<p>The indirect laying method is a mosaic technique in which the stones are fixed mirror-image on a temporary base and later embedded in the final adhesive and substrate. This method is particularly well-suited for designs with complex patterns or for mosaics that are to be laid in hard-to-reach areas, as the mosaic surface can be prepared in the workshop.
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Here is a step-by-step guide for the indirect laying method:
- Prepare the workspace: Make sure that your workspace is dust and grease-free.
- Prepare the template: Draw or transfer your mirror-image design using carbon paper onto kraft paper with the coated side facing up. Mark the individual color areas and possibly number the sections if you are working in parts.
- Stick the stones: Glue the mosaic stones upside down (smooth side down) with water-soluble glue (e.g., wallpaper paste) onto the kraft paper. Leave a joint gap of 1-2 mm, as the paper will shrink slightly. After drying, trim any excess edge paper with a utility knife.
- Prepare the base: Apply Mosaic glue or tile adhesive evenly onto the prepared final surface using a notched trowel.
- (Optional) Pre-grouting: You can pre-Grout the mosaic from behind by carefully applying grout directly to the stones, gently pressing it in, and sprinkling with grout powder to prevent the adhesive from being pushed upwards later.
- Transfer the mosaic: Carefully grasp the paper by the corners and place the mosaic with a swing onto the prepared adhesive surface. Then press it evenly with a trowel or board.
- Moisten the paper: Moisten the kraft paper with a not-too-wet sponge until it softens.
- Peel off the paper: Once the paper has softened, you can carefully peel it off with tweezers. Start at one corner and keep the paper flat as you peel it off.
- Grout (optional, if not pre-grouted): If needed, grout the mosaic again from the top, especially the edges.
- Clean: Once the grout has dried, polish the mosaic with an old newspaper and some grout powder. After a few hours, polish with a soft cloth. After complete hardening, clean the mosaic as needed with floor cleaner or, for non-acidic surfaces (not for natural stone/marble), with vinegar water (after about a week). Treat marble with color booster and stone wax.
Advantages and disadvantages of the indirect laying method:
Advantages:
- Precision in complex patterns: Allows very precise arrangement of the stones, as it is worked on a flat surface.
- Prefabrication: The mosaic can be prepared in the workshop, regardless of the final laying location and its conditions.
- Transportability: Allows the transport of the prepared mosaic to the laying site, especially for larger areas or difficult access points.
- Different stone heights: Stones of varying heights can be processed neatly.
Disadvantages:
- Mirror-image work: The design must be glued mirror-image, which can be challenging at first.
- Paper removal: Removing the paper requires care to avoid damaging the finished mosaic.
- Joint pattern control: The final joint pattern is only visible after transferring and removing the paper.
