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| Glass
Mosaics - Everything you wanted to know |
| HISTORY |
Glass
mosaic is one of the oldest artistic expressions in the history
of mankind. Use of Mosaics for Wall & Floor coverings goes
back to the beginning of the Decorating History .
Mosaics
are composed of many small pieces called tesserae - these can
be glass, stone or occasionally other materials. GLASS MOSAICS
are composed of glass tesserae (either Italian smalti, pressed
glass tiles, or other types of tesserae made in the studio) and
come in a very wide range of colors. They are mounted on a substrate
with a variety of adhesives (cements, mastics, etc.) depending
on the type of installation.
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| TECHNOLOGY |
Production of today's Glass mosaic is being inspired by ancient
Italian Techniques . This is a product of vitreous nature obtained
by combining raw materials being melted at 1400 C and then cast
into moulds.. Unlike the products available in earlier times ; today
the tiles are perfect in size , with bevelled edges and keyed at
the back surface for proper adhesion . These are being supplied
in sheets usually of size 1ft x 1 ft mounted on craft paper or fibre
glass mesh . The size availability has also enhanced from 10 x 10mm
upto 50 x 50mm .
The texture and finish of today's glass mosaic has also been modified
with addition of certain ingredients and varieties such as aventurine
, marble & iridescent finishes introduced .
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| USES |
Glass Mosaic Tiles are waterproof, they have a reasonable degree
of hardness and the colours can not be altered . Hence suitable
for a variety of Building Installations such as both indoors and
outdoors, for residential flooring, walls, Pillars & Columns
, artwork, furniture, baths, kitchens and swimming pools ; Imagination
being the limit .Various types of substrates that can be covered
are Cemented Plasters , Natural Stones , Terrazzo , Wooden surfaces
like Plywood / MDF and even already Ceramic Tiled Areas .
The tiles can be easily cut with nippers or broken with a hammer
and being a very small-size product, it fits any curved surface
exceeding a 6-cm diameter .
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| CHARACTERISTICS |
Other
characteristics and qualities of glass mosaic are:
Spaces
between the tesserae are filled with grout , usually of
matching shade . |
Should
be installed on a very solid substrate , which should also
be smooth , even , dry , cured and free from all dirt . |
Glass
Mosaic are good for floor installations due to the high
compressive strength of glass. |
An
ideal medium for making traditional mosaic work. |
Frost resistant , Water resistant , suitable for both interior
and exterior applications . |
The
surface of each tile reflects light beautifully and is rippled
underside which improves adhesion
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If
installed correctly, they should last 1,000 years. There
are no parts that "wear out" or fade. |
Glass
Mosaic is a Zero Maintenance product and requires only an
occasional washing with a brush and soapy water.
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