Instructions for Glass Mosaics

Glass mosaics add colorful design style to table tops, walls and home décor objects. You can make glass mosaics with small glass tiles available as singles or in 12-inch square mesh-backed sheets. Cover a patio table top with glass mosaic tiles to create a shimmering focal point. Create a glass mosaic fountain with marine plywood to hang in your garden. Transform an existing brick fireplace surround into a work of art. The basic instructions for applying glass tiles are the same as with other mosaics, but the adhesives and other materials will change based on the substrate.

Things You'll Need

• Wooden table top
• Design template
• Tape
• Marker
• Glass tile nippers
• Mosaic adhesive
• Mosaic glass tiles
• Grout
• Grout float or gloves
• Sponge
• Sealer

Instructions

1. Tape the template for the desired glass mosaic design onto the wooden tabletop. Trace the outline of the design onto the wood. Remove the template. The substrate for the mosaic project need not be wood; a clay pot, a glass vase or a cardboard box are among the items that work as a base for mosaic projects. Make sure that the object you are tiling is sturdy to hold the weight of the finished mosaic design.

2. Write the desired colors inside the outlines of the mosaic design, if you are following a pattern. If a pattern is not available, dry fit the tiles onto the design. Mark the desired colors onto the wood as you remove the tiles. Cut the tiles with glass tile nippers as needed to fit the pattern.

3. Apply a thin layer of mosaic glass adhesive onto a small area of the wood table top. If you are working on a round table, begin in the center and work your way out.

4. Press the glass tiles into the adhesive. Leave 1/8 inch of space between each tile. Work your way over the entire mosaic design in small increments, adding glue and then pressing the tiles in place. Allow the adhesive to dry completely.

5. Spread an appropriate type of grout into the crevices between the tiles. The type of grout can vary based on interior or exterior use. Press the grout between the tiles with a float or with your fingers. Wear gloves if you use your fingers.

6. Clean the grout from the glass tile surface before it dries with a wet sponge. Allow the grout to dry for 24 hours.

7. Apply a grout sealer to the mosaic design according to the manufacturer's directions.

Tips & Warnings

• Many different types of commercial adhesives will work with glass tiles, from viscous jeweler's glue to thinset. Select a type of adhesive that works with both the glass tile and the substrate. For example, if you are creating a mosaic onto a glass table, you will need glass glue that dries clear for best results. If the table will be used outside, select a waterproof adhesive.

References

• Mosaic Tile Guide: Glass Tile

Resources

• Mosaic Art Supply: Frequently Asked Mosaic Questions