Selecting a Base “An idea that is developed and put into action is more important than an idea that exists only as an idea.” —Edward de Bono You can glue found objects to nearly any surface. Selecting the base material becomes a matter of shape, function, and personal taste.

When selecting a base, think about the following:

1. Is the surface strong enough to hold the combined weight of the objects and grout?
2. Do you have the correct adhesive to attach the bits and pieces to the base?

Commonly Used Base Materials

Wood can be cut to any shape and size, making it ideal for many indoor projects. You can create a mosaic project on any wood surface, but be aware that plywood is not a waterproof base and can (and will) expand, contract, sag, or warp, especially if exposed to the elements on a continual basis. Using high-grade plywood (at least 3/4 inch thick) will provide a rigid support and help counteract warping, but you may want to use alternatives, such as HardieBacker or concrete backer board (available at home centers), just to be safe. As with most bases, you will want to roughen the surface a bit before gluing the objects.

Terracotta and clay objects offer a wide variety of shapes and sizes to create mosaics on. Before gluing, seal the object with a water-based polyurethane or coat of PVA adhesive. Let dry completely before tiling.

You can add bits and pieces to concrete objects like birdbaths, stepping-stones, and planters. Make sure you use the proper adhesive—mastic, cementbased mortars, or silicone. Remember to cut your pieces small enough to lie flat, especially on rounded surfaces. Reseal the piece with grout sealer once a year if the piece is exposed to the elements or water.

You can glue bits and pieces on glass: windows (new or old) or glass objects like bowls and vases. Glass surfaces should always be prepared before gluing. Brush a coat of Weldbond onto those slippery surfaces and let it dry. This technique helps provide that “tooth” needed to hold the tiles in place. You’ll want to have some painter’s tape nearby, to hold the pieces in place if they keep sliding. Patience is an important virtue for mosaic artists. If you have no patience for slipping and sliding, use mastic.

Mesh netting is the netting that is found on the backs of many sheets of ceramic tile. It can be purchased in rolls and is easily cut to any size or shape. The tile is glued to the netting, the excess is trimmed, and the whole thing is then glued onto the permanent base in manageable sections. Applying tile to mesh netting is a great way to do a beginner backsplash project without worrying about things slipping and sliding.

When gluing objects to a mesh backing, remember to protect your work surface so you don’t glue the mesh to it.

Walls, fixtures, plaster items, ceramics, containers, trays, and other found objects can also be used as bases—use your imagination!

Surface preparation

Once you’ve chosen your base, you need to prepare the surface. Base surfaces should be clean, dry, and free from rust or chipping paint. When applying objects to interior/exterior walls, make sure to score the surface with sharp knife or gently sand the surface to improve the adhesion of objects. Seal porous surfaces like wood and terracotta by brushing on a diluted solution of PVA adhesive to prevent the tiles from being dislodged by the water.