Mosaico
Useful answers
PROVISION OF MOSAIC TILES
How are mosaic tiles provided?
Mosaic tiles are provided on a fibreglass mesh glued to the back of the tiles, or on sheets of gummed paper glued to the front of the tiles. The paper sheets are removed during the installation process.
Are the 20x20 mm tiles on paper and those on mesh priced the same?
Yes.
Does Bisazza provide mosaic tiles mounted on transparent film?
No. Bisazza mosaic tiles are mounted on fibreglass mesh or on gummed paper. In the former case, the mesh is glued to the back of the tiles; in the latter, the paper support is glued to the front of the mosaic tiles.
Do the mosaic tiles have sharp edges?
No. All of the mosaic tiles in the Bisazza collections have bevelled or rounded edges so they are not sharp. Only the edges of the tiles in the Vintage collection are intentionally uneven and not bevelled.
The single exception is the artistic mosaics which are composed of hand-cut tiles which must be installed and grouted with special care to avoid split edges that can be sharp.
If I order a combination of mosaic tiles, can I choose how many tiles of each colour will be on each sheet?
No. The blend is produced with an exact number of tiles for each colour, calculated by square meter (not by sheet) and their arrangement is always random.
Will the mosaic tiles provided be the same identical colour as the sample seen at the dealer’s shop?
No. The glass manufacturing process is such that various batches may have slight variations in colour. Thus, the colours in the samples may show variations within a set range of manufacturing tolerance.
If I re-order the same material, will Bisazza guarantee that the colour of the two orders will be the same?
Yes, if at the time of the re-order the batch number of the previous order is indicated, and the material from the same batch is still available. If the same batch is no longer available, the shade of the new material could be slightly different from that of the previous order.
For a swimming pool or damp environment, can I choose any Bisazza mosaic colour?
Yes. Except for mosaic Oro Bis in white colour (which must be replaced by Platinum). For the following collections and especially transparent colours, we recommend to use the Bisazza eGlue adhesive:
- • all colours in the Canvas series
- • all colours in the Opera series
- • Vetricolor series: VTC 20.03 - VTC 20.05 - VTC 20.09 - VTC 20.15 - VTC 20.18 - VTC 20.37 - VTC 20.62 - VTC 20.87 (also in 10x10 mm format)
- • Flow series: FL 09 - FL 87
PREPARATION OF THE SUBSTRATE
How should the substrate be prepared?
Installation on plaster: the substrate must be perfectly smooth, flat and uniform, it must be thoroughly dry, firm and stable. Not suitable for the Installation on fine mortar.
Installation on metal or fiberglass: the substrate must have a slightly rough surface and must be cleaned and perfectly degreased before installation.
Installation on heated flooring: ensure that the floor heating system has already been tested and test cycles conducted. Installation must take place when the system is turned off.
How do I prepare the swimming pool substrate?
For information regarding swimming pool installation, please consult the SWIMMING POOL manual available in the technical section of the website.
How long do I have to wait after applying the skim coat before installing the mosaic using the Bisazza AD HOC adhesive?
The waiting time will strictly depend on the temperature and humidity in the area involved. Before you begin installation, make certain that the skimmed surface is completely dry.
What should I do if there are expansion joints present?
Any expansion joints present in the substrate must be respected, including during installation of the mosaic, by using the appropriate edging or silicone and making sure the underlying expansion joints remain perfectly aligned. The positioning of any fittings is not within the purview of Bisazza’s responsibility.
INSTALLATION AND TECHNICAL PRODUCTS
Should the mosaic be installed by a professional installer?
Yes, it is better if the installer is specialized in the installation of mosaics, which calls for a technique that is different than the one that is used for ceramic tiles.
What is in the Installation kit?
It contains 2.7 kg of AD HOC cement adhesive and 3 kg of Fillgel epoxy grout: the amount needed to skim coat, install and grout a 2.07 sq.m. box of 20x20 mm mosaic tiles and two 1.03 sq.m. boxes of 10x10 mm mosaic tiles.
What is in the Epoxy Installation kit?
It contains 3.24 kg of epoxy eGlue adhesive and 3 kg Fillgel epoxy grout: the amount needed to install and grout a 2.07 sq.m. box of 20x20 mm mosaic tiles and two 1.03 sq.m. boxes of 10x10 mm mosaic tiles.
Can the mosaic be installed on the facade of a building, even in climates where the temperature drops below zero?
Yes, except for the 5X5 collection (5x5 cm tiles).
Can the mosaic be installed in a swimming pool, even in climates where the temperature drops below zero?
Yes, in this case, we recommend not draining the pool during the winter. For additional information regarding swimming pool installation, please consult the SWIMMING POOL manual available in the technical section of the website.
Can the mosaic be installed over an existing cladding or facing?
Yes, thanks to the narrow thickness (4 mm, or 6 mm in some collections) of the mosaic, it can be installed over pre-existing cladding, but only after ascertaining that the substrate is stable and compact.
Can the mosaic be installed on a substrate other than plaster, such as wood, metal or plasterboard?
Yes, for these substrates, use the Bisazza eGlue epoxy adhesive.
How do I position the gummed paper sheet of mosaic tiles? Do I need to remove the paper?
Yes, the sheet is positioned with the paper on the outside surface, facing the installer, and is removed before the adhesive is dry (i.e. during its open time) and before you begin grouting.
How thick is the installed mosaic, including the adhesive?
If the mosaic is 4 mm thick and a 3.5 mm notched tile trowel is used, the final thickness is approx. 5 to 5.5 mm; the thickness becomes approx. 8 mm when the mosaic is 6 mm thick (5X5 and Opera), and a 5 mm notched tile trowel is used.
Why isn’t the AD HOC cement adhesive sufficient to cover the job?
Calculation of adhesive consumption includes some loss and/or waste during application and provides for two coats of white skim compound. If it does not provide sufficient coverage to glue the surface area involved, it is possibly due to one of the following errors:
• after mixing, the adhesive was not allowed to rest for at least 3 minutes before application
• a notched trowel of the wrong size was used, i.e., larger than that recommended
• the surface was not prepared properly and is not flat
• the skim coat applied is too thick
• after mixing, the adhesive was not allowed to rest for at least 3 minutes before application
• a notched trowel of the wrong size was used, i.e., larger than that recommended
• the surface was not prepared properly and is not flat
• the skim coat applied is too thick
Why does the adhesive leak out of the joints?
The substrate may not be flat and may contain hollows; in this case, in addition to leaking out, it may consume more adhesive than intended and result in an insufficient amount to complete the installation.
Or, an inappropriate tile trowel was used, or the trowel was held at an incorrect angle (the correct inclination is 45°).
Can I use the AD HOC cement adhesive to install Oro Bis tiles in a swimming pool or in humid areas?
Yes, Oro Bis (yellow) can be installed with AD HOC, with the addition of Ultra latex. For more information, consult the documentation in the technical area of our website.
If I use both adhesive and epoxy grout to lay the mosaic in a humid environment, will I have problems with infiltration?
For complete waterproofing, treat the substrate with a waterproofing product made specifically for that purpose. Although both the adhesive and the grout are epoxy, they do not waterproof the substrate. For additional information regarding swimming pool installation, please consult the SWIMMING POOL manual available in the technical section of the website.
Why is it important to use white adhesive?
Because glass mosaics are semi-transparent, a non-white adhesive used for the skim and/or for adhesion will alter the final colour of the mosaic.
How long should I wait before grouting with FILLGEL PLUS UVR?
Waiting time will strictly depend on the temperature and humidity in the area involved. The minimum wait time is 24 hours. In any case, before grouting, make certain the adhesive is perfectly dry. For more information, consult the documentation in the technical area of our website.
How long after installation should I wait before using the areas where the mosaic was installed?
As for swimming pools, before filling the pool, you must wait at least 14 days. For other areas, it is crucial to wait 4 days before covering a grouted mosaic floor. In all cases, avoid allowing dust into the area in the first 4 days after grouting.
Why should I grout the mosaic with the grout colour recommended by Bisazza?
Because the grout colour can affect the appearance of the final colour of the mosaic itself. The pairing recommended by Bisazza is based on decades of experience and ensures an aesthetically harmonious result.
Does Bisazza provide the silicone?
No. Depending on the location where it will be used, silicone products from other manufacturers are available, even in coloured versions, that can be paired with our grout.
Why didn’t the FILLGEL PLUS UVR grout provide sufficient coverage?
Calculation of grout consumption includes some loss and/or waste. If the amount is not sufficient to grout the surface area involved, it is possibly due to one of the following errors:
A. during the mosaic installation phase:
• inside-out placement of the gummed paper sheet; the paper was positioned on the back of the mosaic;
• use of a notched trowel with smaller notches than those recommended (see technical sheets), which leads to greater depth of the joints between sheets and to the need for more grout.
B. during grouting:
• imprecise spreading of the product with resulting waste.
A. during the mosaic installation phase:
• inside-out placement of the gummed paper sheet; the paper was positioned on the back of the mosaic;
• use of a notched trowel with smaller notches than those recommended (see technical sheets), which leads to greater depth of the joints between sheets and to the need for more grout.
B. during grouting:
• imprecise spreading of the product with resulting waste.
Can I use FILLGEL PLUS UVR to grout products other than glass mosaics?
Yes. FILLGEL PLUS UVR is formulated for grouting glass mosaics but it is also ideal for use on porcelain stoneware with a smooth, non-porous surface.
Like all epoxy products, it is not indicated for grouting natural materials like marble, granite, parquet, etc.
CARE AND MAINTENANCE OF MOSAICS
How do I clean the mosaic?
For care and cleaning of glass mosaic surfaces, use household detergents (except any that contain hydrofluoric acid or phosphoric acid), making sure to rinse abundantly with water. No cleaning product whatsoever should be used on hot surfaces or those exposed to direct sunlight. Avoid the use of abrasive products and high-pressure water jets (do not pressure wash).
Can the mosaic surface be drilled?
Yes, with a drill equipped with diamond drill bits. If possible, drill at a tile intersection, otherwise, start with a small-size drill bit and then finish with one of the correct size.
In the case of older mosaic surfaces with cement grout, can I replace the grout with a newer product, like epoxy grout?
Yes, if the mosaic is in good condition and well-adhered to the substrate; for information contact us at installation.department@bisazza.com.
POST-INSTALLATION SOLUTIONS
The FILLGEL PLUS UVR grout has turned yellow in some places, what can I do?
An improper mixture of the two components (A+B) of the product, or no rinse off of the paper adhesive residue before grouting, can turn out into yellow spots on the grout. If the problem appears only in a few places on the surface, the damaged grout must be removed and re-grouted. To do this, use a heat gun and set it to 180°C (356°F) and remove the damaged grout with a grout removal tool.
The surface grouted with FILLGEL PLUS UVR has white spots in some places: what can I do?
There can be several causes for this flaw:
• the presence of moisture or wash water that remained between the adhesive and the grout;
• insufficient pressure during grouting resulting in areas with very little grout;
• excessive amount of adhesive between the joints that was not adequately removed before grouting.
If the problem appears only in a few places on the surface, the damaged grout must be removed and re-grouted. To do this, use a heat gun and set it to 180°C (356°F) and remove the damaged grout with a grout removal tool.
• the presence of moisture or wash water that remained between the adhesive and the grout;
• insufficient pressure during grouting resulting in areas with very little grout;
• excessive amount of adhesive between the joints that was not adequately removed before grouting.
If the problem appears only in a few places on the surface, the damaged grout must be removed and re-grouted. To do this, use a heat gun and set it to 180°C (356°F) and remove the damaged grout with a grout removal tool.
The tiles come off, what should I do?
If individual tiles have detached, use a specifically formulated adhesive or silicone to re-attach the tile.
For more widespread detachment, it is crucial to examine the substrate and determine the type of installation in order to understand the cause.
The surface of the mosaic is not flat and some tiles project, is this to be expected?
No. Bisazza mosaics are flat. If the installation was executed properly, the tiled surface should be perfectly smooth. Any slight protrusions of the tiles above the surface are attributable to improper installation of the mosaic or to a substrate that was not perfectly flat.
Some of the mosaic tiles are cracked, why?
Any cracks in the installed mosaic are attributable to errors in installation or movement in the substrate. Cracks should not be confused with crazing in some types of tiles, which is perfectly normal and superficial.
Can I remove epoxy grout from a broad surface area?
Yes, using E REMOVER PLUS. For more information, consult the documentation in the technical area of our website.