How to Make a Mosaic Serving Tray
A mosaic is a piece of art made from a collection of decorative tiles or pieces of broken pottery grouted to an ordinary surface. It's especially good for adding decorative touches to plain items, like table tops and picture frames. It's also effective at covering cosmetic damage on a piece that is otherwise structurally sound. Creating a mosaic serving tray is an effective way to cover a damaged tray or to create one that matches your decor.
Instructions
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1
Clean the area of the tray that you will be applying mosaic tiles to and let it dry completely. If you will be grouting a wooden or plastic serving tray, use sandpaper to rough up the surface. These steps help the grout adhere better to the surface.
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2
Choose your mosaic tile patten. Lay tiles out on a flat surface to give yourself a rough idea of what you piece will look like and how many tiles you need. This helps you press the tiles into the grout faster, before it begins to set.
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3
Mix your mosaic tile grout according to the package instructions. Create a consistency that is thick and spreadable. Be sure to mix out any air bubbles or pockets of dry mix.
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Use the trowel to spread a layer of grout over the surface of your serving tray. Make this coat at least 1/2-inch thick.
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Press your tiles into the grout one at a time until you have them all in place. Leave a small gap between each tile, Work quickly to get your tiles in place before the grout begins to set. Continue until you have covered all areas of your tray.
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Use the trowel again to place a layer of grout on top of your tiles. Work it into all the gaps between tiles, paying special attention to corners. Once all the gaps are filled, use a wet sponge to wipe excess grout from the surface of your tiles.
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Clean your sponge and run it over the tiles one more time to smooth and even out the grout in between, giving it a finished look. Let your mosaic dry overnight or until the grout is firm.
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Tips & Warnings
Mosaics are traditionally done with grout or mortar. But you may use glue or resin instead.
