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Mosaic Birdbath Project Instructions
Mosaic birdbath
Transforming a plain concrete or terra-cotta birdbath into a mosaic work of art is a simple craft project that anyone with a little patience can complete. You can find all of the materials you need for this mosaic project at your local home improvement or craft store.
Preparation
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Prepare to decorate your birdbath with a mosaic pattern by drawing the layout of your mosaic pattern on the inside or the outside of the birdbath bowl. There is no need to draw your pattern if you plan to randomly place the mosaic bits and pieces. If you're working on the outside first, turn the bowl upside down to lay out your design. Another part of your preparation is to break the ceramics into small pieces and turn them face up on your work surface. It's easy to crack the ceramics if you place them in a sealed plastic bag, wrap the bag in a towel and strike the towel with a hammer. You could also select glass or ceramic mosaic tiles to decorate your birdbath, or a mixture of tiles and broken pieces.
Application
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Spread a thin layer of thinset directly onto your concrete or terra-cotta birdbath. Both materials are porous and will accept the adhesive very well. Work in small sections, even if you aren't using a pattern. This will give you time to place the tiles before the thinset begins to harden. Press the tiles or ceramics into the thinset, leaving anywhere from 1/8 to ¼ inch between each piece. Cover the outside or inside of the basin with mosaic material and let the thinset dry completely before you move the bowl. It's a good idea to finish tiling all of the areas of the birdbath before you apply the grout. This will save you from mixing more than one batch of grouting material. Let the thinset sit for at least 24 hours to assure a good hold. Read and follow the manufacturer's directions on the brand of thinset you selected for additional curing instructions.
Finishing Touches
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After your mosaic birdbath is finished, you'll need to grout the surface to fill in the crevices between the tiles and ceramic bits. You have a wide variety of grout colors to choose from; select one that complements the tiles and ceramics in your mosaic design. Wear gloves as you mix and press the grout into the crevices. You could use a grout float, but it's easier to work with your fingers on a small, curved surface. Make sure you clean the excess grout from the face of the tiles and ceramics before the grout dries. If not, your mosaic may be cloudy. You can use a sponge and warm water to remove the excess. Your last step is to seal the mosaic with grout sealer to protect the project from moisture and stains.
eHow Article: Mosaic Birdbath Project Instructions
