| Before starting that first mosaic project, | | | | thinset very sticky and easier to adhere to |
| the artist must decide upon the correct | | | | glass tiles and other nonporous objects. |
| adhesive. Choosing the glue will insure that | | | | Only mix a small amount at a time. Once the |
| the mosaic will last forever. If you choose | | | | thinset starts to haze over on top then you |
| the wrong adhesive then be certain that your | | | | must throw it away. So mix just enough to |
| tesserae will not last long on the surface no | | | | cover a workable area of about 30 minutes. |
| matter where it is placed or how well it is | | | | Do not buy the premixed thinset as it is not |
| prepared. | | | | as good as working with the dry mix and |
| | | | admix. |
| There are several types of adhesives. Each | | | | |
| one works better with different surfaces and | | | | Use gloves and a mask when mixing the |
| tesserae. Gaining a better understanding of | | | | thinset. Also use materials that can be |
| these choices makes creating your mosaic more | | | | discarded when mixing and working with |
| enjoyable and less worrisome. | | | | thinset such as plastic containers, plastic |
| | | | spoons, old rags, newspaper. Once you finish |
| PVA Glues | | | | just throw away everything. Don't try to |
| | | | reuse containers with thinset inside. Never |
| PVA glue is simply a water soluble adhesive. | | | | wash thinset down a sink drain. It will stop |
| It is easy to clean up by just using water. | | | | up your pipes! |
| For this reason do not use a PVA glue on any | | | | |
| project that will be kept outdoors. Even if | | | | Silicone |
| the piece will be kept under a covered patio, | | | | |
| the humidity will still affect the fortitude | | | | Silicone is perfect for adhering tesserae to |
| of the glue. So a PVA glue is only good for | | | | glass and acrylic. It is typically clear and |
| indoor use. | | | | works great for placing transparent glass on |
| | | | a glass surface. Silicone is also rated for |
| This glue has several uses in mosaic art. | | | | exterior use. |
| Mixing 1/5 PVA glue with 4/5 water, gives you | | | | |
| a great sealant for wood surfaces. Simply | | | | It usually comes in a tube or caulking gun. |
| brush on and allow to soak in. After it has | | | | It is somewhat difficult to get used to |
| dried then you can just mosaic on top. | | | | working with though. Silicone tends to get |
| | | | stringy when being applied. Take care not to |
| This glue can also be used to adhere tiles to | | | | get it on top of your tiles. If you apply it |
| fiberglass mesh in the double direct method. | | | | too thick then it will squish up between your |
| Use full strength but sparingly so that it | | | | tiles and could lead to a mess. |
| doesn't completely cover your mesh. You need | | | | |
| to make sure there is room for the final | | | | Epoxy |
| adhesive to get through to the tiles. | | | | |
| | | | Epoxy is the best adhesive for applying |
| PVA glues can be used with any type of | | | | tesserae to metal. It holds up well outdoors |
| tesserae and are easily used on wooden and | | | | and can be used with any type of tiling |
| acrylic surfaces. It typically comes in a | | | | material. It can also be used on other |
| squeeze bottle and is perfect for children | | | | surfaces like wood and glass. |
| since there is no odor. The most popular | | | | |
| brand in mosaic art is Weldbond since it | | | | Epoxy is difficult to use. It comes in a two |
| dries clear. | | | | part series. You have to mix each part |
| | | | together and use quickly. Only mix a little |
| Thinset Mortar | | | | at a time or you will waste a lot. Benefits |
| | | | are that it is a very strong adhesive and it |
| This cement based adhesive is the best glue | | | | dries clear . This has a very strong odor so |
| for exterior projects. It typically comes in | | | | use in a well ventilated area. |
| gray or white and can be tinted with grout | | | | |
| colorants for self grouting pieces. There | | | | Other Glues |
| are several brands to choose from at your | | | | |
| local hardware store. The only drawback is | | | | There are many other types of adhesives that |
| that you have to purchase it in large | | | | different mosaic artists rely upon. When you |
| quantities of 25 pounds or more. Some mosaic | | | | find a new glue, read the label carefully to |
| supply companies offer thinset in smaller | | | | make sure it will do what you need. Check to |
| quantities for people that just want to try | | | | see if it is for exterior use, highly toxic, |
| it out. | | | | and what surfaces it can touch. |
| | | | |
| Thinset mortar is best used on cement, backer | | | | Some other brands that are well liked by many |
| board, wood, and terra cotta surfaces. It | | | | mosaic artists include Liquid Nails for Small |
| bonds well with most porous surfaces. Do not | | | | Projects, MacGlue, and Gorilla Glue. If you |
| use thinset on glass or metal surfaces as it | | | | are not sure about a new adhesive, then try a |
| will not adhere. This is the ideal adhesive | | | | little on a small piece and see what you |
| for concrete stepping stones. | | | | think. |
| | | | |
| This adhesive can be very messy to use. The | | | | Unfortunately you will learn that some |
| instructions state to mix this powder with | | | | adhesives are not good at all. Some make a |
| water. However, it is highly recommended to | | | | huge mess. Once you find an adhesive that |
| mix well with an admix of either latex or | | | | you like, then use it as often as you can. |
| acrylic. Admixes are a liquid that makes the | | | | |