metal/glass mosaic - first time advice needed

[seneca]

Hello,
Never attempted a mosaic before, so thought I'd seek some advice. Only having used mosaic in the regular tile format (same as tiles, but patterned) around the house, I fancy a go at a "proper" mosaic stripe and column in the bathroom. I've really gone in at the deep end with my first attempt! The metal bricks are not capped tile pieces, but actual solid aluminum section that have been polished. Here's what a sample looks like:

What I planned to do was create an empty space/strip of 10cm between the regular tiles (400X150 stacked white gloss 10mm thick) and edge with metal trim. Once tiling is complete, then fix the mosaic (8mm thick) into the space.
I need to make list of things I'll need (adhesive, grout etc) in order to get the best results I can (for a novice!) I thought I could use a metal cutting blade in a grinder to cut any sections, but unsure about glass, so trying to avoid cuts.
As I'll be doing it myself I don't mind spending a bit extra on materials if I get a better result and make the job a bit easier. Any help or advice would be appreciated.

 

[Lee@TileTown]

Using mosaics like these can be fiddly to fix, use mosaic mesh to stiffen the mosaics and make them easier to fix to the wall.

 

[L95]

Again, Lee has it right. Beava Mesh seems to be the most common knocking about.

As per cutting, I would cut the glass with a good glass blade and possibly look at using the hacksaw for the metal depending on how well it would finish up. If tiling vertically then the hacksaws rough cuts would hide at the top. But I'm not entirely sure whether that would be ideal. @vinn could probably give you some better guidance.

 

[seneca]

A week on and the best advice I've had has been from you helpful folk. What is it with tile and adhesive manufacturers that they daren't recommend any product or give advice on anything? Even the tile manufacturer won't endorse a particular brand and they produced the tile. You'd think they would have tested it, and if so, would have used an adhesive to fix it at some point. Maybe it's not wanting to put their neck on the line and be held responsible? Or possibly, fearing I am a novice DIYer assume I will mess it up and blame them? Regardless, I will just go with the recommendations here. I have decided to go with Mapei keraflex maxi S1 (white) as the adhesive and Mapei Keracolour SF (white) as grout (Thanks Miss Tiler!)
I have decided to do all the main tiles (400x150) with it too. Decided I would just use the same adhesive for everything and not bother with any ready mix. Just mix an amount each evening and finish it - start again next evening. I can't find any mention to it being suitable for glass and metal mosaics in any tech sheet, but will assume it is (fingers crossed - pinning my hopes on your expertise Miss Tiler!)
The thing that does concern me is the metal part of the mosaic bonding well. With it being a U shaped profile with only a thin lip to bond on either edge, and a hollow cavity inside, I am worried it will not have enough area to actually adhere to the cement. Especially as I can press it inwards too much with the risk of adhesive oozing through. But then, if it oozed through into the cavity inside the metal that would be good. For this reason I may now thinking mosaic mesh may not be a good idea, as it will mean even less contact between mosaic and adhesive. I know, I know, I am obsessing too much over it, but hey that's me. As per always, any advice is welcome and appreciated. Thanks.

 

[Lee@TileTown]

the mosaic mesh is super sticky, so when your glass/metal mosaic is attached, it bonds really well. Id still use MM with these mosaics, IMHO you are using the correct adhesive.

Dont forget to post a photo of the completed tiling

 

[seneca]

Thanks Lee. Is there a "better quality" or recommended mesh, or are they all the same? I've seen some videos of tillers using adhesive to bond mesh to a ditra board strip and then stick that. I suppose it does the same thing as the mesh. The ditra strip become like a tile and then they use it like a regular tile.

 

[Lee@TileTown]

yes, ive seen the tilers using the dural/ditra matting, tbh, the mosaic mesh is easy for you. once the mosaic is attached to the mosaic mesh, you can then cut the mosaic to size (assuming you or doing a border)

 

[seneca]

Thanks again Lee. Which is the best, or most used meshes? There are so may out there, wanted to get one of those "super sticky" ones you referred to. Topps do Beaver and there is a company called Genesis, which is sold nearby me. Ever heard of them? They also do good looking aluminium trims and edgings.

 

[Lee@TileTown]

you wont go wrong with either, used and sold them both, the beaver and genesis, shame your not in derbyshire area you could have popped in. The genesis trims will be a better price to the ones at T*pps.