Frequently Asked Questions, Gils glass mosaic

Below are the most common questions about Gils glass mosaic: where it can be used, how it is installed and how to look after it. A detailed installation manual is available to download on every product page.

Where can glass mosaic be installed?

Gils glass mosaic is suitable for both dry and wet areas: walls, floors, bathrooms, showers, kitchen splashbacks and swimming pools. The whole Gils range is designed for all of these uses, although on floors you should also check that the slip rating is appropriate for the room.

Is Gils glass mosaic suitable for swimming pools?

Yes. Glass mosaic is non-porous and waterproof, which is why it is one of the most common pool-finishing materials. Pool installations require a waterproofing system rated for submerged use, a pool-grade adhesive and grout, and careful adherence to the installer's instructions for underwater application.

Is glass mosaic frost-resistant?

Glass mosaic itself is non-porous and does not absorb water, which is the basis of frost resistance. However, the frost resistance of the whole assembly depends on the substrate, adhesive, grout and waterproofing used with it. For exterior and freeze-thaw environments always use adhesive and grout rated for external use.

What adhesive and grout should I use?

Always use a white or light cement-based tile adhesive marked as suitable for glass mosaic, typically C2 class — white adhesive gives a cleaner result, grey gives a darker background. Do not begin grouting until at least 24 hours after installation. For glass mosaic we recommend elastic, stain-resistant and waterproof grouts such as Ceresit CE-40 Aquastatic. For wet rooms, pools and surfaces exposed to chemicals, use epoxy grout.

How is glass mosaic installed?

The substrate must be completely smooth, dry and dust-free. Room temperature should be between 10–40 °C. Apply adhesive to the wall with the notched trowel recommended by the adhesive manufacturer — never apply adhesive to the mosaic sheet itself as the sheet will slide off under its own weight. Apply adhesive for no more than 10 sheets (approx. 1 m²) at a time, as the surface skins over and prevents proper bonding. Gils mosaics have a paper backing: place the sheet with the paper facing outward (toward you) and press it firmly into the adhesive with a rubber or wooden block. Keep the joint spacing between sheets equal to the joint spacing within a single sheet.

How do I remove the paper backing?

After every 10 sheets are bedded in, wet the paper on the already-installed sheets with a damp sponge until the paper is thoroughly soaked through. Starting from the top corner of each sheet, carefully peel the paper away diagonally. If any chip pulls out, press it straight back into the adhesive. Check that all chips are evenly set. Working time for adjustments at normal temperatures is approximately one hour from when the adhesive was applied.

How do I cut glass mosaic?

Individual glass chips can be cut with mosaic nippers (compression-type tile nippers). For cleaner and longer cuts, use a wet saw with a diamond blade rated for glass and water cooling. The mesh backing can be trimmed with scissors or a utility knife to size the sheet itself.

How do I clean the mosaic after grouting?

The surface must be cleaned no later than one hour after finishing the grouting. Using a soft sponge, remove excess grout from the mosaic with circular movements. It is very important to start cleaning before the grout fully dries — once completely dry, it is extremely difficult to remove from the mosaic surface. Be careful not to pull grout out of the joints while cleaning. After cleaning, rinse the surface thoroughly with clean water. If the dry surface still appears dusty with cement residue, rinse with a mildly acidic solution (5–10% hydrochloric acid, available from DIY stores), then rinse again with clean water.

How do I clean and maintain glass mosaic?

Glass mosaic is easy to maintain because the glass itself is non-porous. For everyday cleaning, use a soft cloth and a pH-neutral cleaner. Avoid abrasive scouring pads and strong acidic cleaners on cement grout joints, as these can damage the grout over time.

How much mosaic do I need per square metre?

Measure the area to be tiled in square metres and add around 10% extra for cuts, offcuts and future repairs. A box of Gils mosaic typically contains 1.07 or 2.14 m²; the exact quantity is shown on each product page.

What size is the mosaic sheet and each glass chip?

The standard Gils mosaic sheet is 327×327 mm, mounted on mesh backing. Individual glass chips vary by collection: most are roughly 20–25 mm square. The exact chip size is listed on the product page of each collection.

Where is Gils mosaic manufactured?

Gils is an Estonian brand founded in 2014. The mosaic is designed in Estonia and manufactured in China to Gils specifications, using specialist glass-mosaic production. Gils is responsible for design, colour palette and quality control; production takes place in Asia, where the deepest glass-mosaic manufacturing expertise is concentrated.

How do I buy Gils mosaic?

Gils products are available through Vipex, our distributor for the Baltics and Finland. Full range, stock, pricing and project quotes are at vipex.ee.

Is glass mosaic safe and environmentally sound?

Glass mosaic is made primarily of glass, which is inert and non-porous: it does not absorb water and does not release volatile compounds into the room. The surface does not harbour mould or bacteria, which makes it a good choice for bathrooms and other hygiene-sensitive spaces.