Laying mosaic wall tile

Mosaic tiles suit all layouts, style and fantasies. It adds an interesting eye-catching effect. Affixed to a fibreglass mesh sheet, the installation is much easier than regular tile just because they can be cut with a utility knife.

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Take note
List des tools
List of materials
Step-by-step instructions

Take note

Before installing mosaic tiles in the bathroom or laundry room, the wall should be covered with moisture-resistant gypsum boards and exempt from any defect. To tile a painted surface, sand it lightly. To determine the right amount of mosaic needed, use the online calculator available in the “Planning tool” section on rona.ca.

List des tools

  • Measuring tape
  • 4’ level
  • Chalk line
  • Pencil
  • Notched trowel
  • Rubber mallet
  • Tilling tools
  • Pail et sponge
  • Scissor or utility knife
  • Grout applicator
  • Caulking gun

    • List of materials

  • Adhesive
  • Mosaic tile sheet
  • Plastic spacer
  • Grout
  • Grout sealant
  • Sealant

    • Step-by-step instructions

    1. Determine the layout and trace reference lines. Determine the centre of the wall above and trace your vertical reference line with a chalk line. Then draw a horizontal line to mark the tiles’ first row.
    2. Apply the adhesive with a notched trowel on a small wall section, on one side of the vertical line. Advance by three or four linear feet simultaneously. Trace grooves in the adhesive with the trowel’s toothed side, always in the same direction.
    3. Lay the first mosaic tile sheet near the centre of the wall with a twisting movement to embed it well in the adhesive. Lightly tap the tiles with a rubber mallet to help the adhesive bond. If needed, cut the tile sheets with scissor or utility knife.
    4. Continue laying tiles from the centre toward the sides using spacers to make the grout joints uniform. Rely on your level to ensure that all the tiles are aligned, flat and uniformed.
    5. Start to lay the second row with only half of a sheet so the joints don’t align. Cover the entire surface, section by section.
    6. Once the surface is covered, wipe excess adhesive with a wet sponge.
    7. Wait 24-48 hours before grouting. Remove the spacers and wet the tiles with clean water.
    8. Mix the grout to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
    9. Apply grout over the tiles and use a rubber float to make it penetrate into the joints. Apply in sections of 1 sq. m (10 sq. ft.) at a time. Do not apply grout in joints separating the tiles from another material, a bath, a counter or room corners. They will be seal later.
    10. Wipe excess grout with the grout float. Then clean with a damp sponge and wipe diagonally over the tiles. Rinse the sponge often. Use as little water as possible in order not to dilute the grout between the tiles.
    11. After 24 hours, when the grout is completely dry, apply a grout sealer on the joints.
    12. After about ten days, seal the expansion joints with a silicone sealer.


    Don’t just dream about new wall mosaic tiles. Make it happen. You’ll feel like you’re giving your wall a second life!
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