Laying, impregnating and maintaining cement mosaic tiles

Preparation

The exact room dimensions are checked again and the laying angle is determined.

Mix the appropriate amount of adhesive according to the instructions on the VIA board adhesive packaging. The VIA tile primer binds the residual dust and reduces the absorbency of highly absorbent substrates. For cement screeds, the primer is diluted with water in a ratio of 1:3; for calcium sulphate substrates, it must be applied undiluted.

The installation

The adhesive is applied to the floor/wall and board using a 10-tooth trowel. This ensures that the adhesive is thick enough to achieve an even surface without overlapping when pressed down. It is essential to use the buttering-floating method.

Cement mosaic and terrazzo tiles are traditionally laid with the smallest possible joint width. This ensures that a flat covering is created and patterns are emphasised without a disruptive joint pattern and the edges protect each other.
Align the tiles carefully to avoid overlapping. Cuts must be made dry with a diamond blade. Mitres can also be cut precisely when dry, so that clean joints, e.g. on outer edges, are also possible.
It is important that the boards are cut dry to prevent moisture from being absorbed. Only measure and dry cut the slabs to be cut in the edge area after the centre pattern has been laid.
The freshly laid covering must of course not be washed off with water.
Only VIA tile adhesive should be used for laying VIA tiles.

Grouting

The grout is made from two parts trass cement and one part quartz sand with the addition of water to a yoghurt-like consistency and applied to the swept tile floor.

Grouting should only be carried out after the tiles have dried out so that the shrinkage does not cause the edges to crack.
The grout mortar is pressed into the joints using a joint board. Work in the jointing mortar until the joint no longer falls, i.e. the mortar fills the joint completely.

Please note:
Do not use ready-made grouts that contain plastic, as they could lead to a grey haze.

Board oil and mineral impregnation

We offer panel oil and mineral impregnation for impregnation.

Impregnation means that an agent is absorbed into the capillaries and prevents unwanted substances from penetrating.

In this respect, the impregnation of the slabs is no different from natural stone or other open-pored materials.

Mineral impregnation

The advantage of mineral impregnation is that it can simply be wiped up with a floor wiper in a crosswise motion. The main component of mineral impregnation is water glass. This leads to silicification of the surface.
It changes the colour depth of the tiles.

The water glass forms crystals with the lime in the floor (crystallisation).

The consistency of the mineral impregnation is as fluid as water. This means that the impregnation soaks well into the surface.

The impregnation does not prevent the penetration of acidic products. Acid resistance can only be achieved if the lime surface of the tiles is separated from the acid by a coating.

If acidic cleaners are to be used, the lime surface must be protected by a layer-forming agent.

Here the cement mosaic tile behaves like marble, travertine, terrazzo etc.

You can find the VIA mineral impregnation in our online shop.

Plate oil

The plate oil is characterised by the fact that it hardens very strongly. It is absorbed into the capillaries and seals them very effectively.
Impregnation with oil "fires up" or deepens the colours.

The impregnation does not prevent the penetration of acidic products. Acid resistance can only be achieved if the lime surface of the boards is separated from the acid by a coating.

As it contains very little solvent, increased manual care is required.

You can find VIA board oil in our online shop.