Frequently Asked Questions “All great deeds and all great thoughts have a ridiculous beginning.” — Albert Camus

How much tile or china do I need for my project?

The lists of materials offered here will give you a general idea of how much tile or china you will need for the projects in this book. As a general rule of thumb, 225 ¾-inch tiles will cover one square foot. If you’re using different sized tiles, china pieces, and shards in your projects, you may have to eyeball it, but if you want to get a more accurate materials count, you can locate free mosaic tile calculators online.

How can I create a mosaic tile address plaque?

I’d suggest creating the piece on concrete backer board that has been prepared with holes to use to attach it to the house. Use a waterproof/weatherproof thinset as the adhesive, and trace the address onto the board using stencils. Mix the grout with a latex additive, and seal the grout once it has dried.

How do I tile a backsplash?

Working on vertical services can be a challenge. If you’re creating a backsplash with complementary tile that is already glued onto mesh sheets, it’s a breeze.

But if you have random pieces of all shapes and sizes, it takes a little bit of preparation and patience. First, score the wall surface to roughen it a bit. Then you can go right at it with a notched trowel and mastic. Apply mastic to a manageable area, push pieces into the mastic, and wait for them to grab hold. If you have pieces that extrude, like cups and such, they will have to be glued to the wall and then secured with small nails to help hold them in place while the mastic dries. When the adhesive is dry, remove the nails before grouting.

Materials

1. Tile mesh
2. Concrete backer board cut to size
3. Drill and appropriate screws to attach the board to the wall
4. Notched trowel
5. Thinset or mastic
6. Tile cutter
7. Wheeled glass nippers
8. Tape measure
9. Tiles and random objects
10. Tile spacers, if applicable
11. Rubber gloves
12. Bucket or pail
13. Rubber grout float
14. Grout and latex grout additive instead of water
15. Grout sealer (functioning mosaic tile projects should always be sealed)
16. Sponge (look for one with small holes)
17. Vinegar and water

Easy backsplash installation

1. Measure the backsplash area and divide it into equal, workable sections.
2. Cut a piece of tile mesh for each section.
3. Glue the mesh to measured and equally sized concrete backer board.
4. Drill holes in the board now, so that the piece can be screwed onto the wall along with a layer of adhesive for a secure hold.
5. Lay out the backsplash design idea on the mesh before gluing.
6. Glue the objects to the meshed board. Let dry for 24 hours or more.
7. Score the wall to roughen the surface.
8. Take one section at a time. Apply mastic to the wall using the notched trowel. Push a section of tiled board into the mastic. Make sure the screw holes are free of adhesive.
9. Let the panel dry, then screw it into place. Repeat with all sections. At this point, I’d let the mastic set up and dry before grouting.
10. Once the mastic is dry, grout.

 

You could grout each section on a flat surface before installing it, but you will have a noticeable gap between each of the sections that won’t be grouted. Besides, the weight of each section is more difficult to manage if it’s already grouted. Unfortunately, it’s almost impossible to get grout to stick to itself after it’s dried. It’s really a lot easier to make sure to blend all of the sections by applying the grout directly to the wall.

How do I make a stepping stone?

1. Find a form. You can use a ready-made form or something found around the house that could be suitable for a stepping stone.
2. Purchase the concrete of your choice. There are many. Quick setting concrete is not recommended, for obvious reasons. Ask questions at the home improvement store to determine which concrete is most suitable.
3. Gather materials to decorate the stepping stone.
4. Mix the concrete according to the directions. If you live in a cold climate, make sure to take temperature into consideration when choosing the concrete.
5. Spray form with a cooking oil spray, such as PAM.
6. Pour concrete into form.
7. Push materials into concrete before it dries.
8. Let the stepping stone dry for at least 3 days.
9. Pop it out, seal it, and plant it.

How do I tile a patio table?

Make sure the table will support the weight before you even attempt to apply tile or shards to it. Don’t tile directly onto the glass that the patio table came with. Instead, have a piece of concrete backer board cut to fit the table. Secure and reinforce. Score the surface. Apply materials using mastic or thinset. Let it dry, grout, and seal. If you live in a cold climate, it’s best to store the table inside during colder months.

What is the best adhesive?

Consider the surface you’re using, the location where the piece will rest, and whether the piece is used on a daily basis. These answers will influence the type of adhesive you will choose. There’s literally an adhesive for every situation. The best way is to start by reading the application section on any and all adhesives before you buy. Ask questions! What you don’t know will affect the outcome.

The jury is still out in the mosaic tile world when it comes to the best adhesives. I believe you have to try a few to see what works best for you. My favorites are listed in the adhesives section of the book. Unless someone comes up with something spectacular, these are the products I stick with.

Tip

Wear old clothes when tiling walls. Use drop cloths to protect floors, counters, and appliances before grouting.