Mosaic Art Installation Guide

Mosaic Arts · Installation Guide

From numbered pieces to a finished feature wall, in five careful steps.

Every CoCo mosaic artwork arrives in numbered sections with a layout guide and spare pieces. Follow this guide — illustrated at every stage — for a secure, seamless installation, whether you're doing it yourself or briefing your tiler.

CoCo almond blossom glass mosaic artwork in blue tones Featured: almond blossom glass mosaic

What you're installing

A few CoCo mosaic artworks in their finished settings — the result this guide helps you achieve.

Navy floral glass mosaic feature wall in a double-height living room
Maple branch and bird glass mosaic artwork between two bookcases
Tropical palm landscape mosaic artwork under a domed skylight

Before you begin

Set aside two to three hours for a typical feature-wall artwork, plus curing time. Gather everything first so you never have to stop mid-install.

You'll need

  • Your numbered layout guide (included in the box)
  • Tile adhesive suitable for your wall surface
  • Notched trowel and spirit level
  • Epoxy grout and rubber grout float
  • Clean sponges, damp cloths and a bucket of water
  • Glass cutter (only if trimming is required)

Good to know

  • Spare pieces are included with every artwork for replacements
  • Each section is numbered — installation follows the guide exactly
  • Work bottom-left to top-right, one section at a time

Prefer a professional finish? Many of our customers hand this guide to their tiler — it covers everything they need.

Check and compare

Mosaic pieces laid out and checked against the numbered layout guide
A

Verify the components

Lay out the mosaic pieces on a flat surface and check every component against the numbered layout guide included in your delivery.

B

Measure for accuracy

Confirm the mosaic's dimensions match your installation area. If trimming is needed, remove the excess carefully with a glass cutter.

C

Clean the surface

Make sure the wall is clean, dry, flat and free of dust or debris. A sound surface is the single biggest factor in long-term adhesion.

Apply the adhesive

Combing tile adhesive onto a bare wall with a notched trowel
A

Choose the right adhesive

Use a quality tile adhesive rated for your wall surface and for glass or stone mosaics. Check the manufacturer's directions for wet areas.

B

Spread in small sections

With a notched trowel, comb an even layer over a small working area at a time, so the adhesive stays workable while you place each piece.

C

Keep it level

Comb the adhesive in one direction and check your starting line with a spirit level — a straight first row keeps the whole artwork true.

Place the mosaic tiles

Hands pressing mosaic pieces onto the wall following the layout
A

Follow the layout guide

Begin from the bottom-left corner and place each piece by its number. Press gently into the adhesive — firm enough to secure, without excess pressure.

B

Maintain alignment

Place tiles closely together to avoid visible gaps. If adhesive seeps out between pieces, wipe it away immediately with a damp cloth.

C

Check for defects

Replace any chipped or damaged pieces with the spares provided to ensure a flawless finish before the adhesive sets.

Grouting

Hand spreading grout across a glass mosaic with a rubber float
A

Select the right grout

Use epoxy grout. We recommend these Mapei colours — note that Translucent has a light base colour, so it reads opaque rather than clear.

Mapei 700 TranslucentMapei 111 Silver Grey
B

Apply in sections

Spread grout over no more than 0.5 m² at a time. After each section, scrape off the excess and immediately clean with a damp cloth or sponge.

C

Final cleaning

Keep wiping until the surface is smooth, residue-free and shows a natural sheen. Do this before the grout fully dries — cured haze is far harder to remove.

Final drying and care

Person admiring a finished mosaic feature wall in their living room
A

Allow it to cure

Leave the mosaic completely undisturbed while the adhesive and grout cure — generally 24–48 hours, depending on your adhesive. Avoid water and surface contact.

B

Post-installation care

Hold off on heavy cleaning until the grout and adhesive are fully cured. Afterwards, a soft cloth and mild cleaner is all your artwork needs.

C

Step back and enjoy

Your mosaic is now a permanent feature of your home. Share it with us — we love seeing CoCo mosaics in their new spaces.

How long to wait

Curing times vary with your adhesive, grout and room conditions — always defer to the product instructions. As a general rule:

24–48 hrsInitial drying. Keep the artwork undisturbed and dry, depending on your adhesive.
Until fully curedNo heavy cleaning, scrubbing or chemical cleaners while grout and adhesive cure.
OngoingRoutine care with a soft cloth keeps glass and stone mosaics looking their best.

Need a hand at any step?

Our team is happy to talk you through your installation, recommend adhesives and grout for your space, or connect you with our free design service.

Contact support Read mosaic FAQs Delivery info Free design services