How to Make Outdoor Mosaics

home tile mosaics

Miles, H. (2024, June 17). Mastering outdoor mosaics: 4 key principles for long-lasting artwork [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=maHiZCuGnRc

Outdoor substrates:

1. Wetty/Jacko board: compressed foam board to line bathrooms
   1. Lightweight, cove the edges with tile adhesive
2. Slate
3. Terracotta pots are problematic
4. Walls must be clean, dry, and rendered. (A coat of render on it)

Outdoor adhesives

1. Keraflex/Thin Set
   • Make sure it says exterior use
   • Read the manufacturer’s instructions
2. Titebond: Premium wood glue
3. NEVER USE PVA OUTDOORS

You want the tile adhesive from half to 2/3 of the height of the mosaic pieces

Schoolhouse Homestead. (2023, July 28). How to make custom floor mosaics (Anyone can do this!!) [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_jndARQnwOI

Need:

1. Tile
2. Tile File
3. Tweezers, culinary tweezers
4. Tile Nippers
5. Weld bond
6. Mosaic Binding

• Nipped tile looks good with text
• You don’t want that much glue on your tile. Just dab it.

Stacie. (2023, July 27). How to make a custom floor mosaic, a step-by-step guide. Schoolhouse Homestead. https://schoolhousehomestead.com/how-to-make-a-custom-floor-mosaic-a-step-by-step-guide/

Massey, P., & Slater, A. (1999). Beginner’s guide to mosaic. Search Press.

Using a mesh base (indoor mosaics)

Materials:

• Tapestry mesh
• Small board (wood/MDF)
• Mosaic tiles
• Nippers and googles
• Tile adjesive
• Clear plastic bag
• PVA adhesive and paintbrush
• Masking tape
• Fibre-tipped pen
• Scissors
• Notched spreader
• Tile grout and grouting equipment

To do:

1. Photocopy the design to size and tape it to a board. Cover with a square cut from a clear plastic bag and secure with masking tape (This will prevent the mesh from sticking to the paper)
2. Cut a square of tapestry mesh slightly larger than the design. Place it on top of the plastic and tape it down
3. Cut tiles and glue in position using PVA adhesive
4. After you place the tiles
5. Gently peel the mosaic-covered mesh from the plastic. Trim away the excess tapestry mesh with scissors
6. Apply an even coat of tile adhesive to the wall using a notched spreader
7. Position plain tiles and mosaic inserts on the tile adhesive and press gently into place. Leave to dry overnight
   1. Grout and polish the whole area