Should i keep grout lines even on mosaic coasters?

[Zachary_D]

I’ve been trying to make a set of matching coasters using a simple mosaic tile technique, but I can’t get the grout lines to stay even and clean. Every time I think I’ve pressed the tiles in perfectly, the spacing shifts a little when I apply the grout, and the final look is just messy.

[ChloeR]

That happened to me too. I learned the wobble shows up after you grout. I started with a flat board under the tiles and tiny spacers between them. I pressed each tile with a straight edge to keep the edges flush.

[Lily.H]

I tried spacers and the straight edge but the lines still shifted. I think the adhesive dried too fast or the tiles moved while I was working. I rushed and ended up with uneven grooves. I put the project on hold for a while.

[Mason78]

Could the base be warped?

[JosephJ]

I did end up blaming the grout and tried letting the glue cure longer before the lines went in. It helped a bit once I finally kept the project on a truly flat surface and wiped away excess as I went. I did not rely on fancy tools just a damp sponge and a steady hand.