How to Make the Mortar for a Mosaic Tabletop

Mosaic mortar is the same material used for floor and wall tiles.

Mosaic is a beautiful and easy-to-do art form, and every mosaic is unique. Mosaic pieces are tiny glass or tile fragments that fit together. You can buy mosaic pieces as precut squares, or you can smash old pottery and glassware to create your own materials. You can even cut glass and tiles into different shapes. Then simply fill in a pattern with the colorful pieces. No matter how detailed or simple your mosaic is, the mortar is what holds it together.

Things You'll Need

• 3-gallon bucket or container
• Mortar or grout mix
• Paint stirrer

Instructions

1. Mix mortar and water in your bucket with a paint stirrer according to the directions on the package.

2. If necessary, keep adding small amounts of water until the mortar is the right consistency.

3. Mix the mortar until you have a consistency like cake batter. If the mortar is too thick and dry, it will create an uneven surface for the mosaic pieces. Mortar that's too thin will cause your finished product to fall apart over time.

Tips & Warnings

• When you're done with your mosaic project, clean your mixing container completely with water. Otherwise, hardened mortar will stick to the sides and bottom of the bucket, making it difficult or impossible to reuse the bucket.

References

• Mosaic Art Supply: Frequently Asked Mosaic Questions
• Bathrooms - Bob Vila: Mosaic Tiles
• Gracie Lepley, artist; Fremont, Indiana