Mosaic tiles rightfully belong to the oldest of all existing cladding options. The first mention of its use falls on the fifth century BC. Since then, a lot of time has passed, a huge number of technologies have changed, a large number of new samples of building materials have been released. However, this type of product for wall decoration does not lose relevance.
Everyone who is going to make repairs in the bathroom has to solve a lot of difficult questions. The main one is the choice of the necessary, optimal means for decorating the walls in the room. Making the right choice is not so easy, because the bathroom is constantly high in humidity. In addition, the product must be resistant to detergents, cleaners. In apartments, for example, Khrushchev, often the bathroom is combined with a toilet, in connection with which this is especially important.
Mosaic is often used in the bathroom, the design allows you to create the most diverse style. It serves both for masonry walls and for floors. Use it to decorate the area around mirrors, sinks, sinks or showers.
Today, many prefer an alternative to the usual, standard, uniform tile, and as a building material for covering the walls they choose a mosaic. Like any other coating sample, it has advantages and disadvantages.
Advantages:
Reliability;
The small size makes it possible to realize bold design ideas;
Aesthetics of the external image, creative design;
Universality - it is used for interior of bathrooms, in kitchens, for decoration of fireplaces, baths, pools, etc .;
Resistance to moisture and liquids;
Does not lose its properties and external characteristics after the use of household chemicals;
Not prone to burnout;
Durability;
Does not need specialized care;
Without difficulties, restoration can be carried out;
It is easy to withstand sudden and repeated changes in temperature conditions;
Using a small tile is suitable for rough, curved surfaces that can be hidden with it, for laying out niches, arches, indentations, columns, etc .;
Allows you to lay out complex, amazingly beautiful drawings, compositions, combine with ceramic tiles, other types of finishes;
Does not lose color;
An excellent solution, regardless of the type of surface. It fits well on concrete, plaster, putty, wood, etc.
Disadvantages:
The high cost of the product;
High tariffs for the implementation of this type of masonry by professional finishers;
The complexity and complexity of the work.
Materials of manufacture
Mosaic is made from the following types of materials:
Clay;
A rock;
Glass;
Ceramics;
Tree;
Metals
Smalt.
Often, designers use a combination of several types made from different bases. In cases where you need to find the most economical option, any one variety is combined with ordinary ceramic tiles.
To increase the period of use, apply colorless varnish over the tile.
Types of mosaics
This category of cladding is classified not only by the type of material of manufacture, but also by the type of base.
Variety of the basics
Description
1. The grid.
A certain number of elements in the desired order is superimposed on the base. The result is a square-shaped samples, which in the form of a square, rectangle are mounted on the wall. With such squares, it is easy and quick to arrange convexities, corners, niches, protrusions of any area, etc. This is due to the flexibility and ductility of the mesh.
2. Paper.
On the tiles laid out in the necessary order, paper is glued over the front side. It helps to maintain the desired order and uniformity. After all the components are stacked, the glue is dried, you need to moisten the paper with warm water, and carefully remove it.
3. Without reason.
Small particles are laid directly on the surface of the wall. This type of masonry is performed only by highly qualified finishers.
There is another gradation depending on the shape: square, rectangle, oval, broken lines, etc.
Glass
Glass mosaic is used not only in the interior of the bathroom, but also in rooms for other purposes. It is considered one of the oldest materials. Previously, it was almost unavailable due to the high cost.
According to external data and the composition of the tile, it almost corresponds to ordinary glass. The difference is increased strength. All ingredients are combined by incandescent to enormous temperatures - 1500 C. Then the molten mass is distributed in special forms. A high degree of strength is ensured by a unique technology of firing at high temperatures, and small size.
For a wide variety of colors, metal oxides are mixed into the composition.
Scope of application
Glass small tiles are actively used for decorating bathrooms or kitchens. Such material decorates the walls in saunas, pools, fountains.
Advantages:
a wide selection of glass cladding in various colors thanks to the natural coloring substances in the composition. Among the glass varieties one can find colorless models, bright or dark tones, gloss, and many others;
resistance to the growth of microbes, fungi and mold spores;
high strength tiles;
resistance to moisture and changing temperature conditions. It easily tolerates persistent frosts and high temperatures;
universality. It can be used both for walls and for floors;
low cost.
Ceramics
The most widely used option. This is an analogue of standard ceramic tiles of reduced size. The surface can be smooth, rough, have abrasions, inserts of other colors. It happens in different forms, the most demanded squares.
Benefits:
does not require special care;
resistant to cleaning substances;
strength and durability;
resistance to moisture and temperature changes;
A wide variety of color options gives a chance to realize non-standard design ideas.
Smalt
This type of product is made by pressing multi-colored glass and dyes. There are exotic colors - gold, turquoise, blue, or classic - white, black, yellow, gray, beige, etc. The resulting mass is “fried” at high temperatures.
Advantages:
does not lose its properties under the influence of highly toxic chemicals;
easily tolerates high humidity and temperature changes;
unusually beautiful, bright color palette;
variety of forms;
It is produced in the form of small elements, whole large pieces.
Minuses:
high price. It is explained by the complexity and high cost of the production process.
Using this variety, designers reproduce modern exclusive panels. To do this, the whole sheets are divided into parts of the desired size using a special tool. Such a front of work can only be done by professionals.
A natural stone
We can say that this is a budget option, with the exception of marble.
Everyone has a chance to use even pebbles collected by their own hands on any accessible coast.
It is made from different breeds of stones. As a result of various forms and types of processing, elements of incredible, irregular shapes are obtained. The stone can be polished, sanded, cut.
Benefits:
wear resistance;
strength, durability;
resistance to household chemicals;
resistance to temperature changes.
Scope of application
Stone mosaic panels found their application on the paths of personal plots, in the design of the walls of bathrooms, window sills, kitchen aprons and many other elements. The unusual thing is natural naturalness, a variety of shapes, colors and shades.
Drawings, ornaments, accents
Thanks to the fine details of the mosaic, you can create the most diverse, structural landscapes and panels. The principle of working with it resembles puzzles. A certain pattern or ornament is laid out from tiles in the same way. There are two main ways to lay out tiles:
Elements of tiles are laid out immediately on the surface of the floor, wall;
The tile is first laid on a special base, and then on the surface.
Some use ready-made designs and patterns, while someone designs, develops an individual ornament on their own. Laying is possible without observing a certain pattern or pattern.
In the bathroom, mosaic frames are often used - for mirrors, shelves, other objects. The layout in the form of a “rug” near the bathtub looks very non-standard and stylish. Niches and shelves decorated in this way will be very useful.Large bathrooms create whole paintings depicting flowing waterfalls, raging rivers, animals, dolphins, and other paintings. It may just be a symbolic pattern or ornament.
For the bathroom, certain tones of blue, blue, turquoise are most characteristic. They symbolize the expanses of water, sea waves.
Basic masonry options
The absence of a certain pattern.
There is no image, scheme. Parts are laid out in any order. There may be different colors, types.
Picture.
One of the most painstaking and time-consuming processes. It can be the embodiment of a complex art project. Requires a creative approach. The image is collected gradually, pointwise. In order not to make a mistake, you need to carefully follow the scheme.
Duplication of a fragment.
It is easy enough to complete such a pattern yourself. You just need to choose a simple element of decor, which will be systematically repeated. It can be a wave, stripes, etc.
Large blotches.
A large image is laid out on a plain background.
Graphic Images.
Simple layout in several colors.
Surface flexibility
The decor of curved, convex, or concave surfaces has some specifics, unlike the decor of a flat surface.
The mesh is taken as the basis for the particles of the mosaic.
On the flexible base, the facing material is laid out in the right order. If you are going to carry out this type of repair work yourself, you can first watch the training video on the Internet.
If such a mosaic is intended for the decor of a pool or bath, choose glass or ceramic types. The use of such tiles for the surface of the bathtub is the most difficult and time-consuming job due to its small area and smooth, rounded shapes.
Start laying tiles with smooth areas.
After finishing on a flat surface, you can go to the bends and bulges.Corner surfaces are laid out from the top of the corner to the sides.
In working with various irregularities, roundings, corners, you can not do without a tool that will divide the tiles into parts. This is a grinder with which you can divide the whole product and grind sharp edges.
The calculation of the curves will take a huge amount of time and measurements, fitting. All cuttings of any diameter and shape are useful here.
The solution, masking the seams, is applied in a diagonal manner, and not vertical, as on a straight surface.
Facing small items
Sites of a small area are more difficult to lay out with mosaics. All inaccuracies in the work will be immediately visible. Be sure to level the surface before starting work. It is better to start laying out the tiles from the center to the edges. Pay particular attention to the front rows. Do not rush to the edges, carefully measure, look for, or cut out suitable pieces.
What to look for when choosing a mosaic
Be sure to consider where you will use this material. For the floor, the mosaic is marked with a footprint icon. It is stronger and does not slip. Make sure that the lining material is resistant with household chemicals - this is the test tube icon on the package. Focus on quality. Mosaic has several varieties. The first is marked in red, the second is blue, the third is green. Calculate the amount of material needed. It depends on the size of the surface that you will decorate. You need to buy tiles in quantities greater than what is required.
In what cases is relevant
Mosaic today is popular and practically relevant. It is used to form a certain interior in rooms for various purposes. Often these small particles of tiles are used not only in rooms, but also in personal plots.
In bathrooms - furniture, interior items are framed, walls, floors are tiled, mats, bathtubs themselves, shower cubicle areas are laid out.
In the kitchen - an apron is created, a dining or working area is designated, countertops, window sills are made.
With the help of mosaics, baths, saunas, pools, fireplaces, fountains are decorated.
Mosaic is a type of facing material for all time. Having made a choice in his favor, the interior of the bathroom will correspond to fashion trends for many years to come.
The uniqueness lies in the fact that such a sample can always be made from any available means at hand. It can be old dishes, glass objects, porcelain, old tiles, and many other objects. Plan your interior design in advance, which should be the end result. Draw it on paper. And go! Cook this type of tile with your own hands, create and fantasize.
Mosaic tiles rightfully belong to the oldest of all existing cladding options. The first mention of its use falls on the fifth century BC. Since then, a lot of time has passed, a huge number of technologies have changed, a large number of new samples of building materials have been released. However, this type of product for wall decoration does not lose relevance.
Everyone who is going to make repairs in the bathroom has to solve a lot of difficult questions. The main one is the choice of the necessary, optimal means for decorating the walls in the room. Making the right choice is not so easy, because the bathroom is constantly high in humidity. In addition, the product must be resistant to detergents, cleaners. In apartments, for example, Khrushchev, often the bathroom is combined with a toilet, in connection with which this is especially important.
Mosaic is often used in the bathroom, the design allows you to create the most diverse style. It serves both for masonry walls and for floors. Use it to decorate the area around mirrors, sinks, sinks or showers.
Content
Advantages and disadvantages
Today, many prefer an alternative to the usual, standard, uniform tile, and as a building material for covering the walls they choose a mosaic. Like any other coating sample, it has advantages and disadvantages.
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
Materials of manufacture
Mosaic is made from the following types of materials:
Often, designers use a combination of several types made from different bases. In cases where you need to find the most economical option, any one variety is combined with ordinary ceramic tiles.
Types of mosaics
This category of cladding is classified not only by the type of material of manufacture, but also by the type of base.
There is another gradation depending on the shape: square, rectangle, oval, broken lines, etc.
Glass
Glass mosaic is used not only in the interior of the bathroom, but also in rooms for other purposes. It is considered one of the oldest materials. Previously, it was almost unavailable due to the high cost.
According to external data and the composition of the tile, it almost corresponds to ordinary glass. The difference is increased strength. All ingredients are combined by incandescent to enormous temperatures - 1500 C. Then the molten mass is distributed in special forms. A high degree of strength is ensured by a unique technology of firing at high temperatures, and small size.
For a wide variety of colors, metal oxides are mixed into the composition.
Scope of application
Glass small tiles are actively used for decorating bathrooms or kitchens. Such material decorates the walls in saunas, pools, fountains.
Advantages:
Ceramics
The most widely used option. This is an analogue of standard ceramic tiles of reduced size. The surface can be smooth, rough, have abrasions, inserts of other colors. It happens in different forms, the most demanded squares.
Benefits:
Smalt
This type of product is made by pressing multi-colored glass and dyes. There are exotic colors - gold, turquoise, blue, or classic - white, black, yellow, gray, beige, etc. The resulting mass is “fried” at high temperatures.
Advantages:
Minuses:
Using this variety, designers reproduce modern exclusive panels. To do this, the whole sheets are divided into parts of the desired size using a special tool. Such a front of work can only be done by professionals.
A natural stone
We can say that this is a budget option, with the exception of marble.
It is made from different breeds of stones. As a result of various forms and types of processing, elements of incredible, irregular shapes are obtained. The stone can be polished, sanded, cut.
Benefits:
Scope of application
Stone mosaic panels found their application on the paths of personal plots, in the design of the walls of bathrooms, window sills, kitchen aprons and many other elements. The unusual thing is natural naturalness, a variety of shapes, colors and shades.
Drawings, ornaments, accents
Thanks to the fine details of the mosaic, you can create the most diverse, structural landscapes and panels. The principle of working with it resembles puzzles. A certain pattern or ornament is laid out from tiles in the same way. There are two main ways to lay out tiles:
Some use ready-made designs and patterns, while someone designs, develops an individual ornament on their own. Laying is possible without observing a certain pattern or pattern.
In the bathroom, mosaic frames are often used - for mirrors, shelves, other objects. The layout in the form of a “rug” near the bathtub looks very non-standard and stylish. Niches and shelves decorated in this way will be very useful.Large bathrooms create whole paintings depicting flowing waterfalls, raging rivers, animals, dolphins, and other paintings. It may just be a symbolic pattern or ornament.
For the bathroom, certain tones of blue, blue, turquoise are most characteristic. They symbolize the expanses of water, sea waves.
Basic masonry options
There is no image, scheme. Parts are laid out in any order. There may be different colors, types.
One of the most painstaking and time-consuming processes. It can be the embodiment of a complex art project. Requires a creative approach. The image is collected gradually, pointwise. In order not to make a mistake, you need to carefully follow the scheme.
It is easy enough to complete such a pattern yourself. You just need to choose a simple element of decor, which will be systematically repeated. It can be a wave, stripes, etc.
A large image is laid out on a plain background.
Simple layout in several colors.
Surface flexibility
The decor of curved, convex, or concave surfaces has some specifics, unlike the decor of a flat surface.
On the flexible base, the facing material is laid out in the right order. If you are going to carry out this type of repair work yourself, you can first watch the training video on the Internet.
If such a mosaic is intended for the decor of a pool or bath, choose glass or ceramic types. The use of such tiles for the surface of the bathtub is the most difficult and time-consuming job due to its small area and smooth, rounded shapes.
After finishing on a flat surface, you can go to the bends and bulges.Corner surfaces are laid out from the top of the corner to the sides.
In working with various irregularities, roundings, corners, you can not do without a tool that will divide the tiles into parts. This is a grinder with which you can divide the whole product and grind sharp edges.
The calculation of the curves will take a huge amount of time and measurements, fitting. All cuttings of any diameter and shape are useful here.
Facing small items
Sites of a small area are more difficult to lay out with mosaics. All inaccuracies in the work will be immediately visible. Be sure to level the surface before starting work. It is better to start laying out the tiles from the center to the edges. Pay particular attention to the front rows. Do not rush to the edges, carefully measure, look for, or cut out suitable pieces.
What to look for when choosing a mosaic
Be sure to consider where you will use this material. For the floor, the mosaic is marked with a footprint icon. It is stronger and does not slip. Make sure that the lining material is resistant with household chemicals - this is the test tube icon on the package. Focus on quality. Mosaic has several varieties. The first is marked in red, the second is blue, the third is green. Calculate the amount of material needed. It depends on the size of the surface that you will decorate. You need to buy tiles in quantities greater than what is required.
In what cases is relevant
Mosaic today is popular and practically relevant. It is used to form a certain interior in rooms for various purposes. Often these small particles of tiles are used not only in rooms, but also in personal plots.
In bathrooms - furniture, interior items are framed, walls, floors are tiled, mats, bathtubs themselves, shower cubicle areas are laid out.
In the kitchen - an apron is created, a dining or working area is designated, countertops, window sills are made.
With the help of mosaics, baths, saunas, pools, fireplaces, fountains are decorated.
Mosaic is a type of facing material for all time. Having made a choice in his favor, the interior of the bathroom will correspond to fashion trends for many years to come.
The uniqueness lies in the fact that such a sample can always be made from any available means at hand. It can be old dishes, glass objects, porcelain, old tiles, and many other objects. Plan your interior design in advance, which should be the end result. Draw it on paper. And go! Cook this type of tile with your own hands, create and fantasize.