How to Mosaic Tile a Guitar

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Things You'll Need

  • Guitar neck support (books, towel)

  • Sound hole tile

  • Mosaic glue

  • Mosaic tiles

  • Grout

  • Grout float/thin gloves

  • Sponge

Convert an old guitar into a decorative accessory with mosaic tile.

Repurpose an old, unused or damaged guitar into home decor with a mosaic tile embellishment. You can create a decorative mosaic design using small tiles, flat-backed cabochons, vintage jewelry, flat clay beads, buttons or a combination of materials. Mosaic tiles with uniform shapes are the simplest choice for a guitar mosaic, as you can place the tiles flush against each other and save yourself the grouting step. A mosaic guitar can be more than a decorative element; it can be a conversation piece.

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Step 1

Remove the strings from the guitar. Position the guitar so that it is face up and flat; support the neck so that it is level with the body. Stacked books can work as a neck support. Cover the books to protect them from stray mosaic glue droplets.

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Step 2

Glue a single 4-inch diameter or larger tile over the sound hole with mosaic glue. You can leave the sound hole open if you like.

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Step 3

Arrange mosaic elements in the desired pattern on the face of the guitar, including the body, saddle, bridge and neck. If you plan to re-string the guitar, leave the bridge open. Leave spaces between the mosaic elements if you plan to grout the design. Leave no spaces if you do not plan to grout the mosaic.

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Step 4

Glue the mosaic bits in place with mosaic glue. Allow the glue to dry.

Step 5

Flip the guitar so that the back side is facing up. Prop the neck so that the guitar is level. Arrange and glue mosaic elements onto the back side of the guitar. Allow the glue to dry.

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Step 6

Brace the guitar so that one of the side edges is facing up. Stacked books on each side of the guitar work as a brace. Cover the books.

Step 7

Arrange and glue the mosaic elements onto the side of the guitar. Allow the glue to dry.

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Step 8

Repeat Steps 6 and 7 to mosaic the opposite side of the guitar. Allow the glue to dry.

Step 9

Mix grout, if using it, according to the package directions. Spread the grout between the mosaic elements on the front of the guitar with a grout float or with your fingers. Wear gloves if you work with your hands. Clean the grout from the top of the mosaic elements with warm water and a sponge. Allow the grout to dry.

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Step 10

Flip the guitar onto the back side and follow the same grouting procedure outlined in Step 9. After the grout dries, grout one side of the guitar and then the other, letting the grout dry before repositioning the guitar.

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