|
|
| How To: |
|
Note: Number of Glass Mosaic Tiles in 1 kg is approx 200 pieces. MOSAIC TECHNIQUES DIRECT METHOD The direct methods described below all involve sticking the glass tile pieces directly on to the surface you wish to mosaic. With all the methods you work with the design face up. 1. Push the glass tile directly into a thick bed of grout and latex mixture. This method is self-grouting. Wash back the excess grout before it dries. 2. Use an adhesive to stick the tiles, piece by piece directly on to the base. When adhesive is set, grout the mosaic using a latex/grout mixture. 3. Stick the tiles on to a wire, nylon or fibre mesh. Then push the mesh-plus-tile into a bed of adhesive. Allow to set then grout. This is good for doing large mosaics. INDIRECT OR REVERSE METHOD The reverse methods mean that you work from the back or reverse of the design. Stick the tiles face down on to brown paper, using water-soluble glue. When this stage is completed, flip the mosaic over and press it into the bed of adhesive. You can use a timber board and mallet to press the mosaic flat into the adhesive bed. When the adhesive has set, soak off the brown paper. This method can be prepared off site and installed later. Also large mosaics can be done in a number of sections and then installed together. GROUTING This involves mixing up the grout with a latex additive and then applying it to fill all the spaces between the glass tiles. Press the grout firmly into all the spaces, scrape off any excess, then as the grout is setting use a damp sponge to gently wash back the remaining excess grout. Once set, you may need to go over the mosaic with a rag to polish any residue off the glass. MOSAIC EQUIPMENT & THEIR USES Glass Tesserae: These are small tiles made from opalescent glass. They can be used as they are, or easily cut or chipped into smaller pieces for intricate mosaics. Latex Grout Additive: Use this with grout instead of water. The latex binds the grout together to give extra strength and durability. Until set, the latex can be washed up in water. You can also use the latex/grout mixture as an adhesive bed for external mosaics. Coloured Grout: This allows you to match colours with your mosaic or the base to which the mosaic is set. Mix this with the latex additive for extra strength. Mastic Adhesive: The mastic adhesive is used to stick the glass tiles to internal surfaces. It is not recommended for external or water prone mosaics. A latex/grout mixture can be used for these mosaics. Mosaic Cutter: These ‘chip’ or ‘ snap’ up the glass tiles into smaller pieces. You place the glass tiles between the two cutting wheels then snap down on it to break it into smaller pieces. Diamantor Glass Cutter: With this cutter you can cut the tiles into shapes or accurate small pieces. Dip the head of the cutter into a lubricant like kerosene, sewing machine oil or glass cutter oil, then draw or push down the cutting wheel across the glass to make ‘score’ line. Apply downward pressure on either side of this line to break the piece. You can use pliers to break small pieces away. Adhesive Spreader: Use this to apply a grooved bed of adhesive to your mosaic base. This allows you to get an even layer of adhesive on to the base. Grouter: The flexible rubber of this grouter allows you to easily apply your grout mixture to all the spaces of your mosaic. It is strong but flexible enough to scrape back the excess grout. Safety Glasses: These should be worn as all times when you are cutting up your glass tiles. They prevent any glass splinters from getting in your eyes. Mosaic Surfaces suitable for mosaic Surface: Craft wood, Table tops indoor use Frames, mirrors, wall panels Surface: Chipboard Surface: Masonite/ Suit tabletops Surface: Ply Wood Surface: Plaster/Plasterboard Surface: Plastic Lampshade flexible silicon is a great adhesive for flexible surfaces. ***Big note: when adhering tiles onto surfaces that are flexible use silicon or latex / grout mixture (just make sure the surface is not too flexible) If the tiles are transparent and you want to see through the project use silicon. If the tiles are opaque , latex and grout mixture **note: when adhering glass transparent tiles, be sure to use a white or clear adhesive otherwise it will make the tiles look dull Surface: Marine Plywood Surface: Cement Sheeting Surface: Terracotta Surface: Cement Surface: Stone / Brick Surface: Metal Surface: Glass / can be used indoor Suitable for wall art (light Surface: Ceramic Tile
|
|
|
|
Copyright 2006 Zart Art |