Tiling solutions experts BAL, have helped mosaic artist Tamara Froud transform Richard Alibon Primary School in Dagenham, Essex.

BAL provided an adhesive and grout fixing solution that aided Tamara in creating an ornate Cinca ceramic mosaic at the primary school.

Tamara worked with the school’s pupils to create designs based on the school’s values of confidence, perseverance, ambition, curiosity, respect and happiness.

During installation, Tamara used BAL Max Flex Fibre tile adhesive to fix the tiles onto a mesh background. Fibre Strand Technology meaning it withstands movement, plus its extended open time allows for larger areas to be fixed in one mix.

BAL Micromax2 grout was used to provide a smooth and clean finish with protection against efflorescence to minimise the risk of discolouration.

Tamara used the BAL products after attending at Mosaic Tiling training course at BAL’s Innovation and Technology Centre (ITC) in Stoke-on-Trent organised by the British Association for Modern Mosaic (BAMM).

“As a member of the BAMM committee I’ve always wanted to push training to help standardise best practice amongst our members, so teaming up with BAL for specialist training has been a real boost,” said Tamara.

“It’s up to all mosaic artists to be fully versed on the correct preparation and installation techniques. What we don’t want are installations to be falling off walls and giving our art a bad reputation. Training courses like those provided by BAL are great for mosaic artists and benefit everyone.”