveled, if necessary, cut (photo 1-3).
- When laying and fixing the mosaic, try not to press hard on it - the glue should not be squeezed out of the seams. If this happens, then you need to choose a spatula with smaller teeth. It can also mean that the surface of the wall is uneven.
Stage 5. Grinding the seams
Once the glue is dry (in about 3 hours), the paper or film on the mosaic must be removed.
- If the mosaic is paper-based, then it must be removed by first wetting it with a sponge with warm water. The film is removed diagonally, the glue from the base is washed off with a sponge (photo 4, 5).
Now you can start rubbing the seams. For this, the trowel mixture, slightly pressing, is applied with a rubber spatula and distributed along the mosaic vertically and horizontally, simultaneously removing the excess diagonally. After 30-60 minutes (when the grout began to harden, but has not yet dried), the rest of the mixture begins to wipe with a damp sponge, without washing it out of the seams (photo 6). If the grout is poorly washed off, then you can additionally wipe the mosaic with an alkaline solution, and then wash it off in time. Well, that's all, it remains only to polish the apron with felt or a bike (photo 7).