What do I need to know about mosaic tiles?

Mosaic tiles, also known as marble mosaic, are beautiful tiles produced using traditional craftsmanship. As natural stone features many colour nuances, the pieces are mixed as much as possible to achieve the most uniform appearance. Colour variations are inherent to this product and should be regarded as normal. Therefore, always ensure you order enough and use tiles from the same batch per room or wall, as slight colour variations may be visible between batches.

As it is a natural product, the tile is not fired. A characteristic of marble and natural stone is that they are more susceptible to staining and may need to be impregnated in certain areas, such as wet areas.

Which rooms are the mosaic tiles suitable for?

We recommend using natural stone mosaic tiles indoors only. They are ideal for your hallway, toilet, bathroom and kitchen, as well as for commercial purposes such as in a catering establishment or a shop. They lend a stylish look to any space! Please note, however, that the tiles may require treatment; this varies depending on the room.

If you do wish to use the tiles outdoors, we advise that you do so only under a veranda or canopy. Weather conditions such as sun and rain affect the appearance of marble and travertine and can cause the tiles to fade or severely damage the surface.

How do you install mosaic tiles?

Marble and travertine mosaic tiles require extra care during installation. Please read the instructions carefully before you begin the installation. For further guidance, watch the installation video on our Instagram account @tile_embassy.

1. Ensure that the substrate is completely level, clean and dry.

2. Choose the correct adhesive, depending on the substrate and application. Please check the relevant manufacturer’s website for this. We recommend adhesive from the manufacturer Eurocol, type: 711 UNIFLEX. This is a high-quality, white, moisture- and frost-resistant powdered tile adhesive for the flexible and watertight bonding of natural stone, glass mosaic and ceramic wall and floor tiles. Suitable for use on virtually any cement-based substrate, concrete, existing tiling, underfloor heating systems, etc. Ideal for wet areas such as showers.

3. Apply the adhesive using a notched trowel. Preferably use a notched trowel with the smallest possible notches. Start in the centre of the room and work outwards from there. Apply enough adhesive, but not too much. Spread the adhesive using a circular motion. Please note! Ensure the tile is in place before the adhesive sets.

4. Position the first sheet straight and in the centre of the surface to be tiled. Press down on all the tiles with a trowel to ensure they are all in contact with the adhesive. You have used too much adhesive if it oozes out between the joints. Remove any excess adhesive immediately; otherwise, you won’t be able to grout later.

5. Stick the next sheet next to or underneath the previous one, leaving the same amount of space between the mats as there is between the tiles on the mat.

6. Eventually, you’ll reach the edges of the room. If the fit isn’t quite right, you’ll need to cut the tile to size. Resin cutting discs are made of resin and contain small grains of diamond or other hard materials. This makes them suitable for natural stone types such as marble and travertine. We recommend wet-cutting the tiles, not only because it produces less dust but also because the risk of chipping is significantly lower.

7. Once the surface is completely ready and the adhesive has set properly, you can start grouting. Choose a grout that is suitable for the application and in a colour that complements the mosaic tiles and the other materials used in the room. We recommend grout from the manufacturer Eurocol in the following colours:
Arabescato: jasmine
Carrara: Manhattan grey or white
Emperador light: beige or cream
Indian green: basalt grey or grey
Jade green: jasmine or vintage
Tea rose: beige, cream or jasmine
Rosa Levanto: beige, cream, jasmine or vintage
Limbra stone: beige, cream or jasmine
Travertine: beige or cream
Travertine terracotta: terracotta (Mapei)
Lava stone: anthracite, grey or silver-grey

If you’re unsure, please do get in touch with us for personalised grouting advice.

Important! Use a fully sealable grout in wet areas or on the splashback in a kitchen (for maintenance and hygiene reasons).
Always mix the grout using a mixer, not a trowel. This ensures you use less water and that the grout takes on the correct colour as it dries.

8. Mix the grout according to the instructions on the packaging and spread it over the surface. Use a trowel for this.

Please note: Travertine is a porous natural stone and contains small holes. There are two different ways to grout travertine mosaic tiles, both of which preserve the travertine’s natural look.

Leaving the holes open
Do you want to retain the natural, open character? Then only apply grout between the stones. The easiest way to do this is with a grout gun, so that you don’t accidentally fill the holes.

Grouting the entire tile (recommended in kitchens, toilets or bathrooms)
In areas where hygiene and maintenance are important, we recommend grouting the entire tile. This fills the pores, preventing dirt from entering and making the tile easier to keep clean.
Apply the grout across the entire tile and then wipe it down with a very wet sponge. This removes any excess grout and preserves the natural look of the porous stone, whilst ensuring the tile is well protected.

9. Check that all joints are properly filled with grout. Ensure there are no air bubbles or gaps anywhere.
For Lulu tiles (flute/kitkat/triangle): remove any excess grout between the tiles using a small stick (see also the installation video on our Instagram account @tile_embassy).

10. Once the grout is completely dry, you can start cleaning. Use a sponge and plenty of water. Wipe the surface several times with clean water.

11. Finally, depending on the wall and the edges, you can apply sealant. We recommend using the same colour as the one you used for the grout. To ensure the colour matches, use sealant from the same manufacturer as the grout.

How should you look after mosaic tiles?

Marble and travertine mosaic tiles are easy to maintain, provided they are looked after correctly. Marble and travertine are porous natural stones that are prone to staining and water marks. You should therefore take care with acidic substances, as these can cause unsightly stains or discolouration that are difficult to remove later on.

We recommend impregnating the mosaic tiles to provide them with extra protection. Sealant is available from many brands and is very easy to apply. Simply spread it over the mosaic tile using a cloth or roller. You can often ‘use’ the mosaic tile again within 2 hours.

1. Allow the tiles to dry completely before impregnating them.

Ensure that the tiles are fully cured and completely dry after laying before you begin. Residual moisture can reduce the effectiveness of the impregnating agent.

2. Use a special impregnating agent designed for natural stone.

Always choose a sealer that is suitable for travertine or calcareous natural stone. These are often transparent and do not alter the colour (unless you wish to use a colour enhancer).

3. Read the instructions on the packaging carefully.

Each product comes with its own instructions for use. Please follow these carefully to achieve the best results.

4. Apply it with a soft cloth or roller.

Spread the product evenly over the tiles. Make sure you cover the grout lines as well. Leave the product to soak in for the specified time.

5. Remove any excess impregnating agent.

After application: remove any excess product with a dry cloth to prevent staining or shiny patches.

6. Allow it to cure thoroughly.

Recommended sealants:

HMK S234 Stain-Resistant – Extra

– Transparent, solvent-based impregnating agent.
– Protects against water, oil and grease stains.
– Ideal for travertine, marble and other calcareous natural stones.
Available from: tile retailers, online shops and, occasionally, DIY stores.

Lithofin Vlekstop W

– Water-based formula, less odour, ready for foot traffic sooner.
– Ideal for indoor use (bathrooms, floors).
– Suitable for polished and honed travertine.

Moeller Stone Care S232

– Natural stone protector with a colour-enhancing effect.
– Enhances the natural veining of travertine.
– A good alternative if you want to make the colour of your stone slightly more intense.