Paper Mounted vs Mesh Mounted Glass Mosaic Tile

We have mesh available by the foot, or by the roll. Mounting paper can be ordered in 5 sheet or 10 sheet quantities.

Glass mosaic tile is occasionally sold loose for crafters and artists, but it usually comes mounted to allow quick installation and even spacing between tiles in architectural applications. Many manufacturers mount glass mosaic tile on a fiberglass mesh the same way that ceramic tile often comes. This fiberglass mesh is on the back sides of the tiles and meant to be glued to the surface being covered. The problem with mesh-mounted products is that the mesh is increasingly more difficult to remove if you want loose tile because the technology and adhesives have improved so much.

Mesh-Mounted Tile
Some tile comes mounted on top of mesh.

Glass mosaic tile often comes FACE-mounted on paper sheets. This method is particularly popular with manufacturers of 3/4 inch glass mosaic tile in Italy and China as it helps ensure that the tiles don’t become damaged during shipment. You can verify that the tiles are glued face down by noticing that the back sides are exposed. These sides will have ridges to allow adhesive to bond more securely to an otherwise slick glass surface. The important point is how face-mounted sheets of glass mosaic tile are installed.

Paper-Mounted Tile
Most of our tile is mounted face-down on paper like this.

Paper is much more easily removed than mesh. Generally, it only requires a few hours soaking in water, and often the tiles fall right off.

Installing Face-Mounted Sheets of Glass Mosaic Tile

Tile mastic or another adhesive is first applied to the wall or floor. The sheets are then pressed into the glue WITH THE PAPER SIDE OUT. After the glue has had time to bond securely, the paper sheets are then sprayed with a small amount of water until they slide from the face of the tiles. Usually the installer will then go back and straighten or replace any tiles that have fallen off the wall. With the paper gone, the tiles can then be grouted. Artists and crafters can get loose tile from face-mounted paper sheets simply by soaking in warm water.

Cheap Mosaic Tile

 

Mosaic tile and improvised mosaic tile can be obtained cheaply from various sources: returns to building material stores, construction dumpsters and home renovations, old dinnerware from thrift stores and garage sales, lawn and garden stores (for rounded river pebbles and crushed stone), bottles from recycling centers, etc. Rock tumblers are useful for processing some of this material, but some of it can be used as obtained (or with a little cutting). However, vitreous glass and recycled glass tile can actually be more affordable, especially if you consider the time spent reclaiming and preparing material for use in a mosaic.

Baba Farid Ji mosaic portrait
This portrait by Harjeet Singh Sandhu was made with our inexpensive 3/4″ glass tiles.
Morjo 12mm Recycled Glass Tile
12mm MorjoTM is one of the most affordable brands of recycled glass tile available.
Mosaic Art Supply Salvage, Broken, and Reworked Assortment
Our Salvage Assortment is an affordable way to get a fantastic mix of material for use in mosaic projects.
 
We are excited to tell you about an affordable new line of 3/4" vitreous glass mosaic tile. With a rainbow of intense colors, these tiles will make a beautiful addition to any mosaic art project!
MorjoTM Vitreous Tile is the most affordable vitreous tile available, and also comes in 3/8″ mini size tiles.

For molded glass mosaic tile, the best value is usually the 3/4″ vitreous glass tile, which is highly recommended for beginners because it is easy to cut and different brands can be used together in the same mosaic. This is a key point because artists often have to source from different brands to get all of the colors they need due to temporary shortages at a particular manufacturer. MorjoTM Vitreous Tile is the most affordable vitreous tile available, and also comes in 3/8″ mini size tiles.

Another important point about vitreous glass tile is that it is NOT limited to beginners or craft projects. Much of the artwork featured on this website was created by professional artists using vitreous, including the naturalistic mosaic portraits done by Harjeet Singh Sandhu.

Lastly, glass mosaic tile is impervious to water, and therefore frost proof and suitable for outdoor use.

You can view many fantastic artworks made with vitreous glass tiles on our Mosaic Artists Gallery.