WHAT IS LITHOMOSAIC?
LithoMosaic is an art form with ancient roots, tracing back to Roman times. Traditional mosaics have stood the test of time and continue to be valued today for their beauty, strength, and cultural richness. At Colorado Hardscapes, we aim to continue the legacy by helping create unique and meaningful art with a modern upgrade to the system, making it more practical and durable.
WHICH MATERIALS CAN YOU USE IN LITHOMOSAIC?
LithoMosaic can be created using two primary types of materials: Smalti glass tiles or natural stone.
Smalti Glass
Smalti is a hand-cut, opaque glass tile made by melting glass paste mixed with various metal oxides. These oxides give the glass its vibrant color and control its level of transparency. Smalti tiles are known for their strong chemical and thermal resistance, making them both acid and weather-resistant. Ideal for outdoor and high-traffic environments.
Natural Stone
Historically, LithoMosaics began with simple pebbles. Over time, artists have incorporated a wide range of natural stones, giving these mosaics a raw, earthy character. Stone adds a timeless, organic look that you can customize to fit your design.
WHAT ARE THE LIMITATIONS OF LITHOMOSAIC?
Surprisingly, there are very few limitations.
- No grout issues: Because we embed the mosaic tiles directly into concrete, you don’t need to worry about grout wearing out or deteriorating.
- Fast installation: Artists perform most of the artistic work off-site since the mosaics are very detailed. They assemble the tiles on mesh and then place them into the concrete on-site, streamlining the process.
- Durability: LithoMosaics are engineered to last as long as the concrete they’re embedded in. A properly designed concrete mix includes freeze-thaw protection and resists weather-related deterioration.
- Customizable and creative: It’s a seamless blend of art and architecture that allows for full customization—logos, maps, portraits, abstract art, and more.
HOW DOES COLORADO HARDSCAPES INSTALL LITHOMOSAIC?
Here’s a step-by-step look at our expert process:
- Design & Layout: We print a mirrored version of the final mosaic design and use it as a guide. Our team carefully sets each tile onto the mesh using a special glue that re-emulsifies when it contacts the concrete.
- Tile Sizing & Placement: We typically space the tiles about half an inch apart to let the concrete seep between them. This ensures proper bonding and long-term durability.
- Embedding in Concrete: We embed the tile artwork into the Sandscape concrete face down. Sandscape provides a slip-resistant finish ideal for public spaces where safety is key.
- Surface Reveal: Once the water from the concrete touches the re-emulsified glue, we remove the mesh. A thin film of concrete, which we call the skin, may cover the tiles, but we apply a retarder to the surface so we can wash away the top layer and reveal the vibrant mosaic underneath.
WHY CHOOSE COLORADO HARDSCAPES?
Because we bring these LithoMosaics to life.
With decades of experience, creative designers, and an unwavering dedication to quality, Colorado Hardscapes is your trusted partner for turning any surface into a piece of art. Whether it’s a public plaza, a private residence, or a commercial space, we make your vision a lasting reality.
PHOTO EXAMPLES OF OUR LITHOMOSAIC INSTALLATIONS:
