The most frequently asked questions about mosaic

1M. Can mosaic be stuck to wood? To metal? To plasterboard?
Yes, mosaic can be stuck anywhere, but the right adhesive for the different materials must be used.

2M. Can mosaic be laid on an already existing surface?
Yes, they can, but the following points must be kept in mind:
 a. Make sure that the old surface is well anchored to the existing surface,
 b. Sandpaper or scrape the existing covering thoroughly to favour adhesion of the levelling.
 c. Make the sandpapered surface flat through levelling (max. thickness 5 mm).
The mosaic can only be laid after these operations have been carried out.

3M. Can a Greek key pattern or a mosaic decoration be laid together with a tile covering? How can the difference in thickness be remedied?
Yes, it can. Just use adhesive to fill in or suitably thicken the difference in level between the mosaic and the tile.

4M. Can I use mosaic to cover a 40 cm diameter column?
Yes, mosaic can be used to cover columns with a minimum diameter of 15 cm.

5M. When laying mosaic on a facade, is there any risk that tiles come off?
There is no risk, if the pieces are laid correctly.

6M. Is glass mosaic slippery? Does it cut?
The surface formed by the glass tesserae is alternated with grout which eliminates any risk of slipping. The tessera has chamfered edges, therefore it does not cut.

7M. Can you guarantee that the lot you send me is identical to the sample colour?
The dominant tone of the selected colour is certainly the same, but slight variations going towards slightly lighter or darker tones are possible.

8M. When Optico mosaics are exposed to sunlight, do they lose colour or become yellow?
No, they generally resist the action of light.

9M. What is the difference between mosaic on paper and mosaic on film? Is there a price difference? What do you recommend?
Both of them provide for the sticking of the tesserae on its smooth part, but the film is transparent, while paper does not let the tesserae be seen. Moreover, once removed, the paper leaves residues that should be removed using a sponge soaked with water and detergent. Grouting is possible only at this point. Film instead does not leave residues, therefore mosaic tesserae do not need to be cleaned. It should also be said that film costs more than paper because the raw material is more expensive.

10M. Can your mosaic be used in swimming pools?
Yes, mosaic is recommended as a revestment for swimming pools of any type, size or shape.

11M. Do Optico mosaics absorb water?
No, Optico mosaics are non-absorbent because they are made of glass.

12M. Can an epoxy adhesive be used in swimming pools? And if I use this type of adhesive, can I avoid the waterproofing process?
It is advisable to use the Optico cement adhesive, specifically formulated for our products. If necessary, waterproofing can be carried out by specialized companies. No type of covering or adhesive can replace the waterproofing process.

13M. After laying, how long do I have to wait before putting water in my swimming pool?
It is advisable to wait at least 20 days after the mosaic grouting process.

14M. Can Optico mosaic be used in an outdoor swimming pool in a country where the temperature falls well below zero in winter?
Yes, it can, as long as the swimming pool is not emptied and floats are used to stop the water from freezing. The pool should not be totally emptied, because water is not only a perfect thermal insulator but works as an ideal reaction against the counterthrust of the ground. It is therefore sufficient to lower the water level by 10-15 cm under the overflow limit for experimental overflow systems, or by the same quota when speaking about skimmers, to allow the free emptying of the piping connected to the filter system. Be careful to keep the level constant independently from atmospheric precipitations. It is important, however, to introduce semi-floating elements into the pool in order to compensate the tangential action generated by ice on the perimetrical elements of the pool (e.g. polyethylene anti-ice elements).

15M. Can gold mosaic be put in swimming pools?
Yes, it can, without any particular caution, if it is used as a covering. If on the floor, make sure that laying is carried out in such a way to prevent differences in level between the grout and the gold tesserae.

16M. What do you use to cut a mosaic sheet?
To cut individual tesserae you just need appropriate mosaic pliers.

17M. Is glass flammable?
Of course not. Glass is not combustible, therefore it is inflammable.

18M. Does glass mosaic change colour with time?
Of course not. The tesserae colour remains stable with time.

19M. What products should I use to clean a bath covered with mosaic?
Any detergent on the market can be used.

20M. If normal domestic liquid products are poured onto Optico mosaic flooring, does it get ruined?
No, Optico mosaics are stain resistant. They can be cleaned with the normal detergents on the market.

21M. How can limestone deposits be removed?
They can easily be removed using a 3% solution of water and hydrochloric acid, or alcohol.

22M. When laying Optico mosaics, can I use any adhesive available locally?
It is better to use Optico adhesive, which is specific for mosaics. We can also suggest other adhesives, produced by suppliers who have collaborated with us when creating the adhesive (Mapei, Technokolla, Kerakoll, etc.). If these solutions may not be carried out, it is advisable to check that the local adhesive supplier directly accepts the responsibility of supplying a product that is suitable for the purpose.

23M. What joint colour do you recommend?
White, grey or coloured grout can be used, the choice depends on personal aesthetic evaluations. When laying in heavy-duty areas (such as shower plates), it is advisable to use slightly more or less grey grout.

24M. What type of joint do you recommend?
Cement grout can be used in any situation, while epoxy grout can be used in those cases where greater mechanical and chemical resistance is necessary (thermal centres, saunas, etc.).

25M. What are the joints filled with?
If you prefer white grout the Optico adhesive used for laying can be used. If coloured grout is requested, use one of the many coloured grouts available on the market.

26M. How can I remove the residues of grout from the mosaic after the grouting phase?
They can be easily removed using a slightly abrasive sponge soaked in hot water or in a 3% solution of water and hydrochloric acid.

27M. How should I treat the mosaic before laying it?
It is advisable to leave the material in the area to be covered for at least 24 hours before starting to lay.
28M. Where can I use Optico mosaic?
Optico mosaics can be used as flooring and covering in many places with different usage purposes.

29M. Can Optico mosaics be used in areas that are open to the public?
Yes of course.

30M. Are Optico mosaics frost resistant?
Yes, Optico mosaics are totally frost resistant.

31M. How do Optico mosaics react during the coldest months when laid outdoors?
Being completely frost resistant, Optico mosaics do not change.

32M. Can Optico mosaics support sudden changes of temperature that may occur during night and day?
Yes, they can support these sudden changes.

33M. Can Optico mosaics support very brusque changes of temperature without altering?
Yes, they can support these sudden changes.

34M. How long do Optico mosaics last?
Duration is theoretically unlimited, but this depends on the type used.

35M. Does trampling scratch Optico mosaics?
Optico mosaics are resistant to wear.

36M. Can you see the signs where trampling is the heaviest?
You usually cannot, but it depends on the use made of it.

37M. Are Optico mosaics resistant to scratching only on the surface or also in depth?
Optico mosaics are resistant to both superficial and deep scratching, because they are homogeneous throughout their thickness.

38M. Are Optico mosaics resistant to chemical attacks?
Yes, Optico mosaics resist chemical attacks, even from extremely aggressive agents.

39M. Are Optico mosaics resistant to cigarette burns?
Yes, they do, because the tesserae are all made of glass.

40M. Are Optico mosaics resistant even in sea areas?
Yes of course. Our mosaics do not alter when in this type of area.