A mosaic is defined as a tile of any material or shape that measures 2 inches or less in size. Mosaics are typically sold in sheets held together by mesh on the back or paper on the front to help facilitate installation. Both types of mosaics install the same way; the paper is removed from the front of the tiles once they are set.
- 1
Measure your kitchen backsplash. Measure off an area of equal size on the floor or a table nearby. Lay out full sheets of mosaic tile in this area to determine layout. Practice laying the sheets close enough together so the gaps between the sheets are equal to the grout joints inside the sheets.
- 2
Trim the mesh or paper holding the mosaics together with a razor blade to cut the sheets to fit the edges of the installation. Use tile nippers to cut individual tiles if needed.
- 3
Spread a small amount of mortar onto the backsplash. Key the mortar with the grooves on the trowel to get the mortar to an even thickness. Use the flat edge of the trowel to flatten out the resulting ridges to create a smooth surface for the mosaics to be installed on.
- 4
Press the sheets of mosaic tile onto the backsplash area in the same pattern you predetermined. Press the sheets from the bottom to the top, smoothing them upward with your hand. Lay a block of wood against the mosaics and hit the wood with a mallet to beat the mosaics into the mortar evenly.
- 5
Remove any paper from the front of the mosaics after one hour. Soak a sponge in water and press the sponge to the paper. When the paper is saturated, peel it away from the mosaics. Let the mortar dry for another 24 to 48 hours.
- 6
Grout your mosaic tile backsplash. Spread grout over all the tiles, pressing firmly with a grout float. A float is a rubber tool that spreads the grout. Hold it at a slight angle to the mosaics and drag the grout into place. Wait 10 minutes for the grout to begin to dry, and wash away the excess with a slightly dampened sponge. The grout will cure completely after three weeks.
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