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Archive for the ‘Mosaics’ Category

Inspiration of a Design to Make Mosaics

Thursday, February 24th, 2011

If you have never used mosaic tiles in your room, you will perhaps never understand how good it can be. Mosaics have been used since centuries in making monuments, and its features have been unsurpassed in the building construction world. There are so many things that could inspire you, anything from your environment could give you ideas to create your design to make your art through mosaic tiles. The design you imagine is as important as colors and the type of mosaics such as glass mosaic tiles. You should be open to colors and designs and don’t hesitate to try different colors and designs. There are many examples of historical images of Mosaics from the Romans to the Mexican Mayas that you can study and that can inspire you as well. To make your arts and crafts tiles more meaningful and their attraction last longer, you should try to make your mosaics original and special to you. An inspiration of an image is the very first step to make a mosaic, so before you start, have a design already in your mind or an image as inspiration.

The indirect method of mosaic art is another way of applying tesserae and this method is often used for very large projects rather than smaller objects, projects with repetitive elements or for areas where site specific shapes are needed. The items such as mosaic murals, benches and table tops are usually made using the indirect method. It is preferred because it results in a smoother and more even surface. Firstly, mosaic tiles, glass mosaic tiles, arts and crafts tiles etc., are applied face-down to an adhesive-backing paper, and secondly they are transferred onto walls, floors or craft projects. This method gives the mosaic artist time to rework areas that’s why it is best for the extremely large items with mosaic patterns and mosaic design.

The double indirect method can be used when it is important for the artist to control directly the final result of the work of mosaic art, that is, to see the work during the creation process as it will appear when completed. The tesserae are placed face-up on an adhesive-backed paper, sticky plastic or soft lime or putty, medium as it will appear when installed. When the mosaic is completed, a similar vehicle was placed on top of it. After the work is turned on, the basic material is carefully removed, and sections were installed using the indirect method. Double indirect method is a complex system to use and requires great skill on the part of artists to avoid damaging the mosaic. It has a huge advantage especially when the transaction operator with the number one man in particular, he can directly control the final outcome of the work.

9 Easy Adhesive Choices for Tile Mosaics

Thursday, December 23rd, 2010

Mosaics can be a truly stunning part of your interior decor of house… not only that, but the careful placement of tiles and working to a plan is amazingly therapeutic. However, even the best of mosaic tile ideas will come out poorly if you select the wrong adhesive for your type of project. Today we check out the 9 types of adhesives that are used with mosaic tiles, and the strengths, weaknesses and unique purposes of each.

Craft glue: Most of us have craft glue lying around the house. However, it is trully only suitable for mosaics where you’re using very small tile pieces, that will be lying flat and not bearing any weight. You’ll also need a strong grout formulation, and perhaps more grout than usual.

Two-part epoxy: From the weakest to the strongest – two part epoxy is about as far as you can get from craft glue, for mosaic tiles! If you’re using river stones or pebbles in a mosaic, rather than mosaic tiles, two-part epoxy may be your only adhesive select. However, you’ll need some skill at mixing it correctly and using it, and epoxy is also more expensive than most adhesives.

Water-soluble glue: Can be used either diluted, for making gummed paper (see below), or for gluing mosaic tiles directly onto wood. Do remember that if you live in a humid climate, your tesserae will probably end up shifting, especially if they are vertically placed or bear any load.

Gummed paper: A great mosaic tile adhesive, but only for temporary applications. You can make it up yourself with brown paper and water-soluble glue, which has been diluted. It may take a bit of experimentation to find the right proportions, though.

Sealant: Not quite an adhesive, sealant can help your mosaic tiles to stick down somewhat, and also protect them from humidity, smoke, rain and heat. It is recommend in conjunction with a glue and a grout, or an adhesive/grout in one mixture for all mosaics.

Ready mixed cement: This fairly standard mosaic tile adhesive can be used for both the indirect and direct methods of making mosaics. You can use many ready mixed cements as a glue and grout in one, and they are fairly easy to color – just mix in a powder colorant with the dry powder before you add the water.

Cement: Strong, cheap and flexible – you can also mix cement yourself, and get all the benefits of ready mixed cement at a lower price.

Epoxy-adhesive grout: The favorite method of experienced mosaic makers who know what they want, know how to get it, and are willing to input the cash to ensure that their mosaic is strong and long-lasting.

Ready mixed grout:You’ll need to use this in combination with epoxy adhesive for the actual mosaic tiles, or with craft glue or cement, to stick the tesserae down properly. Some ready mixed mortar can actually be colorized with acrylic or hobby paints, so you can get very specific background colors for your mosaic tile works.