MOSAICS 101

TOOLS, TIPS AND TRICKS

Now you have a few ideas in mind, here’s the nitty gritty on materials, tools and tips to get started.

SURFACE ADHESIVE To adhere tiles to your chosen surface, you need to check the label of the adhesive to make sure it will work with both the tiles and the surface.

GROUT TYPES

Sanded grout is the best choice for mosaic projects because of its durability and ability to fill the large gaps mosaics o en have. It comes premixed or as a dry powder (to mix with water) in a range of colours. Premixed works well for small projects; powder is more economical for large projects.

INDOOR OR OUTDOOR These projects are for indoor use (or for protected outdoor areas) only. With any outdoor projects, you need a weather-resistant surface, thin-set mortar and a top coat of sealant.

WHAT ELSE CAN I USE? Be creative with pieces of broken dishes or other ceramics (this type of mosaic work is known as pique assie‚e), small rocks or shells.

Mosaic cu‚ers make cu‚ing glass or ceramic tiles a breeze. Wear safety glasses when using them and sand sharp cut edges with fine-grit sandpaper.

Mosaic a picture frame with individual tiles. You can use wooden frames, but almost any material works as long as you rough up the surface first with sandpaper.

■ MEASURE UP Measure the frame and choose tiles that, when laid out with space le for grout, fit the frame without having to be cut.

PRO TIP

Protect the inside edges of the frame with painter’s tape. Remove it before the grout dries.