How to repair part of mosaic tile sheet?

mikebarker

Hello! Some of the small tiles from what I think is a mosaic tile sheet (similar to this one, but with ~20mm squares) have come unstuck.

I'm wondering if I should get some tile adhesive, stick them back down, spacing them evenly with tile spacers, and then grouting. I'll also be using tile/bathtub paint over it all once it's fixed up.

Just hoping for a sense check before I proceed. Any better alternatives? Replace a section instead of repairing? If I can even find a replacement (Not had any luck so far).

I'm not looking for a perfect finish, just so it can be walked on and so I can paint it.

Thanks!

JacobZ

Hi @mikebarker,

Your plan sounds perfectly reasonable and it'd be exactly what I'd recommend.

If any of the tiles are loose but still a bit stuck, you can use a chisel under the exposed edge to break the bond and lift them. Just remember to wear some gloves as chisels are sharp and can cause lacerations if you slip.

Once the tiles are out, you should use the same chisel to remove as much of the old tile adhesive as possible and sweep it up. You want to get the surface as clean as possible before applying your new tile adhesive.

Once tidy, apply your tile adhesive. You can use a tile adhesive like this Dunlop 310ml Tile-All Plus Premixed Tile Adhesive as long as you ensure it is spread evenly. You can do this by applying the adhesive, then spreading it evenly with a QEP 4mm V Notch Plastic Adhesive Spreader.

Set them in place, using tile spacers in an appropriate width for your grout lines, and press them down so the adhesive spreads out beneath them. Once they are set, you can then grout between them and allow everything to dry.

After this, you'll want to tidy up the existing paint, and remove any flaking paint with a paint scraper or some sandpaper. Once the surface is stable, you can paint it with your tile paint.

Let me know what you think and if you have further questions, please don't hesitate to ask.

Jacob