Learning how to lay tile is a fairly simple process; measuring, cutting and grouting are all tasks that can be done by even the most novice tiler. For homeowners with some practice in cutting and installing tile, taking the process to the next level and installing glass tile can help add interest to any design.
Getting Started
Before beginning a glass tile installation, be sure to gather the proper supplies. In addition to the supplies needed for any tile installation, glass tiles require the use of a white, latex additive thinset, a diamond tipped tile saw blade for cutting, hand tool with a glass cutting wheel for small cuts, sanded grout, and a color match sanded caulk.
A wooden or leather covered hammer or dowel may also be helpful, as well as scissors or a razor blade for cutting mesh or paper mounted mosaics. Unlike other tiles, glass is unable to expand, or handle much pressure, so for large installations, a crack reducing membrane may be useful in helping to ensure a long lasting installation.
Cutting, Back Buttering and Laying
All glass tiles, including those which are color backed, are transparent or translucent, prone to chipping and require special considerations when installing. When cutting glass tiles on a wet saw, a special, diamond tipped glass tile blade is required. Turn the tiles upside down to help avoid chipping or uneven edging of the surface of the tile, and pass the tiles through the saw slowly. If using color backed tiles, acrylic paint in the same color as the glass can be applied to any area where the color has been removed during the cutting process.
For small mosaic tiles, a hand cutting tool can be used. Avoid the use of traditional tile nippers, as these can crush glass tiles, and use a wheeled tool specific to glass instead.
To avoid trowel marks and shadows showing through the glass after installation, smooth out any trowel marks with the flat edge of the trowel, and apply a second layer of thinset to the backside of the glass, a process called back buttering, before placing the tile on the surface, and tapping it gently into place with a wooden hammer or dowel.
If using glass tiles as a border with a thicker field tile, install the thicker tile first, leaving a space for the border, with a flat layer of thinset in the space left to dry to build up the surface. To install the border, place another layer of thinset on the surface, and on the glass to achieve the desired height.
Always leave an 1/8” grout joint, or larger, when laying glass tiles and never butt the tiles up to one another.
Grouting and Finishing
All glass tile requires sanded grout to fill the joints, so care must be taken to avoid scratching the tiles. Use a grout float and apply very light pressure to push the grout into the joints. Wipe up extra with a damp sponge as soon as possible. For hand poured and cut glass tiles, which can have many small grooves in their surface, try applying an oil based soap to the tiles before grouting to help in clean up.
Caulk will need to be added to all corners and changes of plane, such as the join between tile and a counter. This is needed to help the tiles to flex and to absorb the natural movement and settling of surfaces over time without cracking the glass.
As the thinset dries, the glass may appear to change color in the center or to form a “bubble” behind it. This is normal as the glass is unable to absorb the moisture and it must work its way out through the grout joints.
Be sure to install glass tile slowly and carefully to avoid chips or loose tiles. Always ask at the showroom where the tile is purchased for tips and recommendations for the specific glass being used, and be sure to read and follow the instructions enclosed with all glass tiles for information specific to the product. Work carefully and enjoy the beauty of glass tiles for years to come.
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