Pebble patio (mosaic) - Suitable grout

[calvindownes]

Hi,
I'm building a Pebble patio (mosaic form) which involves placing pebbles of different colours long-ways in a dry mix bed. The pebbles are packed as closely together as possible, but they still leave gaps that need filling and smoothing to some extent. Also some pebbles are quite small so only just get part buried - they therefore need a grout to help 'fix' them in position and prevent any movement and ingress of water.
Books suggest a dry sand/cement mix as a grout but I'm concerned this will break up and not give a good enough 'fix'. I've looked at polymer grouts but they mostly need to be wet and I can't do this as it will cover the pebbles and some are sure to come loose whilst I spread the mix. So can anyone suggest a dry mix that is very fine, strong fixing properties and will prevent water ingress or even a fine liquid taht can be poured between them to take up gaps etc.
As some of the pebbles are small (30 mm) the depthe available is no more than 15-20 mm for the grout with a width of anything from 10mm to 1 mm.
The total area is about 15 sq mtrs but being done in sections.
Thanks.

calvin

[Tony McC]

In the past, we've grouted pebble mosaics using a slurry mix of 4:1 sand + cement with SBR/Ronafix. If made wet enough, the slurry will flow and become self-levelling. Any spills/splashes need to be wiped clean with a damp cloth immediately, but it worked well for us, every time.

Use a 5 litre watering can with a fine spout to apply the slurry, and make sure you have a steady hand.