How to Create a Mosaic in Floor Tile
- 1). Roll out a piece of butcher paper on the floor next to the mosaic. The paper should be slightly larger than the area of flooring you plan to fill. Sketch your mosaic design onto the paper to create a template.
- 2). Lay out the tiles on the butcher paper. Use tessarae, or mosaic tile, that is the same thickness as your ceramic tile or use pieces of the ceramic in lieu of tessarae. Trim pieces of tile that need to be cut with tile nippers. Create a mock-up of your design on the butcher paper.
- 3). Spread ¼ inch of cement-based mortar over the floor space with a trowel. Work in small, six foot by six foot sections at a time to prevent the mortar from drying before the tiles are set.
- 4). Set the mosaic pieces gently in the mortar to match your template design. Leave enough space, roughly 1/4 inch, between the tiles for grout. Most mosaics are set freehand without tile spacers but spacers can be used to help provide enough space for the grout. Move and arrange the pieces until you are pleased with the design. Press the tiles firmly into the mortar. Let the mortar dry.
- 5). Spread grout across the mosaic tiles with a grout float. Choose a grout color that matches the grout used on the rest of the floor or add contrast by using a different color. Smooth the grout into any open spaces between the mosaic tiles. Let the grout set for 15 to 20 minutes.
- 6). Dip a sponge into clean water and ring it out until damp. Wipe away any grout and mortar residue from the surface of the mosaic tiles with the damp sponge. Rinse the sponge often. Completely remove all traces of mortar and grout. Avoid working the sponge in between the tiles, as that can weaken the grout lines.
- 7). Buff the surface of the tiles with a soft cloth or newspaper to remove any haze left on the surface of the tile. Let the grout dry overnight.