How to Make a Mosaic From Broken Tiles

Instead of throwing away broken tile, use it for a mosaic project. Broken tiles are more versatile than square tiles and are easy to use in any design. You can attach them to any surface, from walls to table tops to vases, to create a custom piece of art.

Things You'll Need

• Pattern
• Paper
• Pencil
• Carbon paper
• Tiles
• Towel
• Hammer
• Surface to tile
• Utility knife
• White glue
• Thin-set mortar
• Grout
• Acrylic paint
• Trowel
• Grout trowel or spatula
• Sponges
• Clean cloths

Instructions

1. Decide on a pattern. Sketch it on paper. Use carbon paper to transfer the pattern to the surface you're going to cover.

2. Select the tiles that you want. To break them, drop them on a concrete surface or wrap them in a towel and hit them with a hammer.

3. Use a utility knife to score the surface of the piece. Mix white glue with water. Coat the surface with the glue mixture.

4. Prepare thin-set mortar according to the manufacturer's directions. Trowel a thin layer of mortar over the surface of the piece.

5. Place the broken tile on the surface. Use the pattern as a guide. Let the mortar dry according to the manufacturer's directions.

6. Mix grout according to the package directions. Add acrylic paint to color the grout, if desired. Smear grout over the surface of the mosaic pattern with a grout trowel or plastic spatula. Push the grout between the pieces of tile.

7. Wait 10 to 20 minutes until the grout has started to dry. Wipe the grout from the mosaic pieces with a damp sponge. Repeat until the grout is removed from the tile pieces. Rub the mosaic with a clean cloth or crumpled newspaper to remove the grout haze. Polish the piece with a clean cloth.

Tips & Warnings

• You can also use this method with pieces of broken china to create mosaics.