Mosaic Glue & Adhesives
These instructions are updated regularly by our staff mosaic artist. Email Joe
Moorman at inspire@mosaicartsupply.com
if you have questions.
Click here for Legal and Copyright Information.
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If you have never used the adhesive before, test it by gluing a few mosaic tiles to a piece
of scrap board. You need to know how fast the glue dries so that
you will know how much time you have to set the tiles and adjust
them if needed.
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It is easier to glue mosaic tiles that are at least 1/8" thick because the
glue doesn't squeeze up onto the face of the tiles.
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Tweezers and toothpicks can be used to place mosaic tiles and readjust them
in wet glue.
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The best all-around glue for making mosaics is Weldbond. It is a water-based adhesive that looks and handles just like plain white glue, yet it cures stronger than many of the smelly solvent-based glues. The manufacturer's brochure calls it "the most versatile, non-toxic, non-flammable adhesive on the North American market." I agree. It bonds to hundreds of different materials and is very water-resistant once it dries. It cleans up easy with soap and water.
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I also use the following technique to clean up excess glue that might stick
up. After the glue has cured for a day or two, I come back and mist the mosaic with water. After about
10 minutes, any traces of glue that are sticking up on the sides of the mosaic tile will start
to turn white. (Only if the glue was water-based like Weldbond.) I then take a razor knife like a box cutter or exacto knife and trim
away the excess glue. This means that when I later grout, there will be no glue sticking
up and not covered by grout.
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Liquid Nails Adhesive Outdoor Formulation is probably best for mosaics that
will have water standing on them or be subjected to extreme freeze/thaw
cycles. This glues is a solvent-based adhesives, so there are fumes, and
it sticks to the fingers. I wear dish-washing gloves or keep rags handy.
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If you are gluing to a vertical surface, the mosaic tiles can slide off before Weldbond
hardens, so something thick and tarry like Liquid
Nails Adhesives may be better for this application as well. Otherwise, I use
Weldbond wherever possible because there are no fumes and the cleanup is much
easier.
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