Installation and Maintenance of TREND Mosaics

• Angle grinder with crown diamond–continuous cutting disc
• “Special” diamond disc for cutting mosaics, diam. 110 mm
• Measuring set: tape measure and pencil
• String for marking the main reference grid
• Mosaic pliers and cutters
• Set of various-sized trowels – Floats
• Toothed spreader (Choose the one suitable for the material to be laid and the
• type of support to be used)
• Rubber float for grouting and felt-backed float
• Basin with roller and sponge for cleaning
• Low speed mixing drill with spiral mixer, necessary to ensure than the properties of the adhesives remain consistent

The substrate must be compact and free of cracks. If there is a tendency to flake or if it is warped from shrinking, it will not provide adequate support for the installation and correct Skimming must be carried out first. Skimming is also necessary in all cases where the base is not perfectly flat. With certain adhesives, it is possible to produce rendering up to 5 mm to correct small defects of the substrate; this operation must be carried out at least 24 hours before installing the mosaic.

Unless otherwise specified by the customer, the mosaic is usually installed on white adhesive to avoid altering its color. If the substrate is grey (especially dark grey), it is advisable to skim it with white adhesive to make the color of the substrate uniform before beginning to install the mosaic.

Every installation begins with unpacking the mosaics. It is advisable to verify the condition of each sheet of mosaic contained in the boxes before beginning the installation, and it is good practice to keep the same temperature as the surroundings.

The starting point is then identified and marked on the wall where the mosaic will be installed. Mark the guidelines at right angles to each other corresponding to the multiples of the sheets of mosaics previously measured.

Once the reference grid has been marked, the adhesive is spread over the base. First use the smooth edge of the notched spreader to ensure that the whole surface is covered. Excess adhesive is then removed using the notched edge of the spreader (3 mm square teeth), being careful to keep a steady inclination of the spreader and exerting sufficient pressure so that no more adhesive than necessary remains on the base.

Remove the protective paper sheet before installation.

Once the layout lines have been traced, spread the adhesive onto the substrate: first with the flat side of a 4 × 4 mm square-notched trowel to ensure full coverage, then remove the excess with the notched side, keeping the trowel at a consistent angle and applying adequate pressure so that only the necessary amount of adhesive remains.

The adhesive must be mixed with the correct amount of water, as indicated on the packaging, and must not be too liquid. The prepared quantity should be used within its open time without adding more water later. If work is interrupted, unused adhesive must not be reused.

Begin installation by pressing the mosaic sheet (face-side visible) onto the surface without applying excessive pressure.

Using a rubber float, tap the mosaic to ensure perfect adhesion to the substrate. During this step, any misalignment can be corrected by gently shifting the sheets sideways.

If necessary, the mosaic sheet can be cut to fit specific requirements:
A) With an angle grinder fitted with a continuous-rim diamond blade
B) In special cases, by manually cutting the polyurethane mesh (PUR) with a cutter
C) By cutting individual tiles with mosaic pliers

Once the reference grid has been marked and the adhesive spread over the base, the actual installation begins by applying the mosaic sheet with the plastic film facing towards the operator (not towards the surface) and without exerting too much pressure.

Tap the mosaic with the rubber float to ensure perfect adhesion to the surface. During this operation it is possible to correct any minor errors that might have been made in the alignment by lightly tapping sideways on the sheets.

The adhesive must not run over the joints. If this happens, it means
1) that the notches on the spreader are too large;
2) that the base is not perfectly flat and in some points there is excessive adhesive; or
3) that the notched spreader is not being used correctly.

During the installation some manual manipulation on the sheets of mosaics may be necessary. When this is required, the installer simply removes a single tile and substitutes it with another, being careful to ensure that the adhesive is still workable.

The plastic film is removed from the mosaic only when the adhesive is sufficiently hardened; the suggested time is approximately three hours. The motion should be carried out diagonally, keeping the film parallel to the mosaic . If during the removal of the film the mosaic moves, it is necessary to wait longer.

If the mosaic is face mounted, the paper should be facing the installer.

It will facilitate the installation if you position the stripes from the paper vertically on the surface.

It is important during the installation to keep the same distance between the sheets . Once the sheets are installed, use the rubber float to tap the mosaic into the adhesive and use the proper trowel to flatten the sheet.

The removal of the paper is performed using warm water and a sponge. Repeat the gentle sponging operation in the area you are working until you can remove the paper easily. You can also use a steamer to facilitate this process. Work carefully, because at this stage the adhesive may still be relatively fresh.

When removing the paper, pull diagonally from one top corner to the opposite bottom corner of the sheet. Grout lines can be adjusted before the adhesive cures.

Allow the adhesive to set before filling the joints: 24 hours for vertical walls and 48 hours for floors.

Using the rubber float, spread the grouting cement with vertical and horizontal movements applying a slight pressure to make sure the joints are well-filled. Use the rubber float diagonally to remove most of the excess filling.

The surface can be cleaned once the grout is dried. This time will vary according to the temperature of the surroundings, but will be between 30 and 60 minutes. Remove the excess grout using the special felt and a slightly dampened sponge; at all times be careful not to remove the filling from the joints.

It is very important to carry out this operation before the grout has completely hardened. Any eventual residue can be removed with a special acid-based product

Be sure to rinse everything thoroughly after this operation to avoid leaving traces of acid.

If there are any traces of adhesive on the mosaic, remove the dry excess with steel wool.

N.B. Adhere strictly to the manufacturer’s instructions for use of the adhesives and grout.

After a professional installation, your glass mosaic will look absolutely stunning. With its inherent ability to reflect light and color around your house or your commercial environment, it is unmatched by any other material.

Better yet, Glass Mosaic is basically maintenance-free.

Many products are marketed as “professional mosaic cleaners” but our experience is that the use of a generic glass-cleaning product is more than enough to keep your glass beautiful forever. If the surface occasionally needs degreasing, use a suitable degreasing product (recommended by your local adhesive supplier).

Speak with your professional installer about the cleaning of the grout joints. Depending on the type of grout adhesive it is recommend the use appropriate professional grade product. The most important point is that immediately after installation, the mosaic should already look clean and show absolutely no residue of grout.

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY THE INSTRUCTIONS WRITTEN ON THE BOX OF THE GROUTING MATERIAL YOU HAVE PURCHASED. There is a timeline you must follow. If you wait too long to clean the grout it can be a lengthy and difficult process. Simply pay attention and clean off all excess grout after you have spread it.

In commercial applications, or in kitchens, bathrooms, wet areas or swimming pools, TREND recommends using an epoxy grout in order to minimize the cleaning.

Remember that you have chosen a premium, high-quality mosaic, so be sure to select adhesive and grout of equally high quality to ensure a flawless and efficient installation.