Description
Sahara Mosaic – Recycled Glass Tiling
Sahara is a glass-ceramic mosaic with square 40 × 40 mm chips, mounted on sheets for easy installation. The brown-beige tiles feature embossed ornaments that can be felt to the touch, and a golden shimmer adds warmth. The relief catches the light from the window and casts fine shadows. The mosaic suits a living-room, bathroom or kitchen wall in an oriental style, where a rich, warm texture is wanted.
Why Choose Sahara
- Non-porous surface: water absorption is up to 0.04%, so no mould forms and stains and odours do not linger.
- Lasting colour: does not fade from sunlight (ISO 4892) or from cleaning products (Class A per ASTM C650).
- Frost resistance: withstands freeze-thaw cycles (ASTM C1026), so it is also suitable for outdoor areas.
- Strength: withstands bending of up to 55 N/mm² (EN ISO 10545-4), and the face is free of defects.
- Clean composition: the raw material is entirely recycled glass (100%), and the colourants contain no lead, cadmium or other heavy metals.
The Model at a Glance
| Article number | MOSFBLDJ004 |
|---|---|
| Colour and pattern | brown-beige with embossed ornaments |
| Size of each chip | 40 × 40 mm |
| Size of the finished sheet | 325 × 325 mm |
| Sheets per 1 m² | 10 |
| Chip thickness | 5.5 mm |
| Material | glass-ceramic, made entirely from recycled glass |
| Shape | square chips with a printed pattern |
| Chip attachment | silicone (polyurethane) dots on the back |
| Spacing between chips (grout joint) | 2 mm |
| Water absorption | no more than 0.04% |
| Bending | withstands 55 N/mm² |
| Cold | not damaged by freezing and thawing |
| Chemicals | Class A, no visible change |
| Suitable for | shower cabins, bathrooms, kitchens, spa centres, hammams and wall decoration |
| Minimum order | one carton, equal to 1 m² |
The Silicone Dot Backing
On the back of the sheet, each chip is fixed with tiny dots of silicone (polyurethane). They do not cover the back, so more than 95% of every chip sits directly in the adhesive and the bond is exceptionally reliable. The dots do not make the mosaic thicker, the adhesive and grout do not corrode them, and in storage the sheets keep their shape. The flexibility of the sheet allows installation on curved surfaces, steps and inside corners.
Compared with classic backings: a mesh covers part of the back of the chips, while paper is glued to the front, hides the pattern during installation, has to be soaked and peeled off, and tears on curved surfaces. The dots have none of these drawbacks, no auxiliary layers have to be removed after laying, and the chips and joints stay visible the whole time.
Where to Use It
- living-room wall
- bathroom and shower area
- oriental-style kitchen
Choosing the Grout
A grout in a shade close to the tiles makes the surface look unified, while a darker one brings out the relief. For shower cabins and wet areas, an epoxy or waterproof C2 grout is recommended, which does not absorb moisture and does not darken.
Step-by-Step Installation of Sahara
- Preparing the substrate: the surface must be dry, clean, firm and smooth (unevenness of up to 2 mm over two metres). Waterproofing is applied before a shower area.
- Choosing the adhesive: a light, flexible cement-based adhesive C2TE S1 is recommended. Glass lets a little light through, so a dark adhesive would change the colour.
- Spreading: the adhesive is applied with a 3–4 mm notched trowel in patches large enough for two or three sheets.
- Setting: the sheets are pressed in with a rubber float; the spacing between sheets is kept at 2 mm, the same as between the chips.
- Cutting: at corners and openings the silicone dots are cut through with a utility knife; individual chips are broken with glass mosaic pliers.
- Grouting: wait a day. In the shower area choose an epoxy or waterproof C2 grout.
- Final cleaning: a damp sponge removes the grout while it is still soft; epoxy grout is removed immediately with a special cleaner.
- Putting into use: water can be turned on once the grout has fully hardened.
Prepare: light adhesive C2TE S1, epoxy or waterproof grout, 3–4 mm notched trowel, rubber float, utility knife, glass mosaic pliers, sponge, bucket and clean water.
What the Laboratory Tests Show
- Sunlight and UV – the colour remains unchanged (ISO 4892).
- Thermal expansion – the material tolerates it (EN ISO 10545).
- Repeated freezing and thawing – no damage (ASTM C1026).
- Contact with chemicals – Class A, no change (ASTM C650).
- Condition of the face – no defects in any of the tested units (EN ISO 10545-2).
- Bending load – 55 N/mm² (EN ISO 10545-4).
- Water absorption – 0.04% at most (EN ISO 10545-3).
Care
- A soft cloth or sponge with a neutral cleaning product is suitable.
- Do not use abrasive powders, wire brushes or acidic products, which damage the grout.
- A rubber squeegee after showering leaves the glass free of drops and stains.
About Colour and Ordering
The colour of the mosaic is perceived differently depending on daylight or artificial light, the viewing angle, the colour of the grout and adhesive, and the surrounding surfaces. A slight difference in shade is possible between production batches, so it is best to order the whole quantity at once. Visualisations are illustrative. If the colour is important, clarify it before ordering. Send us the dimensions of the room or pool and we will calculate the square metres and cartons you need.
See also: Wellness, Pools and Equipment, Cladding and Paving, Pools, Pool Chemicals, Pool Accessories.
