How to Make a Mosiac Bird Bath

Sample mosaic pattern

If you have an old bird bath that looks damaged or weathered beyond repair, covering it in a mosaic finish can make it look like new. The mosaic technique is a craft-finishing technique that uses special grout to hold tiles or pieces of broken glass to the surface of an object. The resulting look is a multifaceted array of shapes, colors and patterns.

Things You'll Need

• Bird bath
• Sandpaper
• Scrub brush
• Mosaic tiles
• Mosaic grout
• Wet sponge
• Paint scraper or grout trough

Instructions

1. Use the scrub brush to clean your bird bath. Remove all dirt and bird droppings on the bath. These will prevent the grout from making a complete seal. Rinse and dry your bird bath.

2. Use sandpaper to rough up the surface of your bird bath. This helps give the grout something to hold onto and makes its hold more secure. If you are using a bird bath that has a porous surface like concrete, you can skip this step.

3. Prepare the mosaic grout. Some craft stores sell mosaic grout premixed in tubs. If yours is a powder, mix it according to the directions.

4. Prepare your tiles. You can purchase premade mosaic tiles, or you can make your own from old dishes, colored class or scrap tile. Carefully wrap the item in a towel and break it with a hammer. Wrapping it will keep pieces from flying up and injuring you.

5. Working in sections, use the old paint scraper or grout trough to apply a thick layer of grout to the outer surface of your bird bath. There's no need to make sure it's smooth. Just get it on there, and cover the whole surface. The grout should be at least 1/4 inch thick.

6. Press your mosaic tiles into the grout in any design or pattern you like, leaving a small space between each tile. Continue until you have covered your entire bird bath with tiles and are satisfied with the design you have created.

7. Apply another thick coating of grout to the top of the tiles you just placed on your bird bath, working into all the crevices between the tiles. Use a wet sponge to remove the grout from the top of the tiles and to smooth the top of the grout in between the tiles. Allow your grout to dry completely, and enjoy your completed mosaic bird bath.

Resources

• Monster Mosaic: Purchase mosaic supplies