What is the best way to install a penny floor?

One thing’s for sure, if you just haveto have a penny floor then you won’t be hiring a professional flooring tiles contractor to do it, an artist maybe, but not a contractor. So you need to learn now what’s involved in making a DIY penny floor.

Here are a few steps to follow the best way to install penny floor

Step 1: Create your Penny Floor Template

• Print a few copies of the penny floor template.
• Carefully cut along the purple line on each piece of paper.
• Overlap the pieces so they line up and seam them together. You can then cut out an exact 12×12″ square.
• Lay your template paper onto a piece of scrap cardboard.
• Use the packing tape to cover all of the cardboard and the template. Basically, you’re “laminating” the front side of the cardboard so that nothing sticks to it.
• Cut your mosaic tile mesh into 1-foot squares.

Step 2: Install the Pennies onto Mesh

• Put on your rubber gloves. You cannot handle the pennies directly from this point forward. The oil in your skin will tarnish the center of the penny where you push it down into the glue. The worst part is you won’t immediately notice the huge black dot that will appear in the middle of your penny… it will happen overnight.
• Line up the mesh on top of your new template.
• Use a dot of glue to adhere each penny to the tile one at a time. You can also pre-glue a small section to make it easier.
• Push your penny down into the glue on top of the mesh backing. Use the penny template underneath the mesh to guide you.
• After you’ve finished a full square, let it dry overnight.
• When dry, use a metal paint scraper to carefully separate the mesh from the cardboard template.
• It’s inevitable that some of the pennies will come loose. Just save them, and when you are installing the floor you can use a dab of glue or mortar to put them back in place (wear your gloves).

Step 3: Preparing Your Floor (or Other Surface)

• Remove carpet, hardwood or other floor tiles texture materials.
• Once everything is removed, sweep and vacuum the floor completely to remove any debris.
• Install a cement backer board.
• Now that the surface is properly prepped, we are ready to install the penny tile sheets.

Step 4: Lay the Penny Tile

• lay the thin-set and use a 1/4″ trowel to create ridges (just as you would lay any tile).
• Then, set the penny mesh-side down into the ridges.
• Work slowly, and try to align each piece to interlock with one another. Trim the mesh when necessary to create the best interlock you can.
• If any pennies have fallen out of your mesh, now is the time to pop those back in.
• Let dry overnight.

Step 5: Grout the Pennies

• Grout the pennies just as you would any other tile. Mix the unsanded powder grout with water according to the package instructions, and then apply it into the seams using a grout float.
• Take your time as you grout the floor. Go slowly and make sure you go at a 45-degree angle so you don’t pull the grout out from between the pennies.
• Once you have enough grout into the spaces between the pennies, you’ll let it sit for a few minutes (follow the instructions on your grout package). Use a sponge with very little water on it and slowly swipe the grout away.
• NOTE: completely dry the floor when you are finished grouting. Don’t let ANY water rest on the penny floor.

Step 6: To Clean or Not to Clean the Pennies

• Don’t try to clean your pennies after you’ve glued them.
• Don’t use these methods for cleaning
  • Ketchup
  • Baking soda + water.
  • Vinegar.
• Wright’s Copper Cream is the best solution I’ve found to clean the pennies… if you must. It will gently clean and remove tarnish without scratching the pennies.
• After cleaning the pennies up and letting it sufficiently dry.

Step 7: Seal the Pennies

• When sealing the floor the process will vary depending on whether you are using epoxy or polyurethane. The process will also be different if you use oil-based vs. water-based polyurethane.
• Ensure that you have adequate ventilation.
• Properly mix the polyurethane before using.
• Apply the polyurethane in thin, even coats.
• Wait for each coat to dry before applying the next coat.
• Lightly sand in-between coats (when dry).
• Give the floor the proper amount of time to dry before walking on it

If you are looking for modern and latest designs of floor tiles for open terrace I strongly recommend you to visit Somany Ceramics.