DIY Network

Glass Mosaic Shower Tile with style thanks to these easy-hang tile sheets. From "Bathroom Renovations" episode DBTR-508

Matt and Michelle can rest easy – they don't have to set the gazillion tiny tiles for their custom shower one at a time. Amy Matthews shows these homeowners how to lay the tiny tiles quickly and make the most of the material's beauty.

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Sheets of glass mosaic make this tiling job go quickly.

Materials:

glass mosaic tile sheets
bucket
white thinset tile adhesive
drill with mixing bit
3/16" V-notched trowel
utility knife
wood block
hammer
sponge

	Figure A
	Figure B

Glass Mosaic Shower

• Wearing safety glasses and a dust mask, use a drill with a mixing bit to mix white thinset tile adhesive until it has the same consistency as toothpaste (figure A).

  Safety Alert: Always wear safety glasses and a dust mask when mising tile adhesive, grout or any other powdered masonry compound.

• Spread thinset on the wall using a 3/16" V-notched trowel. Apply the thinset to the wall and spread it evenly, using the notched edge to get the correct depth and create ridges in the tile. Before laying the tile, however, go over the thinset with the flat edge of the trowel (figure B). This will knock down the peaks in the thinset so they don't show through the glass. However, the air pockets created by the ridges will help the tile adhere better.

• Lay a sheet of glass mosaic tiles in the thinset. Press over the sheet with a wooden block and tap the block lightly with a hammer to makes sure all the tiles are evenly adhered.

• Continue laying tile. When less than a full sheet is needed, trim away the excess with a utility knife.

• Before the thinset is completely dry, wet down the backs of the tile sheets with warm water and a sponge. Let it stand for a few minutes, then peel the paper off to expose the tile.

• When all the tile is up, carefully check for missing tiles. Back-butter individual tiles and press into place to fill gaps. Matt and Michelle also used sets of four small tiles as an accent in the marble-tiled floor.

• Let the thinset cure completely according to the instructions, then grout with a grout compound suitable for glass tile.

RESOURCES :
Mosaic Tile
Oceanside Glass
Website: www.oceansideglass.com