5 Must-Have Features in a Loose Mosaic Tiles

So, you’ve got your eyes set on spicing up your space with a custom mosaic—awesome choice! But guess what? Challenges might sneak up on you, and that’s where this guide comes in! Learn about the pesky mosaic tile problems and get pro tips on how to avoid them.

With competitive price and timely delivery, Ralart Mosaic sincerely hope to be your supplier and partner.

Adding Mosaic Tile Art to Your Space

If you’re looking for that extra something to complete the design aesthetic of a space you’re working on, mosaic just might be the answer. Mosaic tile art has a rich history that spans over centuries. From ancient Roman dwellings to modern spaces, mosaics have withstood the test of time, ever-evolving but never outdated. What makes these tile embellishments timeless and popular is the perfect balance of ornamental properties and utilitarian functions.

Why Go Custom?

Why settle for off-the-shelf when you can have a mosaic that’s as unique as you are? Custom mosaics, especially those crafted from sleek glass, bring a vibe that’s all yours. From vibrant color themes to textures that pop, the options are endless. 

But here’s the scoop – getting that dream mosaic isn’t always a walk in the park. Even the coolest ventures come with their share of hiccups. No worries, though – consider me your friendly guide through the maze of mosaic madness.

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Mosaic Tile Problems

What Can Go Wrong with Mosaics?

There are plenty of things that can go wrong when ordering a custom made mosaic for your space. This would cause a loss in terms of money and time, which can be an inconvenience to say the least. Problems could set you back a few grand and disturb your whole renovation or project completion timeline.

Fret not! You can easily avoid those issues by putting some time in researching to find the perfect mosaic solution, picking a trustworthy tile supplier and hiring an experienced tile installer-slash-contractor to do the job. Let us have a look at some things that need to be considered while getting a custom-designed glass tile mosaic. I have listed some common issues that can arise and smart ways on how they can be avoided.

1. Precision Predicaments – Mismatched Mosaic Size

Imagine ordering the perfect mosaic tile art and finding out during installation that it is not fitting right. Oh, the horror!

Issue: Mosaic Won’t Fit Perfectly

When ordering custom-designed mosaic for your walls, niches or backsplashes it is important to get them made precisely to the size of the space where it will be installed. 

For repeating pattern mosaic or random color blend, this won’t be a problem because the tile installer can simply cut off the excess if any, or add some tile to cover the difference. It would not disturb the overall look of the mosaic wall art. 

However, if it is a design or an image that must not be cropped from any side, the difference in mosaic size and the area of the space can be an unsightly design misfortune. It will ruin the whole design.

How To Avoid It

• Simple rectangular areas can be calculated by just measuring the length and width. 
• For other shapes and more complicated surfaces, you can either
  • get the help of your architect (they can calculate mark the exact area on the blueprints) or
  • take a large sheet of paper and trace out the area. You can then cut, fold and send these templates to the mosaic company and they will take care of the rest. 
• For random color blends (like this mosaic blend swimming pool) and repeating patterns, the issue can be solved more easily. It is just a matter of ordering a little extra (about 10-15% overage) and having the installer cut off the excess strips if any.

2. Style Meets Struggle – Clashes with the Interior Design

Ever brought home a gorgeous outfit only to realize it doesn’t vibe with your wardrobe? It happens with mosaics too.

Issue: Mosaic Does Not Go Well With the Interior

Tiles make the room, given that it is wisely picked with the rest of the interior design theme in mind. If planned well, mosaic tile art can upgrade the entire visual appeal of the space. However, you have to ensure that the mosaic compliments the colors and style of the room, or an outdoor space.

How To Avoid It

To minimize the risk of design and color clash, you get an idea of how that tile and design would look in the actual space. There are ways to achieve that, you can ask for tile samples and add them to your mood board. The great thing about samples is that you can place it in the exact setting where you want to get the mosaic installed. This will allow you to see how the tiles look in the artificial and natural light unique to that area. You can even get 2D & 3D renders prepared, this will give you an idea of how the complete mosaic tile design will fit in the space. Renders also help you choose the perfect design from several different options.

Visualize Your Custom Mosaic with Free Renders

While these services can usually cost up to 250 USD, excluding the revision charges, with MEC they are all on the house. We provide renders and design consultation as a part of your custom mosaic order package. Providing the client what they would love is our priority.

3. Design Dilemma – Limited Combinations & Palettes

Catalogs are cool, but what if none scream “you”? Time for a custom design, right?

Issue: Can’t Find What You Want

When looking at a design catalog, do you ever think to yourself, “these look great, but none of them are exactly what I am looking for? If only I could change the color palette or get the design tweaked a little…”. Trust us, we all do. Every room is unique, everyone’s aesthetic preferences are different, so it doesn’t make sense to try to fit a mass-produced ready-made design option. 

We understand how important getting everything right is for our clients. After all, you have invested so much time in putting together the perfect interior, you shouldn’t have to compromise on the mosaic tile design.

How To Avoid It

This is where customized designs come in. You won’t have to pick from a handful of design options and colors anymore. Nor should personalization have to cost you extra. You deserve a mosaic design made just for you, a tile masterpiece that is produced for your space. 

4. The Grout Color Conundrum

Grout can make or break your mosaic game. Let’s not get it wrong.

Issue: The Wrong Grout Color Ruins the Mosaic Look

Picking the right grout color might be as important as choosing the mosaic tile design itself. If the grout color blends with the mosaic tile colors, the mosaic effect will be lost and the individual tiles will not stand out. If it is too dark or contrasting, the grout grid might overpower the mosaic design and would be too distracting. Grout spacing between the tiles is important as well.

How To Avoid It

Generally, different shades of grey work with most mosaic designs. However, if you find it too bland or it does go with your mosaic tiles you can try clear translucent epoxy grout by MAPEI, Laticrete or another trusted tile adhesive and grout brand. If you are still undecided between a couple of different colors, you can consult with your tile contractor or the mosaic tile provider. When you choose MEC for your custom mosaic tile art, you get free ground color consultation and renders, so that’s a plus!

5. Budget Blues – Paying a Pretty Penny

Quality comes at a cost, but overpaying? That’s not part of the plan.

Issue: Custom Mosaics That Break the Bank

If you are looking for a custom-designed mosaic, made with premium quality tiles that follow industry standards, the cost might be a concern. Some mosaic providers use substandard mosaic tiles and might overcharge you. Other mosaic brands have amazing quality control systems but expensive customization options. Considering the quality and price is important when it comes to mosaics, it should not cost you a fortune.

How To Avoid It

Here are some things you can do to  Do your research. Compare brands, features, and prices. Ask the mosaic provider if their tiles comply with industry standards, see the technical specification yourself. These steps will save you a lot of trouble and regret later. Learn all about how MEC manages to offer quality custom mosaics at the best prices.

6. Delivery Drama – Mosaic Mishaps in Transit

The journey home can be a bumpy ride for your mosaic. Secure packing is the unsung hero.

Are you interested in learning more about Loose Mosaic Tiles? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!

Issue: Mosaic Gets Damaged in Transit

If you are picking up your mosaic yourself, you probably do not need to worry about this. However, if your mosaic is getting shipped from another location to you, there is always a risk of damage during transit. Reasons might include, mishandling of packages, poorly packed mosaic or just the regular shaking and turbulence associated with various forms of transportation.

How To Avoid It

Properly packing the mosaic is vital for its safety. We have an exclusive packing system where we make a custom wooden box for each project that we ship out. It is further lined with special packing material to cushion the mosaic and minimize the impact of shocks and shakes. The damage risks are greatly controlled just by paying a little extra attention to the packing and opting for insurance. Furthermore, we have some trusted logistics partners such as DHL, who do their best to safely deliver your easy-to-assemble mosaics to your doorstep.

Moving on to post-installation mosaic issues now. So far we have talked about some common problems with ordering custom mosaics and ways to avoid them. Here are some further mosaic tile issues, that might arise after the installation, and what you can do to minimize the risk to virtually zero.

Installation Ins and Outs

Having your custom-made mosaic tile ruined because of installation problems is the last thing you, we know! However, there are many mosaic projects that face an unfortunate fate just because the installation was sub-par. Following are just some of the ways poor installation can affect what could have been a mosaic tile masterpiece.

7. Mosaic Tiles are Uneven

Your mosaic’s fate lies in the hands of the installer. No pressure, right?

Issue: Uneven Mosaic Tiles & Misaligned Grout Lines

This could be a result of not adequately preparing the surface or an uneven application of adhesive. Other problems include grout lines that are not equal, which creates an unsightly patchy effect. Grout lines should be uniform throughout the mosaic to achieve a seamless look.

How To Avoid It

An expert tile installer – Getting a trustworthy tile installer will almost eliminate the risk of all the installation issues mentioned above. Sometimes, the tile installer would try to put the blame of their own mistake over the mosaic tile or installation material used. An expert mosaic tile contractor would know the best techniques and can recommend which laying and fixing material would suit your project the best. Make sure that the tile contractor you hire, has prior experience with mosaic tile installation. Ask to see photographs from their previous projects. Authentic testimonials are always a plus.

8. Mosaic Tiles Start Falling Off

Tiles on a free fall? Not cool. Let’s keep them where they belong.

Issue: Loose Tiles Falling Out

The falling mosaic tiles issue could be caused by a number of reasons from low-quality adhesive and grout material to the wrong use of standard laying and fixing materials to using the wrong kind of backing for mosaic sheets.

How To Avoid It

We recommend adhesive and grout by MAPEI and Laticrete. Your tile contractor can recommend other reliable options that are good with mosaics as well. Furthermore, if you are ordering mosaic for a swimming pool or another space that is submerged in water, make sure that you ask your mosaic provider to send paper face-mounted mosaic instead of mesh back-mounted one. Mesh back is a big no-no for pool mosaic designs, as it limits the adhesive surface area on the tile and creates tiny gaps that accumulate mold over time, which can be a serious mosaic tile problem. Discover your favorite pool mosaic design from MEC Artworks’ extensive collection.

TL:DR – A Summary of All The Mosaic Tile Problems Covered

Did you just want a quick overview of the mosaic tile problems mentioned in this article without all the boring details? I’ve got you covered. Here is a handy cheat-sheet for a quick reference:

Conclusion

So, yes, in the world of custom mosaics, a few bumps might pop up. But hey, a bit of research and asking the right questions can help you dodge those hurdles easily. We really hope this guide has been helpful for you. Here’s to your creative journey—may your mosaic adventures be nothing but joyful and satisfying. Happy creating!

Custom-made handcrafted mosaics – Sounds fancy, right? Well, we promise to make it simpler and more affordable for you!

Worry Less with MEC

From providing free design consultation, renderings, and samples to inventive ways of cutting down the production timelines and prices; we have taken all measures to simplify the mosaic ordering process for you. Quality and customization shouldn’t have to be complicated and pricey. Here at MEC, we strive to make custom handmade mosaics more accessible to everyone.

It’s common to get some problems with your swimming pool tiles after a long-time use. You may find some cracked tiles or chipped tiles in your pool and few is falling off from the surface. It is necessary to make a complete re-tile of swimming pool each 20 years. While you can first do some simple and quick repairs to prevent your swimming pool tiles falling off again.

Using some simple tools, you can do small simple repairs on your own in a short time. Just read the following tips.

1. Remove the loose mosaic tiles with a small flathead screwdriver. And use small pliers to remove the grout stuck onto the pieces’ sides. Remember that any old grout which remains stuck to the tile’s edge.

2. Remove any loose and flaking material from the wall behind the mosaic tiles. If you find cracks in the pool wall area behind the tile, these should be opened up, and fill it with hydraulic cement, pushing the cement as far back as possible into the crack. Pay focus on those large cracks that are likely to cause your mosaic tiles falling off in the first place.

If the area is uneven with missing chunks of material, it also should be filled with a pool plaster mix, so that we have a smooth base to set the mosaic tile against. Notice that not to build up the area too much, so that the new mosaic tiles will be with the tiles on either side. If possible, preserving the plaster’s ledge at the bottom of mosaic tiles, can support the mosaic tiles wile the mortar dries.

3. Mix up a small batch of thin set mortar. Wet the area you want to tiling before applying the thin set. Something like peanut butter will appear after mixing to a spreadable consistency. Then use a notched trowel to spread the mix in an even, thin coating.

Spread the mixture on the area that you can reasonably affix the mosaic tiles within a few minutes. Generally, large mosaic tiles will be easier to set than small mosaic tiles. Press the pool tiles firmly into the thinset mortar wall until it squeezes out from behind. Do the work fast  before the mortar begins to dry. A cooler environment would be preferred.

Check the previous work after setting the pool mosaic tiles piecesevery 10 minutes or so. You may find our some tile pieces begin to slide down the wall, just push the tile back into position without a lot of motions. Vertical pieces of duct tape can be used to help tape large tiles stop falling off and be in place temporarily.

4. Gout the tiles. Use a waterproof tile grout to seal all spaces in between mosaic tile after the tile has been set in place for 24 hours. Use a flexible spreader to push the grout, after 10 to 15 minutes, take some water to clean up the extra grout that smeared onto the tiles. After 24 hours, you can use a stiff brush to remove the haze and polish the tiles.

5. Finally, fill the swimming pool back up, and your work gets done!

Contact us to discuss your requirements of Pool Mosaic Tiles. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.