Expressions Mosaic Stone

Mosaic stones are a fantastic project; they are quick to make, inexpensive, and unique. They make beautiful paperweights or decorative pieces enjoyed by anyone that receives them. Place them in your garden to add colour and fun, even on cold winter days. Kids love them; beginners adore them. Why not have a group of friends over for a mosaic stone-making party!

MATERIALS

Mosaic Stone - this project uses an XL Mosaic Stone
Mosaic Word Disc
Adhesive - Cement-based adhesive
Black Grout
Glass & Ceramic Tiles - we have used the following tiles.
- Yellow & Dark Blue Ceramic Triangles
- Orange Glass Triangles (The mini glass diamonds used in this project are no longer available. You will get a similar look joining two glass triangles together).
- Yellow & Orange 1cm Square Ceramic Tiles
- Dark Blue Micro Glass Tiles
Gloves, containers, rags or sponge for grouting

STEPS

1. Seal the Mosaic Stone

Mosaic Stones are a gypsum/plaster product, which, although ultra-tough, is porous and needs to be sealed.

If you are making your stone for indoor use you can use, a mixture of PVA adhesive & water in a ratio of 1 part adhesive to 4 parts water. Apply two coats allowing each coat to dry thoroughly (30 minutes to 1 hour).

If you are making your stone for outdoor use, you can cover it with Bondcrete to protect it against the elements.

2. Laying Your Tiles

Lay your Mosaic Word Disc first in a bed of ceramic-based adhesive, ensuring that you centre it in the middle of your mosaic stone. There is a centre dot on each stone to help you position the disc.

Helpful Hint - The mosaic word disc is 5 cm in diameter. Draw two lines through the centre dot, 2.5cm on each side.

Laying your tiles on the mosaic stone using cement based adhesive

Working from the centre, lay a bed of cement-based adhesive to place your tiles. The cement-based adhesive will dry out, so spread the cement-based adhesive in sections. A palette knife works well for this.

Laying the tiles in a bed of cement based adhesive

The order for the rows of tiles is:

Yellow ceramic triangles
Orange glass triangles (2 joined together)
Dark blue ceramic triangles
Yellow 1cm square ceramic tiles, 2 x dark blue micro glass tiles
Dark blue & yellow ceramic triangles
Orange 1cm ceramic triangles
2 x Orange 1cm square ceramic tiles, 1 x yellow 1cm square ceramic tiles, 2 x dark blue micro glass tiles

Expressions mosaic stone before grouting

3. Grouting

Grout colour - Black

When mixing the grout, it should be the consistency of thick oatmeal before it is applied. If you accidentally add too much water, let it sit for a few minutes, and it will thicken up, or you can add more grout. Stir until smooth. If mixing your colour, mix enough grout to cover the mosaic to ensure colour consistency. Allow the mix to stand for 10 minutes, re-stir and then the grout onto the tiles. We suggest you use gloves when working with grout; while it is non-toxic, it can dry your hands. You will go through a few pairs whilst grouting. Apply the grout in a diagonal motion, ensuring that the grout goes into the entire depth of the joint. Sculpt it on your edges, and remove the excess grout with your gloved hands or sponge. Keep a water container next to you to wash off the sponge as you go.

Once you have covered your entire piece, wipe off as much excess grout as possible with your gloves or hands. After doing this, allow it to sit for 20-30 minutes or until the grout becomes hazy. Then take a slightly damp sponge or cloth and wipe off the haze. Buff and shine the tiles with a dry cloth. Remove as much grout as possible from the tile surface, as it will be much harder to remove later. Do not use paper towels as they flake off and stick in your grout.

Run a layer of grout on the bottom of the stone to ensure a neat finish to your mosaic.

A grout sealer can be applied once the grout is dry to keep the grout clean and protected (optional).

Tips:
· Safety first – use protective eyewear when nipping glass
· Never dispose of grout down the drain
· Mix grout in a disposable container for an easy cleanup

Legal Disclaimer: No warranty is implied by these instructions. Use at your own risk. The Mosaic Store and its proprietors are not responsible for the results of any actions taken based on this information, nor for any omission in the advice. Please wear appropriate safety equipment when cutting mosaic materials and using grouts and adhesives. Keep out of reach of children.