4. step-by-step guide to techniques

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DIRECT METHODS

Method One: Working with glue to ensure a flat surface for TABLE TOPS, MIRRORS, PICTURES

TOOL KIT & MATERIALS

Nippers, plywood (see tips on materials), waterproof Unibond glue, mirror glue (if applicable) pencil, marker pen, Stanley knife, tesserae

STEP BY STEP

Select plywood and cut to size
Score surface with a Stanley knife and prime with a solution of 1:1 water and waterproof Unibond glue
Draw design onto board with marker pen
Cut and glue tiles placing the glue onto the back of each tile enough so that it fixes firmly after about 20 minutes without excess seeping around edges
Leave work to dry for 24 hours then you are ready to grout.

Method Two: Working into cement that can be used for PLANTERS, MIRRORS, and PICTURES etc.

TOOL KIT & MATERIALS

Nippers, pencil and marker pen, Stanley knife, palette knife, rubber squeegee, cloth, waterproof unibond glue, cement based tile adhesive ( see tips on materials), plywood/ceramic planter(unglazed), tesserae.

STEP BY STEP

Select and cut plywood or terracotta planter

Score surface with Stanley knife and prime with a solution of 1:1 water and waterproof unibond glue.

When dry prime surface with a thin coat of Goldstar cement based tile adhesive. This is mixed with water to single cream consistency.

Scratch design onto surface while cement is damp and leave to dry.

Mix Goldstar cement adhesive with water to buttery consistency and apply to an area of your design. You have a 2/3 hour working time with this cement so you can gage how much to apply.

Application should be thick enough for tile to imbed in but not ooze around edge; this allows space for grout.

Gently place tesserae into cement and it is important to tap each piece with the cutting end of your nippers to ensure adhesion.

The Indirect Method, working onto mesh.

INDIRECT METHOD

This process involves placing the tiles right side up working onto mesh to enable you to put mosaic onto an architectural space i.e.: FLOORS, WALLS, FIREPLACES, SPLASHBACKS

TOOL KIT & MATERIALS

Fibre mesh (see suppliers made by Mapei), clingfilm, paper, pencil and marker pen , Stanley knife, nippers, waterproof Unibond glue, tesserae

STEP BY STEP

Make a paper template of the exact size you wish to mosaic using lining or brown paper. This is because walls and floors are not always true.
Draw your design onto this template, when you are happy with it go over it with a thick black marker pen.
Lay template out, cut into sections if too large tape down to prevent movement and cover with cling film.
Place mesh to size on top. ( the plastic is to stop glue seeping through and sticking paper to back of mesh so is important).
You can now begin to glue tiles to mesh following your design underneath, use waterproof unibond glue applied to the back of each tile.
If the mosaic is for a floor you need to ensure that the tesserae you are using is all the same height.
When work is finished leave for 24 hours then gently turn over and peel off plastic and leave for a further 24hrs until glue is dry.
Trim excess mesh - Your work is now ready for siting.