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26 February 2008

Master the art of mosaic

Practice makes perfect when mastering the art of mosaic, so get your hands dirty as you learn.

What is mosaic?
Mosaic is the art of covering and decorating a surface or item with small mosaic tiles or tesserae (individual mosaic pieces). Anything from pieces of glass and tile to marble and ceramics can be used and arranged in a pattern before being glued into place. The grooves or spaces between the individual mosaic tiles are filled in with grout. The art of mosaic dates back as far as the fourth century BC, and remains popular to this day. Materials and equipment

Mosaic tiles or tesserae can be made from any hard material – glass, mirror, tiles, pebbles, shells, ceramic shards and more.

Collect small pieces of tiles or make your own by using a hammer to break a mirror, tile or ceramic item into smaller pieces. Always place the item in a durable bag or enclose it in newspaper before hitting it with the hammer, to prevent shards and splinters from flying around. Don't smash the item too hard – only tap it very lightly with the hammer. You can also use special equipment such as tile nippers or glass cutters to cut out specific shapes.

There are many different types of mosaic tiles made from materials such as glass, ceramics and natural stone, and they come in a number of colours. Find a selection at craft shops, hardware shops and tile warehouses.

Mosaic tiles are usually sold in 30 x 30cm squares that have been mounted on a paper or gauze backing. Some retailers also sell the tiles in smaller format or in small plastic bags.

You can also purchase small square tiles and glass discs from bead shops.

Suitable surfaces

Mosaic can be applied to any hard surface that won't expand or shrink. However, always remember that different surfaces have to be primed in different ways before the tesserae can be applied. For example, Supawood that will be used outside will swell in damp conditions if it isn't sealed properly. Ask your tile merchant or an assistant at a hardware shop for advice about preparing the surface that you want to decorate.

Surfaces that are often used in mosaic art include wood, Supawood, galvanised metal, glass, ceramic, terracotta and cement. Mosaic gauze is also often used.

What do you need?
This is a list of the basic items that you will need:

Tile nippers are a special type of pliers with sharp, rounded tips that make it easier to cut mosaic tiles into smaller pieces or specific shapes.

Two-wheeled tile cutters or wheeled nippers are used for cutting tiles. Run the wheel of the cutters or nippers along the line where you would like to cut the tiles, then close the handles.

Hammer and strong plastic bags are used to break up items into smaller pieces that can be used as individual mosaic tiles.

Adhesives are available in a number of varieties and you should choose the appropriate one for your specific project: – tile adhesive works well on most surfaces; – cold glue is also suitable for use on most surfaces, but takes longer to dry; – silicone is ideal for smooth surfaces such as glass and plastic.

Grout is used to fill in the grooves or spaces between the tesserae. Buy the ready-mixed variety or a powder formula that you can mix yourself by adding water. Grout is available in different colours.

Latex gloves protect hands against grout, which tends to dry out and wear away your skin.

Waterproofing medium is added to grout for outdoor projects or items to be used in damp areas such as a shower.

Wooden spatulas are used to apply tile adhesive and grout.

Plastic containers are used for mixing.

Soft, lint-free cloths or sponges clean the tiles after grout has been applied.

Previously published in Ideas, Subscribe now and save