April 04, 2024

Why Use Paper Face for Mosaic Installations?

The beauty of mosaics is evident to most architects, designers and installers. What is less obvious are the specification details and installation techniques that should be used to ensure an expert installation.

There are several types of mounting methods for mosaic tiles, and each has its strengths and weaknesses. Lunada Bay Tile and experienced tile installation professionals prefer paper-face mounting.

* The biggest advantages of paper face tiles are being able to make adjustments during your set rather than the day after, and avoiding annoying sheet lines.

** The sign of true craftsmanship can be found in the smallest of details.

Paper-faced tiles are tiles with a paper covering on the front. The paper allows the tiles to adhere directly to thinset. The paper facing is removed with water after the tiles have been installed.

Hand installation with paper sheeting is considered the premium mounting method for experienced installers who follow the Tile Council of North America (TCNA) Handbook for Ceramic, Glass, and Stone Tile Installation. These standards are written for architects, designers, general contractors and tile installers in an effort to help professionals in the industry communicate clearly and ensure successful tile installations.

There are many benefits to the paper-faced mounting method. The paper allows a direct bond to the back of the tile while allowing for high degree of adjustability. Tile contractors are able to make adjustments during the set, rather than the day after, and avoid annoying sheet lines. The paper sheets also make it easier to negotiate radius conditions and other curving shapes.

BENEFITS OF PAPER-FACED MOSAIC SHEETS:

Easy adjustment of individual tiles while mortar is still workable
Avoids annoying sheet lines
Ensures possibility of 100% coverage for best bond of tile to substrates
No material between the tiles and adhesive to weaken bond
No mesh material to feed and promote bacteria growth
Allows maximized bond to vitrified materials
Allows uniform mortar shrinkage and cure
No mounting material to be seen through transparent glass
Paper is easily removed with minimal water 20-30 minutes after installation
Entire process is easy to accomplish with a little patience

PRO TIP: When removing the paper face, leave some of the paper adhesive prior to grouting. The left-over adhesive on top of the glass provides a perfect grout release. No additional grout release will be needed.

The sign of true craftsmanship is seen in the smallest details, and paper-faced mounting of mosaics allows for a high level of detail during installation.

TCNA provides information on A108.16, an American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standard that provides best practices for installing glass mosaic tiles, including paper-faced, back-mounted, edge-mounted, or clear film face-mounted tiles. The standard was published in 2005 and reaffirmed in 2020. Both the TCNA Handbook and ANSI A108-A118-A136.1 American National Specifications for the Installation of Ceramic Tile are available for purchase through TCNA and ANSI.

Paper + Patience = Beautiful, Reliable Tile Installations

See our installation guides and videos, including advice for removing paper face and making tile adjustments, at LunadaBayTile.com/Resources

You can click here for a downloadable PDF on the benefits of paper face.

Hand Crafted Glass Tile Characteristics ,

Sophistication And Craftmanship Produced Daily

It is often said that life is not perfect. When considered, natural, organic beauty is not “perfect”. Whether it is dimples, freckles, or some out-of-the-ordinary quality – these characteristics have become signs of uniqueness and beauty resulting from the nuances of life, genetics, and chance.

At Lunada Bay Tile, we inject life into our tiles. Every one of our handcrafted glass tiles is formed and manipulated by our skilled artisans. They apply both traditional craftmanship and modern techniques to create effects unlike any other source in the industry.

Each piece of glass tile is imbued with character and traits from our creative process. The results offer a mix of sophistication and craftmanship many people are looking for today. For those people, our tiles provide the simple joy of hand-made objects and the endless details discovered in them over time.

Common, natural characteristics of our handmade glass tiles include:

Variation in color, shade, and size
Surface texture (such as fissures, folds, and bubbles)
Minor edge irregularities (including occasional chipped edges)
No two tiles are exactly the same

Important Note: These surface characteristics are not within the body of glass and do not create structural problems or sacrifice the integrity of the tiles. Through all performance testing, the results are the same for tiles with these surface characteristics and without.

For Best Results With Your Glass Tile Installation

It is important to take the time and care to fully clean and polish the tile surface as the final step of installation. When tiles are not fully cleaned, and grout remains in a fissure or other surface characteristic, the tile may appear as if cracked or lead one to believe there are flaws in the glass. Fully completing all steps of the installation process will restore the natural luster to the glass and promote the enjoyment, beauty, and other inherent benefits of the glass tiles through many years ahead.

Visit the Resources section of our website for written instructions and tutorial videos as well as recommendations for care & maintenance of our glass tiles.

Before purchasing our tiles, be sure to review the Recommended Usage & Floor Applications to confirm your tile selection can be used in your space.

Click here for a downloadable PDF of this post.