Jack wrote:
It seems to me that any deviation from thinset would be an invitation
for trouble.. not sure what the problem with using thinset would be..
if you find it hard to apply maybe you could try a "mortar bag",
basically like a chef's pastry tube.. you load it in then squeeze it
out in small amounts.. they are on the shelf at Home Depot ect.


Interesting, I hadn't thought to try that. My concern with thinset is
that I have a hard time spreading it without stepping all over my
lines, and I need to ensure my spacing doesn't drift as I move out to
the edges. Traditional laying methods involve spreading it out and
portioning it off with a notch trowel. Doing this would leave me
completely unable to see the underlying design.

My other worry is that it's easy to accidentally squeeze thinset up
between the pieces. There are enough small pieces that I wouldn't want
to try to chase all the grout lines out with a q-tip before it sets. I
had hoped liquid nails would be more forgiving in these respects. I
know it's not uncommon to use mastic in tile applications and thought
that liquid nails would also do the job.

I suppose with a pastry bag, I can just back butter the pieces and
carefully press them into place like I would have with glue. Thanks
for the tip.