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Mosaic Basic Instructions

Put together your own customized kit
by choosing items from the list below.

If you are looking for pre-assembled kits,
check out our Stepping Stone Kits or other Mosaics Kits

Getting Started



Here is a list of items you will need to make a mosaics piece:



Optional:



Make sure the surface of your project is clean, dry, and not too uneven.



Gluing

Begin by gluing your tiles to your project surface piece. Using a small amount of adhesive, apply the adhesive to the back of the tile. Be sure to get all of the corners of each tile.

Work around your project by cutting or breaking your tiles to fit the design. Be sure to leave a small gap (less that 1/8”) between the tiles so that the grout can firmly hold the tiles together.



  • You can break your tiles with a hammer by placing them between two towels and smashing them. *Wear protective eyewear.
  • You can cut your tiles with a nippers to get a more precise shape *Wear protective eyewear.
  • Note: Cutting or breaking tiles is not necessary but can be useful when your form or base is not square.

Though you should try to put each tile down exactly where you want it the first time, there is a small window of time (5 to 7 minutes) that you can move the tile before the adhesive completely dries. After it dries, do not attempt to move it.

  • Designing Tip!! Pay close attention to the color swirls of each tile and match them according to the look you want for your project. Final mosaics often look best if there is a flow or pattern to the tiles.

Allow the glue to dry for at least 12 hours before moving on to the next step.



Grouting

Put on a set of latex gloves to protect your hands from the grout. Also, have a bucket of water, a sponge, and paper towels close by.

Use a grout spreader or plastic spatula to take some of the grout out of the container and apply directly on your project. Spread it out over the tiles so it gets into the crevices between each tile.

Make sure the grout fills the crevices so that the grout is even with the surface of the tiles.

  • Technique Tip!! Be gentle when spreading the grout. If a tile should come loose, reapply some adhesive to the back of the tile, and continue spreading grout over and around it.

Let the grout solidify for 15 minutes and then take a damp sponge and wipe the excess grout off the surface of the tile.

Allow the grout to dry overnight.



Finishing

Polish the tiles with a clean cloth or paper towel

  • Designing Tip!! Polish the tiles with vegetable or olive oil to make the tiles extra shiny.