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