Installation Guide for Mosaic Tiles (Paper-Faced Sheets)

Guide to Installing Mosaic Tiles

Checking and Preparing Materials

Before starting, check the boxes of mosaic tiles to ensure you have enough materials. Each box is individually marked with the production date, color, order number, and other details for reference in case additional materials are needed.

Step 2: Level the Wall Surface

This step is essential to create a completely white, flat, and uniform surface for tiling (a different background color may affect the color of the finished result). If using cement plaster, mix the cement with water. When tiling over plasterboard, apply a suitable wall primer before bonding (contact a building chemicals manufacturer for advice). Once the cement is prepared, spread it evenly with a trowel. Allow at least 5 hours for the cement to dry.

Mark the Starting Lines

Place the mesh sheets on the floor and measure the total width of three sheets side by side, leaving a gap between the sheets equal to the gap between two tiles. Use a handheld measuring device to measure along the line and accurately mark the corresponding position on the surface at that distance.

Apply Cement to the Wall

Prepare the cement by mixing it with water, then use a 3.5 mm notched trowel to spread it evenly over the prepared surface. First use the flat edge of the trowel, then the notched edge, drawing it across and “combing” the cement to create an evenly ridged surface. The tiles are now ready to be set. The cement must remain soft and wet: hold the cement-coated trowel at a 45-degree angle to the surface, making sure to spread the cement evenly and leave no excess in the joints. When tiling a wall, we recommend making the final combing strokes horizontal. When applying the cement, take great care to achieve the best possible bond by working it into the surface before the final combing. If the area to be tiled is frequently exposed to water (e.g., a swimming pool or bathtub), it is best to waterproof the surface beforehand using a special protective coating, along with resin and cement.

Installing the Tiles

Unlike pre-assembled tile sheets mounted on mesh, in this case the tiles are held together by paper and placed with the paper facing outward. The paper backing must not come into direct contact with the cement; it is removed after the tile sheet has been set.
To ensure smooth installation, carefully check the paper backing before starting: the tiles are held in place along lines that run in the same direction, and vertical alignment is best for walls. Place the sheets directly onto the cement with the paper facing you. Pay close attention to the spacing between sheets: the gaps should be consistent to create a harmonious overall appearance. As you lay the tiles, use a rubber float to set the sheets in place and smooth them with a suitable trowel so they bond firmly to the cement, creating the flattest, smoothest surface possible.

Removing the Paper Backing:

To remove the paper backing, wipe it several times with a damp sponge until it begins to peel away easily. Be very gentle with the paper at this stage, as the cement is still fresh. Peel the paper away diagonally from the bottom up, making sure the sheets do not shift.

Adjusting the Spacing:

During installation, before the cement dries, you can still adjust the spacing between sheets to ensure consistency. To do this, use a sheet cutter and trowel to gently increase or decrease the gaps between the sheets. This is one of the most delicate steps in the tiling process and is essential for achieving a good result. Allow to dry for 24 hours.

Preparing to Grout:

The next day, use a cutter to remove any cement that has squeezed out between the sheets, then clean the tiles with a sponge dipped in warm water to remove any remaining cement from the paper backing. If the residue is not completely removed, yellow stains may appear after grouting. Repeat this process as often as necessary until the tiles are completely clean. Take care not to let water seep into the ungrouted joints.
You can now begin grouting and cleaning the tiles as you would with mesh-mounted tiles described above.

Final Cleaning

Use a neutral soap for everyday cleaning. Do not use wax, oil, hydrofluoric acid, phosphoric acid, or products containing these substances. For deep cleaning to remove calcium deposits, we recommend a mild acid cleaner; in all other cases, use mildly alkaline products. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions when using these products, and immediately rinse the surface thoroughly with plenty of clean water.

Special Instructions for Certain Formats
10×10 mm
- Take particular care when “combing” the cement to prevent it from oozing between the tiles, and remove the paper backing very carefully and gently. First dampen it to prevent the tiles from detaching from the backing.
- When using a suitable trowel to adjust the spacing, take extra care compared with mosaic tiles measuring 20×20 mm.
Opus Romano 8x8mm
- Take particular care when “combing” the cement to prevent it from oozing between the tiles, and remove the paper backing very carefully and gently. First dampen it to prevent the tiles from detaching from the backing.
- When using a suitable trowel to adjust the spacing, take extra care compared with other Opus Romano formats.
- Pay particular attention to the size of the notches on the trowel. A 2.5 mm notched trowel is preferable to a 3.5 mm one.
- For best results, use E Glue.