How to Adhere a Fiberglass Mesh Mosaic to a Wall

The intricate design of a mosaic may add an old-world appeal to a room. Creating a mosaic by placing the tiles onto the wall one-by-one can be a cumbersome process. Pre-made mosaics come on fiberglass mesh backing that directly adheres to the wall. This allows people without time or artistic skill to install mosaics in their homes.

Measuring tape
Pencil
Tile mastic
Notched trowel
Grout
Plastic spatula
Damp sponge

Instructions

- 1
  Clean the wall where you’ll be applying the mosaic so it is free of grease and dirt. Clean the fiberglass mesh and tiles to remove any dust.
- 2
  Measure the perimeter of the fiberglass mesh mosaic. Draw pencil outlines on the wall where you will install the mosaic.
- 3
  Apply a layer of tile mastic to the wall within the pencil outline with a notched trowel. Mastics are premixed and you apply it as-is from the container.
- 4
  Pick up the fiberglass mesh mosaic, line it up with the pencil outline and press it into the tile mastic. Run your hands across the tile surface to help it adhere. Tile mastic quickly sets to hold mesh and tiles in place. Let the tile mastic dry for 24 hours.
- 5
  Mix a batch of tile grout, following your brand’s specific instructions. Apply the grout with a plastic spatula by spreading it out over the mosaic so it fills in the cracks between each tile and covers the mesh backing. Smooth away the grout from the tile surface with a damp sponge.

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