Mosaic Table Instructions
These instructions are updated regularly by our staff mosaic artist. Email
Joe Moorman at inspire@mosaicartsupply.com
if you have questions.
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We have a good discussion about patio floors and outdoor mosaics subject to
moisture at the Frequently Asked Question page at our supply store:
outdoor mosaics. This page should be read by anyone that is concerned about making
outdoor mosaics and mosaic floors last. Keep in mind that the methods and
materials used for most craft mosaics might not be suitable for outdoors or
other places where moisture penetration is an issue.
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Wooden furniture covered in mosaic should be kept indoors. It isn't
possible to keep the water out forever. Wood can be used for the tops of
metal patio tables, but the preferred material is concrete backer board.
If you use wood for your table top, make sure you seal the bottom and sides
with water seal or oil-based paint.
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1/2" concrete backer board is the best material for outdoor mosaic patio tables. This material
is very cheap, easy to cut and available at local building material stores.
In general, you should avoid plywood and particle board because these materials
absorb water over time and warp, and then the mosaic cracks and falls off.
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Wood and plywood make good lightweight backings for indoor mosaics. I still prefer to use concrete backer board instead of plywood because
it will last through the
ages.
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Concrete board can be purchased from building material stores. A common brand name is
Wonderboard. It is cut easily by hand by scoring with a razor and tapping.
The tile on the floor of bathrooms is commonly mounted on this concrete backer
board.
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Circular table tops can be cut from concrete backer board using a saber saw with
a blade made for fiber-reinforced concrete board. (Call a carpenter
friend.)
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Mosaic tiles can be glued on metal tables, but make sure that the metal is thick
enough to support the weight of the tiles.
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Wooden tables and wooden furniture can be covered with mosaic for the INDOORS.
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Wooden surfaces should be sealed with Weldbond before starting your
mosaic. Mix about 1 part water to 3 parts Weldbond so that you can paint
the Weldbond on with a small paint brush. Once this dries you can begin.
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Mosaics require some labor to cut and set each
piece. Once you are about halfway done with the project you will be glad that you made sure that the backing you
chose is secure and made to last.
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Use thicker materials such as ceramic tile, thicker china and stone for floor
mosaics. Avoid glass mosaic tile and thin ceramics for mosaics that will
be walked on.
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Always use concrete board or concrete as the base of any mosaic that will be walked on.
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Use freeze and water resistant adhesives for outdoor mosaics and mosaic tables. Remember to
seal the grout with a grout sealer a few days after it cures.
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Seal mosaic stones BEFORE and AFTER grouting with a grout and tile sealer.
The reason you seal stones before grouting is to prevent the grout from
penetrating and staining the porous stone. Use a gloss sealer if you want
to darken the stone and bring out its color. Use a regular sealer if you
don't want to change the color of the stone. Ask the people at the
building material store questions about what brands they have.
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Liquid Nails Adhesive is probably the best adhesive for mosaics that will
have water standing on them or be subjected to extreme freeze/thaw cycles.
This is a solvent-based adhesives, so there are fumes, and it sticks to the
fingers. I wear rubber dish-washing gloves or keep rags handy.
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Do not mosaic wooden furniture for outdoors. Metal patio tables make
better outdoor projects.
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Iron patio tables can be found used at antique, junk and resale shops. New
patio tables can be found at building material, hardware and garden stores.
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Often you can merely remove the glass table tops in some patio tables and
replace them with 1/2" concrete backer board. Make sure to add supports for the
center if necessary.
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Make sure that the patio table is sturdy enough and stable enough to hold the
mosaic without collapsing or tipping over.
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Make sure that there is a rim at the edges of the table extend above the surface
of the concrete backer board. Or you can cover the edges of the concrete
with small mosaic tiles (which is a little more difficult).
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You should use
Liquid Nails Adhesive or a similar product to attach the concrete board to the
metal table base. This will keep the board from bouncing around and
cracking as the table is slide around.
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There are other materials in addition to ceramic and glass mosaic tile that you
can use in mosaic tables. Consider mosaic stone, smalti, toy
marbles, glass gems, etc., at least as accents.
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