There are two basic methods to mosaic work - the direct method and the indirect method or sometime called the reverse or stone method. In the direct method, the pieces of material are directly fixed right side up onto a base and then grouted. In the indirect method, pieces are temporarily fixed right side down onto a removable backing which holds the design together. This is then either placed in a mold and filled with cement or pressed into a prepared adhesive bed. Once the cement is set, the stone is turned out from the mold to reveal the design, right side up cast in the cement. In the case of an adhesive bed, the backing material is removed to expose the design, right side up which is then grouted. Another option is to place the prepared design into a mold which is then filled with mortar/cement.
The advantage of the indirect method is you create a very smooth, flat surface. You can also create and assemble the design in one place ahead of time, and then install it in a different location later. The disadvantage is that the design must be assembled face down before applying it to the base or casting in the mold. This often requires extra steps in the design or assembly process.
Selecting Tesserae
Tesserae are the individual pieces of material you will arrange to form your mosaic. Most people think of those little square pieces of tile seen in early Roman mosaics or in swimming pools. Today the term applies to anything pieced together to form a design. When working in the indirect method, you must consider how the depth and shape of some items will affect their appearance in the mosaic. Items that are spherical or have a high relief do not rest flat against the removable backing. When cast in a mold, only the portion that is actually fixed flat to the backing will show unless you take steps to protect the curvature of the object. For that reason, indirect mosaics are generally made with tesserae that have a relatively flat front surface.
Traditional Tile Tesserae
- Vitreous Glass: Know as Venetian glass it is non porous, stain resistant, and frost proof. Common sizes are ¾" (2 cm) or 3/16" (1 cm) squares with a flat top face and a ridged and beveled back. They are available in a wide range of colors.
Ceramic Tile
Unglazed: Commonly found as 1" or
¾" squares stuck to a paper or plastic mesh. The color
is uniform throughout the entire tile.- Glazed: Includes wall and floor tiles, crockery, pottery, tableware and others. The color is a fired surface layer over a clay base. They are a rich source for color, pattern, and texture.
Natural Stone
Includes everything from beach or river pebbles to marble, granite, slate and modern day stone tiles. They have a wide range of colors, textures and surfaces. Also included are semiprecious stones - turquoise, lapis lazuli, alabaster, quartz and agate.
China & Porcelain
A finer form of ceramics, they are a good source for interest, pattern and color.
Shells and Mother of Pearl
Mother of pearl is the lustrous inner surface of shells like oysters and abalone. Commonly used shell forms include spirals, scallops, snails, etc. and cover a wide range of color, luster and size.
Glass
Includes mirror, colored glass, sea glass, glass nuggets, marbles, and pressed glass jewels
Everything Else
Bone, metals, buttons... just about anything you want can become tesserae in your mosaic.
This article concentrates primarily on using the mold or ‘stone’ method. Where applicable, we will include details for the method of applying the design to a paper type backing and setting into a prepared base.
Selecting the Base
You
can apply a mosaic to nearly any surface. When
opting for the indirect method your want to end up
with a very flat, even surface and this generally
means the application or location of your mosaic
dictates this. Examples include floors, table
tops, bird baths, fountains, stepping stones, and
counter tops. While gently curving surfaces
accommodate this method, like the bowl of a bird
bath, surfaces with a tight curves and turns won’t
allow you to properly seat the design while
attached to the removable base. In this case, the
direct method is much more accommodating. When
selecting a base think about the following:
- Does the base shape or mold fit within the constrains of this method?
- The shape should be suited to the size of tesserae you use. Gentle curves are easier, extreme curves can require very small pieces in order to "bend" the tesserae with the curve and have a smooth result.
- Is it strong enough to hold the combined weight of tesserae, adhesive, and grout?
- Can you find the correct adhesive or cement for the application and use?
Surfaces and items commonly used with the indirect method include but are not limited to:
- Cement: You can add mosaic to pre-made concrete objects like floors, steps, birdbaths, etc.
- Molds: There is a wide variety of sizes, shapes, and uses available today: From stepping stones to planters to benches, bird baths, bricks, doors stops, picture frames, coasters, and the list goes on.
- Wood: Can be cut to shape and size easily, making it ideal for many situations. You can mosaic on most any wood surface, but be aware that no wood is 100% waterproof and wood can sag or warp. Using a high grade plywood (at least ½" thick) will provide a rigid support and help counteract warping. You will want to "tooth" (rough the surface of) and seal the wood before applying the mosaic as added insurance.
- Is it strong enough to hold the combined weight of tesserae, adhesive, and grout?
- Does the base shape have appeal and good proportions?
- The shape should be suited to the size of tesserae you use. Gentle curves are easier, extreme curves can require very small pieces in order to "bend" the tesserae with the curve and have a smooth result.
- Can you find the correct adhesive to adhere the mosaic pieces to the base?
Backing Material for Tesserae
The removable backing is what the individual pieces of the design are stuck to. The design is then cast in a mold or applied to the prepared surface of your mosaic base. The backing needs to be able to hold the tesserae securely enough but also allow for easy removal once the design is embedded or cast. Some backing require you apply the adhesive to the tesserae and others are self-stick. Common backing include:
- Paper: The most seen is a strong brown kraft type paper. The tesserae are secured using a water soluble glue or gum. The glue must be completely dried before pressing the mosaic into the prepared base. This method is most often used when the design is being applied to a surface or when the design is being composed in one location and installed at another.
- Self-stick Films: Products like Contact® paper and Mosaic Mount® are a clear plastic sheet with an adhesive surface to stick the tesserae down to. This type product is often the choice when casting in a mold. It holds the design securely in place while filling the mold with wet cement/mortar. A paper backing would not hold up to the wet environment as well. Once cured and released from the mold, the adhesive paper simply pulls off, revealing the mosaic set in a very smooth cement.
- When casting in a mold, you want to a clear film so you can see your pattern or be able to trace your design onto the backing. It is also important to keep your roll of backing from becoming, bent, wrinkled, or creased. Any lines in the backing will show up in the finished product! There are different thicknesses available. The thinner contact paper seems to seat in the mold and stick to the tesserae better, reducing seepage under the tesserae. It does stretch more easily than thicker versions, increasing the chance of wrinkle or curling edges. Try several types to determine which works best for you.
- Brush Away® Paper is a concrete retarding paper that helps cast three dimensional objects like nuggets, rocks, etc. The tesserae are adhered to the paper which is then placed in the mold. After the stone is cast and removed from the mold, the paper is removed and a stiff brush is used to brush away cement from the dimensional objects, exposing more of their surface. You can also set the dimensional objects on a Contact® film, place it in the mold and then fill carefully fill around them with fine grain sand. After the stone is cast and removed, the sand brushes away to show more of the surface if those items. Be aware that the resulting surface will have a grainy texture and appearance.
Basic Tools
Beside a base, tesserae, and adhesive the only tool you'll really need to start with is a tile nipper. All other tools can be commandeered household items. As you work with different tesserae, bases, and adhesives you will find it useful to add specific tools to your arsenal.
Cutting Tools are used to shape and trim your tesserae
-
T - Tile Nippers are designed for cutting tiles. Good ones have tungsten-carbide cutting edges and spring loaded handles. More expensive models have replaceable jaws and compound leverage. They are suitable for most glass, ceramic, crockery, china, and the like.
- Tile Cutters are designed for scoring, cutting and snapping ceramic tile. They have a tungsten-carbide wheel used to score, and a gripper used to break the tile along the score. They are useful for long straight cuts and for use on wall and floor tiles.
- Glass Nippers have a set of disc shaped tungsten-carbide wheels set opposite on spring loaded handles. They are used to cut glass, mirror, glass tiles, and the like in a manner similar to tile nippers.
-
Hammers of all types are useful. Ordinary household versions are suitable for breaking large tiles,
crockery, glass, mirror, and such into randomly shaped pieces. For more precise cutting of thick
materials like glass smalti or natural stone, a traditional mosaic hammer and hardie (also called a
bolster blade) may be preferred. - Chopping Machine are a professional tool useful for high production.
- Glass Cutters are suitable for stained glass and mirror. Cutting curved shapes from these materials is faster and easier.
Containers
For holding your sorted tesserae, mixing cement and grouts, adding color, and holding water for cleaning. Save those containers you were about to throw out! You may not want to clean out that cement or grout container.
Adhesive Spreaders
Depend on personal choice and the adhesives. Trowels of different sizes and types are useful for cement-based adhesives. For small work plastic spatulas, butter knives, and palette knives work well. PVA and epoxy bases can be applied with plastic spreaders, old brushes, toothpicks, wooden sticks, etc.
Grout Spreaders
Help push the grout over the mosaic and into the spaces between tesserae. They need to be flexible so as not to scratch the surface. Plastic spatulas, squeegees, grout floats, or even gloved hands will work.
Tools for Pushing and Prodding
Are handy for moving pieces into place and scraping out excess mortar or grout. Wooden sticks, wooden scrapers, tweezers, dental probes, toothpicks, awls, wooden clothes pins, pencils, and manicure tools are just some of the choices.
Safety Equipment must include.
- Eye goggles to wear when cutting and breaking up your tesserae.
- A dust mask or respirator to wear when mixing powdered grouts, adhesives, and cements.
- Heavy duty gloves should be worn when breaking materials. Disposable or rubber gloves should be worn when handling grouts, adhesives, and glues.
- Always read and follow the safety instructions that come with the tools and materials used.
Cement
- Most poured stones made in a mold are cast in a quick setting concrete. There are newer quick setting concretes, colored concretes, recipes for making your own. Whichever you choose, make sure to follow the manufacturers instructions for preparation, mixing, and curing. The basic instructions are the same whatever product you use.
Grout
Cleaning Articles
Are needed for wiping off excess grout and general tidying up. Lint free rags, sponges, and non-scratch nylon scouring pads are quite useful.
Lets Get Started
Sizing
the Adhesive Backing
- Place the mold on a piece of poster board or similar weight paper and trace around the outside of the mold bottom.
- Carefully cut out just inside the line. The more accurate you are now, the better your finished product will be.
- Fit this template inside the mold and trim as needed so it sits flat inside the mold. This is the size your backing material will be cut.
- You will want to leave at least a 1/4" to 1/2" margin between your tesserae and the stone edge. You may want to mark these borders on your template as a gauge to make sure your pattern will fit in the mold correctly.
- Use this template to trace onto the paper side of the adhesive backing. Cut and double check the fit inside the mold. Make needed corrections now.
- If you are using the paper backing method, you will need a piece of paper large enough to accommodate the design with some extra around the edges for handling. Transfer the installation margins onto the paper.
Designs and Patterns
- It can be helpful to number the pieces, mark grain directions, color information, etc. on all copies before separating them. This will ensure that your pattern piece has the same number as the layout copy and the assembly copy.
- Trace the design onto the film (non-sticky) side of the adhesive paper while it is still attached to the paper backing. Don’t forget to mark edge allowances. When you separate the film for assembly, your design will be upside down.
- When making your final working copies, use tracing paper (or similar translucent paper) for the assembly copy. You can then tape this reversed side up to the film side of your adhesive backing. Your numbers will be backward, but it is still relatively easy to see where pieces go. You will remove this before casting the project in cement
- The pattern piece copy can be made from mylar, tag board, a heavy weight paper, cardstock, etc. What you use depends on personal preference and how durable you want the pattern to be. You can cover paper patterns with clear contact paper to make them stronger and water resistant. You can trace the design onto an opaque contact paper, cut this for your pieces, and then stick them right onto the material you are using. There are different approaches, which you choose depends on construction materials, how may times you plan to make the design, and how may times you want to trace out the pattern.
- The space between tesserae is important. Generally an 1/8" gap is used to allow the cement to flow completely into the space between tesserae. You can have wider or narrower lines, it is up to you. You can cut away the back line width on the pattern using regular scissors or use special three bladed "mosaic" shears, just remember you need enough space between pieces for the cement. From an aesthetic point of view, bigger tesserae can support wider lines, smaller tesserae, thinner lines.
Selecting Colors
Be aware when choosing tesserae that they are backed by color of the cement. If you are using translucent or clear tesserae, their color will be affected by the color of the cement you are casting the design in. There are reflective tapes that you can apply to the back side of your tesserae to block the back ground cement color and reflect the transmitted light. Follow the manufacturers instructions for applying them to your tesserae.
Remember that the viewers eye will mix the shapes and colors in your design. Instead of covering a large area with the same tile, vary the shades used to add interest (unless the effect you want is a uniform block of color!). Grade (transition) colors into each other by varying the size and shape as they meet each other. Mix pieces of differing colors together. Place opposite colors next to each other for contrast. Make black or gray lines to accent or separate design elements or colors. Take advantage of patterns and colors in your tesserae. Play, experiment, stand back, look, rearrange, change, stand back, look...until you are satisfied. Again, do what you like and once you get started don't be afraid to change or deviate as the project unfolds.
Cutting the Tesserae: With any new technique or tool it is a good idea to practice on scrap materials (before you attack that one piece of really unique china you have). Work in a protected, covered, easy to clean area; you'll be creating shards and stray pieces that can cut the unsuspecting visitor. WEAR SAFETY GOGGLES! You can cut all your pieces ahead of time and lay them out on your cartoon or base; or you can work on the fly - cutting and fixing as you go. The choice is yours and depends on the complexity of the design, shape of the base, and the adhesive used.
- Mosaic Nippers: Hold the nippers with the end of the handles in the palm of your cutting hand and the rounded end of the jaws facing towards you. Using the thumb and forefinger of your other hand to feed the tesserae (face up) into the jaws about ¼" (6mm), squeeze the handles together while you press your thumb and forefinger together. Applying equal and opposite pressure will create a straight break. Make diagonal lines by angling the nipper head and aligning your finger and thumb with this direction. Cut curves by removing small bits until you achieve the curve desired. Concave cuts are possible by modifying the applied pressure and a bit of practice!
-
Tile Cutters: Place the tile on a flat surface and use the cutting wheel to run a score (line) from
edge to edge. Center the flared anvil above the score and squeeze the handles gently. If all goes
well you will get a clean break along the score line.
Hammer: An ordinary hammer is useful for breaking large pieces or those too thick or too tough for nippers. Hammers are an excellent way to achieve random pieces. To contain the mess, place your pieces in a heavy towel or in a paper or plastic bag before striking. - Traditional Hammer and Hardie: The hardie needs to be secured at a height which is comfortable for your working stance and with the chisel pointing up. Hold the hammer firmly but with a relaxed arm. Hold the tesserae centered on the chisel tip with your thumb and forefinger. Swing the hammer down from above, aiming to align the hammer tip with chisel tip of the hardie. Swing gently! Too strong a swing will cause the tesserae to break more erratically. Only swing as forcefully as you need to. Practice makes perfect.
-
Glass Nippers: Used similarly to mosaic nippers. Align the wheel with the direction of the cut you
want and squeeze. Changing the angle and amount of pressure will create differing curves and pattern
shapes. -
Glass Cutter: Hold the cutter in your favored hand and place the cutter wheel on the glass about
1/8" (3mm) in from the edge closest to you. Place the thumb of your other (guide) hand behind
the cutter head to prevent it from rolling back. Apply a firm, constant pressure straight down
through the cutter onto the glass and roll the cutter wheel away from you all the way across the
surface of the glass.
- Breaking with Hands: Form both hands into fists and place the glass between your thumbs and index fingers with the score line between your thumbs. Your fingers should be clenched underneath the glass with knuckles touching. Hold the glass firmly at the end of the score. With a quick even snap pull outward and roll your knuckles by spreading your thumbs apart to break along the score.
- With Breaker-Grozier Pliers: Form one hand into a fist, placing the glass between your thumb and index finger close to the score line. Position the flat jaw of the breaker-grozier pliers on the top side of the glass with the jaw parallel to the score and as close to the end of the score as possible. Hold the glass firmly in your hand and apply quick, even pressure by first pulling outward, then snap down with the pliers.
Fixing the Design to the Adhesive Film or
Backing
 |
 |
 |
|
LAYOUT THE DESIGN |
FINAL LAYOUT |
REVERSING THE PIECES |
- All tesserae need to be clean and free of dirt, grease, and dust. Allow all pieces to dry thoroughly. Shells need to be soaked in water for several days (changing the water daily), then allowed to dry out over several days. Pebbles need to be soaked overnight and then rinsed until the water runs clear. Allow them several days to dry out as well.
- Separate the adhesive film from its backing and lay into the bottom of the mold, sticky side up. Transfer the pieces to the adhesive, front side down. Now you can see where having a reverse pattern of your design comes in handy! Once you are satisfied with the placement of a tesserae, press down to seat it firmly against the adhesive. If you find you have misplaced a piece, gently pull it up trying not to wrinkle or stretch the adhesive film. Once all pieces are placed, gently slide the adhesive backing with your design out of the mold onto your work surface. (a good test to see if all your pieces are securely held) Again, press and make sure your pieces are firmly held in place by the adhesive film. Some suggest using a rubber float, wide piece of wood, or similar object to help seat the tesserae to the film.
- For the paper backing method: After the design is set, your next step is to fix the design onto the paper. The cut tesserae are adhered face down using a water soluble glue or gum. You want to use enough to hold the piece to the paper flat but not so much that removing the paper later becomes a major chore. Experiment first with the amount of glue and your tesserae can help you determine what that happy medium is.
Preparing the Mold or Mortar Bed
Spray the mold bottom and sides with a release
agent. There are several commercially available,
check with your supplier. Vaseline® is used by
some. Apply liberally with a sponge brush and then
use a hair dryer to smooth. You don’t want any
ridges. Then tip the mold and gently slide the
adhesive sheet with your design into position in
the mold. Check your tesserae one last time. Also
make sure the edge of the adhesive film is lying
flat in the mold bottom and not curving up the
sides.
Since paper backed projects are pressed into a prepared bed of mortar, you need to prepare the surface and then apply the mortar according to the manufacturers instructions.
Mixing and Pouring the Cement
Mix your cement according to manufacturer's
instructions. Generally you combine all dry
ingredients in a large enough container to
accommodate them and give you room to thoroughly
mix them. If you are coloring your cement add the
colorant to the dry ingredients and mix well. Take
a small sample and mix with liquid to test the
color. Color in cement fades as it cures. A
general rule of thumb is to mix the color 2 shades
darker than the finished color you want. Save a
small amount (1/2 cup or so) of the final dry mix
to use for filling in any gaps or pinholes you
find after you un-mold the project. The liquid is
then added to the dry ingredients and mixed. Be
aware that as you mix, you want to avoid
introducing air bubbles. Check the manufacturers
instructions for consistency, some cements are
mixed to a medium oatmeal, some more like brownie
batter.
It is best if you can pour the concrete into the form in the place you intend to leave it to cure. It is risky on several levels to move a mold filled with cement. Make sure the mold sits level. Start by pouring a thin layer around the edges to help hold the adhesive film down. Cover the bottom with a thin layer and then gently pat the top or tap the mold to release any bubbles and work the cement down between the tesserae. Continue filling the mold until you reach the top or your desired thickness. You don’t have to fill the mold to the top but the thinner the concrete, the weaker your project will be.
You want to ‘screed’ or level the surface by taking a piece of wood or similar item that will span the width of the mold and draw it across the top to level and remove any excess cement. Wipe the edge/lip clean. Again, tap your mold edge and sides gently for a few minutes to release any bubbles. Some people also tap the surface the mold is sitting on. Be careful, this is more apt to dislodge the tesserae from the adhesive backing. Allow the mold to sit undisturbed for the required amount of set time, based on manufacturers instructions.
In a paper backing project, gently press the mosaic into the bed, paper side up. Allow the cement to set enough to hold the design in place so you can remove the paper but not so tight that you can’t make any needed adjustments.
Un-molding
the Project
You need to now release the project from the
mold
- Invert the mold onto several wooden dowels that span width of the mold in a place where your project can sit undisturbed for several weeks. You may need to work your hands around the edges to help loosen it. Hot towels on the bottom or a hair dryer can help by making the plastic mold more flexible.
- Peel off the adhesive film. Check the surface for concrete films, seepage, gaps, pin holes, etc. Wipe or pick away excess cement now, while it is still soft. Mix up a bit of your saved, colored, dry ingredients and rub into any holes or gaps. Let it sit for 10 - 15 minutes and then wipe away the excess.
- Do not move your un-molded stone for at least a week and it is better to let it sit undisturbed for 30 days in order to achieve full strength. It is important to keep it elevated to allow air to circulate around all surfaces.
- If you used the paper backing method, you will now use a cloth or sponge to dampen the paper with. You want to loosen and peel it away from the tesserae without dislodging any pieces. Once removed, you can reset any loosened pieces and then allow the cement to fully cure before grouting and cleaning.
Grouting an Embedded Design
- The choices of grout color are endless. There are colored sands and pre-mixed grout colors. You can make your own by adding grout pigments or artists acrylics to your colored sand or white grout mix.
- Allow the cement to properly cure according to the manufacturer's recommendations. This will be at least 24 hours for indoor mosaics, 72 hours for outdoor mosaics.
- Mix grout according to the manufacturer's directions following all safety precautions. Add color until you achieve the shade desired noting that it will be slightly lighter when dried. If you are not sure of the color, test it using the piece you used earlier to test the adhesive, or test on a small inconspicuous spot on the actual mosaic piece. You don't have to use the same color throughout the piece.
- Scrape out any excess mortar between your pieces.
- Put on some gloves and spread the grout on the surface using a plastic spatula, squeegee or your hand. Make sure to push the grout down into all spaces and cover the entire mosaic
- The grout needs to partially set before you remove the excess. Refer to the manufacturer's instructions, generally about 15-20 minutes. Use a clean, lint free cloth or a damp sponge to wipe off excess grout. Be careful not to dig into the grout spaces pulling it out.
- Once you have removed the excess grout you will have a haze over the surface. Buff it off using a clean lint free cloth or crumpled newspaper. If you have specks of grout stuck to your tesserae remove them using a non-scratch nylon scouring pad, wooden stick, or similar tool that won't scratch your surface.
Sealing and Protection
Some materials and applications benefit from
an application of sealant after the project has
cured or the grout is dried and cured. You also
want to protect your finished project from the
elements.
- After 30 days, you will want to seal the top, sides and bottom of a poured project, no matter where its final placement will be. There are many concrete sealers available for cement. Your supplier can offer suggestions. Apply as directed by the manufacturer to the grout lines, sides, and bottom. Avoid getting it on the tesserae and wipe away any excess.
- Sealing pebbles brings out their true 'wet' color. Other porous materials also benefit from sealing. Sealers are available in a matt or shiny finish. Read the bottle to see if it fits your application.
now
step back and admire your work! 
Resources
| There are variations on the technique presented here and many excellent book resources (see below) to help you expand your knowledge and creativity. As you experiment and work with different materials you will discover what methods, tools, and supplies work best for you! | |
| Ancient Mosaics by Roger Ling Paperback |
Princeton University Press Paperback / 1998 / 144pp ISBN: 0691004048 |
| The Art of Mosaics by Joaquim Chavarria |
Watson-Guptill Publishing Paperback / 1999 / 160 pp ISBN: 0823058646 |
| The Art of Mosaic Design: A Collection of
Contemporary Artists by J.Locktov - L.P.Clagett |
Rockport Publishing Hardcover / 1998 ISBN: 1564964205 |
| Backyard Mosaics by Connie Sheerin |
Sterling Publishing Hardcover & Paperback / 2001 / 128 pp ISBN: 0806929677 |
| Classic Mosaics by Elaine M Goodwin |
Trafalgar Square Publishing Ltd. Hardcover / 2000 / 144 pp ISBN 1570761590 |
| Encyclopedia of Mosaic Techniques (Encyclopedia
of Art Techniques) by Emma Biggs |
Penguin USA Hardcover / 1999 / 160 pp ISBN: 0762404442 |
| Making Mosaics by Leslie Dierks |
Sterling Publishing Co. Hardcover / 1998 / 128 pp ISBN: 0806948728 |
| Mosaics by Kaffe Fassett & Candace Bahouth |
Taunton Books & Videos Hardcover / 1999 / 160 pp ISBN 1561583731 |
| The Mosaic Book : Ideas, Projects and Techniques by Peggy Vance, Celia Goodrich-Clarke |
Trafalgar Square Publishing Ltd. Paperback / 1996 / 128 pp ISBN: 1570760608z |
| Mosaic Workshop : A Guide to Designing and
Creating Mosaics by Emma Biggs, Tessa Hunkin |
Trafalgar Square Publishing, Ltd. Hardcover / 1999 / 128 pp ISBN: 1570761493 |
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