How to Make a Mosaic Stained Glass Outdoor Project

Decorate a plain birdhouse with mosaic tiles to add color to your landscape.

Decorate your garden or patio with a mosaic stained glass project. Mosaic stained glass tiles are available in local craft stores by coloration; some bags contain bright glass tiles, while others contain darker glass tiles. Most of the mixed bags contain 1-inch-square tiles of stained glass that you can use to make outdoor mosaic projects. Cover a small patio table top or a concrete birdbath with the tiles to add color to your outdoor space. You can enhance any wood or concrete object with stained glass mosaic tiles.

Things You'll Need

• Unfinished wooden birdhouse
• Exterior paint or wood sealer
• Mosaic stained glass tiles
• Clear waterproof construction adhesive/thinset
• Tile nippers
• Exterior grout
• Gloves
• Sponge
• Exterior grout sealer
• Paintbrush

Instructions

1. Select an unfinished wooden birdhouse from your local craft store.

2. Paint the birdhouse with your choice of exterior spray paint that coordinates with the colors of the stained glass tiles. If you are planning to completely cover the birdhouse with mosaic tiles, you can use a sealer to protect the wood rather than paint. Let the finish dry completely.

3. Apply a small amount of clear waterproof construction adhesive to the center of the back of the mosaic stained glass tile. Press the tile onto the birdhouse. Continue to add the tiles as you like, but leave a 1/8-inch separation between each tile so you can grout the project. Cut the tiles with a tile nipper as needed to fit in the project.

4. Allow the adhesive to dry completely. NOTE: For larger outdoor mosaic projects, use Thinset to attach the tiles to the wood. Construction adhesive is less messy and works well for smaller projects.

5. Mix the exterior grout according to the manufacturer's directions. Spread the grout between the stained glass tile crevices. You may wish to use your fingers to spread the grout on a small project; a grout float works to spread the grout over larger areas. Wear gloves if you work with your fingers.

6. Wipe away the grout from the face of the mosaic stained glass tiles with a warm, wet sponge before it drie . Make sure to remove all of the grout residue. Allow the grout to dry according to the manufacturer's directions.

7. Brush on an exterior grout sealer over the grouted areas as a moisture barrier and to help prevent stains.

References

• Mosaic Tile Guide: Tips and Resources

Resources

• Mosaic Art Supply: Frequently Asked Mosaic Questions