VIA mosaic tiles - the special ones

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History of mosaics

The origin

Already in the origin of the word 'mosaic' there are references to art. The word mosaic is derived from the Greek Musa. In Greek mythology, the nine muses, the daughters of Zeus, the father of the gods, are the protectors of science and the arts. Also, the Latin word Musaem, related to mosaic, means temple of the Muses, the temple dedicated to the arts.

Walls and floors

Mosaics have always served the purpose of embellishment and restoration, for example on walls as wall decoration and on floors as floor design. Throughout history, the images and motifs were always different, but always varied, figurative as a single motif or in patterns resulting from the combination of the tiles to form a larger surface.

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Silica mosaics in antiquity

Long before mosaic tiles made of cement, pebbles as floor mosaics were the first mosaics made from the 5th century BC. The Greeks regularly processed hewn stone cubes from the 2nd century. The Greeks were also the first to integrate figurative motifs and images into their mosaics. In a short time, this type of mosaics spread throughout the Mediterranean area by the Romans. In addition to the southern European region, the glass mosaic, the pebble mosaic, mosaics made of natural stone and other forms of mosaics are and were also widespread in Asia and Latin America.

The Alexander Mosaic of Pompeii (around 100 B.C.) which consists of more than 4 million stones, is one of the most significant and important early Roman finds and is part of the wide distribution of mosaics in the Roman Empire. The dwellings of the socially upper class were decorated with mosaics on walls and floors.

Mosaics through the ages

1st century

In the first century AD, geometric motifs in black and white dominated. In the following century, figurative motifs also found their way into the Roman Empire and were increasingly produced. Coloured mosaics gained importance especially in African provinces. In Roman tradition, the mosaics showed plastic-looking figures and a natural spatiality.

14th -17th century

Im 14. Jahrhundert verschwanden die Mosaike Frescoes and panel paintings flourished, and the art of mosaics was to regain popularity only in the 17th century with the embellishment of St. Peter's Basilica. The awareness of the long durability and permanence of mosaics and their colours also led to a revival of this art.

4th bis 12th century

In the fourth century, the early Christian style began to evolve into Byzantine forms of art, which tended to be abstract and spaceless. Persons are depicted superficially and the elements of Roman traditional mosaics disappeared completely in the 6th century. Colours and splendor dominated until the 12th century.

20th century

At the beginning of the 20th century, the art of mosaic had developed again in its own right, going beyond mere restoration and preservation of historical works of art.

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Fashion Trend

Over time, mosaics have evolved and also in the mosaic art there were certain "trends" and different colours and finishes and materials changed according to the spirit of the times. For example, later glass blocks were used, which due to their excellent light-reflecting properties were very suitable for interior design in churches. Furthermore, mosaic art found its way into architecture as large-scale facade decoration.

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A craftsmanship

A mosaicist had to be very skilled, he had to create from very very small stones, sometimes with less than 1-2 cm edge length, up to several hundred meters large images or ornaments. The mosaic stones could be coloured cast glass, porcelain or even glazed stoneware.

In contrast, mosaics in modern times are often manufactured industrially. Mosaics made of glass, natural stone and ceramics are prefabricated on paper or net and sold. Nowadays, especially in the field of arts and crafts, the original variant of mosaic laying is gaining popularity again. The enthusiasm for the mosaic has been preserved over the centuries.

Mosaic tiles - tradition of 150 years

In many old houses, villas in entrance areas, staircases and bathrooms can be found mosaic tiles made of cement. These have a tradition of more than 150 years. By using fine marble powder, very filigree ornaments can be produced. VIA continues this traditional design of floors with mosaic tiles. Many patterns, colours, formats and designs are made by VIA according to old historical patterns. VIA mosaic tiles enhance rooms and create an incomparable atmosphere. They are characterized by very noble, iridescent colours and magnificent patterns.

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Individual and unique mosaic tiles

VIA offers a very wide, constantly expanding range of mosaic tiles. You can give free rein to your creativity and imagination. The handmade mosaic tiles achieve an extraordinary effect in any room and set exciting, new accents. In our online store you can take a look at the VIA range of mosaic tiles, tiles and slabs and find out about dimensions and properties. VIA mosaic tiles include Mediterranean, antique and modern patterns.

Design your floors and walls in entrance and living areas individually and incomparably. Get inspired by the photographs and plan, for example, the integration of floor tiles or wall tiles in the kitchen or bathroom. In addition to floral patterns with beautiful floral ornamentation and geometric patterns, many other designs of mosaic tiles give these rooms the desired look and atmosphere. At the same time, you do not have to stick to one type of tile. The combination of tiles with different patterns and colours allows you to create a very personal, unique floor or wall covering.

Laying and grouting VIA mosaic tiles

VIA mosaic tiles are not always installed directly after the order and must be stored. Therefore, a clean, dry place should be available for storage. If installation is imminent, various preparations are made in advance. Accurate preparation of the substrate is very important. The substrate should be free of adhesion-reducing substances, conform to standards and be load-bearing. For the correct treatment of the substrate, refer to the information on the packaging of the VIA tile adhesive.

[Translate to en:] Verlegen von Zementfliesen

After the preparation of the surface, the dimensions of the room are checked, and then the laying angle is determined. The tile adhesive for VIA mosaic tiles can be mixed. The application of VIA tile primer ensures that the absorbency is reduced and residual dust is bound. The primer can be diluted with water in a ratio of 1:3 when laying mosaic tiles on cement screed. Undiluted application must be made when laying on calcium sulfate substrates.

Using a 10 tooth trowel, the adhesive must be applied to the floor/wall and back of the tile. This step allows the mosaic tiles to be laid as a flat surface. The buttering-floating method is used for the installation. Please use the VIA tile adhesive for installation.

Following tradition, VIA mosaic tiles are laid with a small joint width (less than 2 mm). The result is a pattern that does not lose its prominence due to interfering joints, and as a flat covering with a small joint ensures that the edges support each other.

VIA mosaic tiles should be cut dry. The cuts can be made with a diamond blade. Miter cutting is also possible in this way.

After the mosaic tiles have dried out, the grouting can be done. View more information on grouting and laying here!

[Translate to en:] Zementfliesen Herstellung Formen

How to make VIA mosaic tiles

VIA mosaic tiles are made in semi-manual production. Individuality in production makes each mosaic tile unique. Each mosaic tile varies in colour and thickness. During installation, the different tile heights are compensated. Since no mosaic tile is like the other, the beautiful effect of oscillation is created, giving it a special character. VIA mosaic tiles are dried, not fired. This process makes the mosaic tiles sensitive to moisture and dirt, so they must be stored dry and clean afterwards.

Get more information about the production of VIA cement & mosaic tiles!

Cleaning mosaic tiles

VIA mosaic tiles should be cleaned and maintained regularly. VIA soft soap is suitable for cleaning, as it provides natural re-lubrication. In general, cleaning should not be done with acidic detergents. Proper cleaning is achieved with slightly regreasing alkaline agents.

With the help of diamond pads, the floor can be polished for a shiny result.

More info about polishing up with diamond pads can be found here!

What do VIA mosaic tiles cost and where can I buy them?

VIA mosaic tiles and all other items you can order directly from our store and see the prices. We are also happy to take your order by phone and advise you comprehensively for your project.

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