Fixing glass tiles requires careful handling and precise installation to maintain their reflective beauty and vibrant colour. Unlike other tile materials, glass creates a unique sense of depth as it reflects light. Most glass tiles have their colour fused into the back, producing an intense and long-lasting finish. Their non-absorbent nature makes them ideal for bathrooms, kitchens, and food preparation areas.
Preparation
Before fixing glass tiles, clean the surface thoroughly to remove dust, grease, or residues that could stain white adhesive. The installation area must be dry, smooth, and free from imperfections.
Checking the tiles before installation is essential. Shuffle them within the batch to ensure natural shade variations blend evenly across the surface. Any tiles with small chips or flaws should be reserved for cuts. Handle glass tiles carefully, as broken pieces have sharp edges that can easily cause injury.
Fixing to Solid and Waterproof Backgrounds
Applying a thin layer of white adhesive to the back of each tile ensures even colour and strong adhesion. A 3mm or 6mm notched trowel should be used to spread adhesive over a one-square-metre section at a time. Press the tiles firmly into the adhesive while using spacers to maintain consistent grout joints. Working in small sections prevents adhesive from drying too quickly.
If glass tiles are used as decorative inlays and are thinner than surrounding tiles, build up the adhesive layer beneath them. Applying a single thick bed of adhesive will cause cracking as it contracts during drying.
Pressing glass tiles directly into an adhesive bed without first coating the back results in an uneven and blemished appearance. Dot-and-dab fixing is not recommended, as it leaves weak spots that make the tiles prone to cracking.
Fixing to Timber Backgrounds
Before fixing glass tiles onto timber, follow proper preparation methods for timber surfaces. Once the timber is stable and ready for tiling, apply the same fixing method used for solid and waterproof backgrounds.
Cutting and Drilling
To cut glass tiles, use an oiled glass cutter to score along the required line. Position the score mark over a thin wire or nail, then apply even pressure to snap the tile cleanly. Alternatively, a sharp ceramic tile cutter can be used.
After cutting, smooth all edges with a sanding stone to prevent stress fractures. Skipping this step increases the risk of cracks forming after installation.
It is imperative that all cut edges are smoothed with a sanding stone to remove the stresses from the cutting process. Failure to do so may result in the tiles cracking after being fixed.
Drilling into glass tiles requires careful technique. Place the tile on a rigid surface with a cardboard layer underneath. Use a tungsten carbide or diamond tipped drill bit. Mark the drilling point, then apply masking tape over it to prevent slipping. Gently drill at low speed, avoiding excessive pressure to prevent overheating or chipping.
For complex shapes or precise holes, water jet cutting offers the best results. This high pressure cutting method ensures smooth edges, making it ideal for exposed pipe fittings where blanking plates are not available.
Grouting
Fine-textured grout works best when fixing glass tiles. A flexible admix should be added where required, following the manufacturer’s recommendations. Since glass scratches easily, avoid using hard or abrasive tools during grouting.
After applying grout, remove excess with a damp sponge, rinsing it frequently to prevent haze build up. Proper grouting enhances the finished look while protecting the tiles from moisture penetration.
Fixing glass tiles correctly ensures a professional finish that remains durable and visually stunning. If you need expert guidance or custom cutting services, get in touch to discuss your project.
