Mosaico

Useful answers

PROVISION OF MOSAIC TILES

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.
Yes.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
For more information, consult the SWIMMING POOL manual available in the technical section of the website.

PREPARATION OF THE SUBSTRATE

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.
For information regarding swimming pool installation, please consult the SWIMMING POOL manual available in the technical section of the website.
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.
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

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.
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.
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.
Yes, except for the 5X5 collection (5x5 cm tiles).
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.
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.
Yes, for these substrates, use the Bisazza eGlue epoxy adhesive.
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.
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.
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
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°).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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

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).
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.
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

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Yes, using E REMOVER PLUS. For more information, consult the documentation in the technical area of our website.