The Mesh Method

What is the mesh method?  So glad you asked! The mesh method or double direct is a great replacement for the indirect method in many situations. It allows you to work directly over your design (rather than upside down) which is very helpful when using materials like ceramic where the colour is only on the surface.

It is also good for installs. Why sweat over the backsplash, floor or fireplace when you can sit at your worktable glue the pieces to the mesh and then install the whole design at one time? Much less downtime when you do the shower all in one day!

How do you use the mesh you ask? Easy! Draw your design out on craft paper.  If you will need to move the piece around (ie if you are doing it on the dining room table and anticipate entertaining during the process) tape it to a lightweight board otherwise tape it to your work surface. Then, place a layer of plastic sheeting or cling-wrap over your design and tape it down too (this stops the glue that holds the tile to the mesh from sticking to the craft paper design). Then place your mesh over top again taping it down so your project does not move. Keep in mind as you move to the edge of the mesh with the tiles you will need to remove the tape.

Start cutting your tiles and gluing them to the mesh. I use Weldbond glue as my adhesive. Any PVA NON-water soluble glue will be fine. Put only a SMALL amount of glue on the tile to hold it to the mesh. When you install the mesh you want your adhesive to grab the tile, not the Weldbond.  Most vitreous glass has ridged bottoms. I try just to touch the high parts with the glue.

Once your mesh design has dried prepare your installation surface with the appropriate adhesive using an appropriate size notched trowel for the tiles you have chosen. (see the adhesives help section). It is important that you use the right trowel as too little adhesive & it won't bond correctly, too much and it will ooze up between your tiles and interfere with the grout.

Stick your mesh down and if a few pieces fall off during installation it's not a big deal..just stick 'em back in! Use a board (not your hands) to push the mesh down into the adhesive to keep it level and then let it dry overnight. Grout as usual!

Comments

[Mary]

Hi,

Thanks for all of the fabulous info! What is the best adhesive to use to glue tile to mesh for a mosaic design that will be installed in a swimming pool? I would have a professional pool tile setter install the mosaic with their preferred adhesive, but what adhesive would I use to secure the tiles to the mesh?

Thanks a bunch!

Mary

[Tanya MacFarlane]

Hi Mary,
For the pool I would use a waterproof indoor/outdoor silicone Like GEII. It can be purchased at most hardware stores in ginormous caulking tubes or little hand tubes. (I prefer the little one...less cost effective but easier to work with.) Send pics when you are done!
Cheers
Tanya

[Mary]

Thanks so much Tanya! I'll give this a whirl and send pictures when I'm done!

Best,:)
Mary