Have you ever looked at beautiful mosaic tables or mirrors and wished you could make one yourself, I know I have. Here are a few basic instructions you will be able to follow and apply to any design.
If it’s your first attempt at this it’s best to start with a flat surface so a small side table or mirror frame will be a good choice.
What You Will Need :-
- Old plates or/and tiles are the easiest to start with but china, glass and shells are also good depending on your project.
- Impact adhesive
- Paint brush
- Corrugated cardboard
- Clear contact or tape
- Pencil
- Hammer
- Tile cutter
- 2 pairs of pliers
- Rubber gloves
- Poster paint
- Tile grout
- Large sponge
Plan your design and draw it out on your project base. Seal the surface with a coat of adhesive using a brush and leave to dry according to instructions or for at least one hour.
Break up your material, if you are using plates cover with contact and cardboard then tap with the hammer to break into smallish pieces. Check your plate with each hammer tap.
Spread adhesive over your projects surface a section at a time extending a little past the design outline. Transfer mosaic pieces to the glued surface, leaving small gaps in between each piece to allow for grout. Continue in this way until your design is complete.
If you use tiles for part or all of the design you will need the tile cutter to score and cut to the desired size, roughly a 15mm square is a good size for most designs. For smaller pieces score with tile cutter then use the pliers to snap. Make sure there are no sharp pieces overhanging the edges. Leave your design overnight to dry thoroughly.
Grout your mosaic using rubber gloves to protect your hands, Mix the grout as directed. Buy a coloured grout of your choice or mix in poster paint to get the colour you want. Use the sponge to work the grout into all the gaps, make it level with the surface. Smooth out, removing excess grout with a clean damp sponge, smooth and even the edges. Allow to dry overnight, clean off any remaining film from the grout and polish your finished mosaic with a clean cloth.
Well Done 