How to Install Mosaic Tile on a Shower Floor
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Step 1: Mix the Thinset
Pour about an inch and a half of water into a bucket and add thinset. Use a drill with a whip attachment to mix, and let it slake for about 15 minutes.
Step 2: Smooth the Ridges
Smooth the ridges off the shower base with a seven-in-one tool.
Step 3: Cut the Glass Tile Sheets
Cut the glass tile sheets in half with a utility knife (Image 1). Use a tile nipper to cut the individual tiles in half to fill in the gaps (Image 2).
Step 4: Dry-Fit the Tile Sheets
Dry-fit the tile sheets to ensure the layout is correct.
Step 5: Clean the Shower Pan
Wipe the concrete shower pan off with a damp sponge. Dry concrete has a layer of dust which would impede the adhesion of the thinset.
Step 6: Smooth on the Thinset
Drop thinset onto the concrete with a corner trowel, and smooth it out with the flat edge of a trowel. Remove any excess until it is about 1/8" thick.
Step 7: Create a Smooth Surface
Drag a second, thinner layer with the v-notched edge of the trowel. Graze over the top layer with the flat edge, creating a smooth surface. This step is necessary for glass tile to ensure the grooves do not show through the tile.
Step 8: Place the Tiles
Lay out the sheets of tile and press gently around the entire surface (Image 1). Put all the full and half sheets in place, and fill in the gaps with the individual tiles (Image 2).
Step 9: Remove the Backing
To remove the backing from the tile, wet the back with a sponge. Let it sit for a few minutes, and peel it off. Scrub the excess paper and adhesive off and clean the thinset from the joints
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