How to Cut Mosaic Glass Tile

Creating a glass tile mosaic is a beautiful way of expressing your creative side. It can be difficult to find the perfect pieces to create your mosaic, though. Cutting your own is an effective way to get just the pieces you need, the right size and shape every time. Read on to learn how to cut mosaic glass tile.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Glass tile
• Metal straight-edged ruler
• Permanent marker
• Oil-filled glass cutter
• Cut running pliers

1. Set your glass out on your work surface. It's best to cut on a workbench if you have one. Otherwise, work outside.

2. Lay the metal ruler on the smooth side of the glass and mark where you want to cut it with a permanent marker.

3. Hold your ruler in place and score the glass with the oil-filled glass cutter, using your ruler as a guide.

4. Apply slow, steady, even pressure with the glass cutter. You must make one good cut line in order to achieve a clean break. You should hear a soft hiss as the blade cuts the glass.

5. Place your cut running pliers along the score line and apply firm pressure. The glass breaks along the line you marked and scored.

Tips & Warnings

• Practice the cutting technique on scrap glass or picture frame glass until you're comfortable in order to save your craft glass for the project. Some glass shops sell scrap glass for little cost; some even give it to you.
• Always cut away from your body and never pull the glass cutter towards yourself.