What is the difference between mesh-backed, paper-face, film-faced and dot mounted tile?
Paper-face mounting is the traditional mounting method for glass mosaic tile. Kraft paper is applied to the front surface of the glass tile with water-soluble glue. Once the tile has been mounted, and the thin-set mortar has cured, the installer moistens and removes the kraft paper. Similarly, film-face mounting is a clear sheet of adhesive film placed over the face of the tile. Once the thin-set mortar has cured, the clear film can be peeled off the tile face. Clear film provides the advantage of visibility of the complete sheet of tile and amount of setting material penetrating the grout joints during the installation process. Mesh-backed tile has mesh applied to the back side of the tile. Mesh mounting provides complete tile sheet visibility during installation and eliminates the additional step of removing any face-mounted film or paper. Dot mounted tile has PVC “dots” applied between the tile to create a sheet. Dot mounted sheets can be installed in the same manner as mesh-backed
