| When deciding what materials to use in your mosaic, | | | | incorporated into a mosaic if you wish --Â metal, |
| there are a number of practical things to take into | | | | plastic, stone, even teeth! --Â if they are stuck |
| account: Are the materials suitable for where the | | | | down firmly. |
| mosaic will be placed or used? For example, if the | | | | Backing materials If you browse through books or |
| mosaic will go out of doors, will the materials survive | | | | web sites you'll see that virtually any object can be |
| frost and rain? If the mosaic will go under foot, will | | | | mosaicked. The most commonly used backing is |
| the materials stand up to wear and tear? Will the | | | | wood. This should be of a kind that will not warp, for |
| materials will give you a flat surface, if this is needed? | | | | example a fibre board (such as MDF) or plywood. If it |
| How much of the materials will you need and how | | | | will go out of doors, an exterior grade wood should |
| much will they cost? Notes on various materials: | | | | be chosen. The back of a tile can be used very |
| Crockery: Often cheap (or free) to get. | | | | successfully as a mosaic base, as it is porous and |
| Can be quirky, fun and evocative ("memoryware"). | | | | gives very good adhesion. |
| Can be difficult to get flat surfaces, or a lot the | | | | It is usual to prepare wooden surfaces by priming |
| same. May be damaged by frost. The material of | | | | and scoring them. Priming involves painting on a coat |
| choice for pique assiette style. | | | | of diluted PVA glue (about one part glue to 5-10 |
| Household tiles: Can be fairly cheap, particularly if you | | | | parts water). This seals the surface, meaning that |
| can get offcuts or spares. Second-hand tiles stripped | | | | glue and grout will not dry too quickly. Scoring lines |
| off walls usually have adhesive on the back, which is | | | | with a craft knife or Stanley knife makes the surface |
| a problem to clean off. Vary a lot in quality, thickness | | | | rougher, giving a better grip. |
| and ease of cutting between different types. May be | | | | Adhesives Choice of adhesive is important. For most |
| damaged by frost. | | | | purposes, PVA (Poly Vinyl Acetate) glue is ideal (also |
| Vitreous glass: (right) More expensive. | | | | known as "white craft glue"). This is widely available. |
| Wide range of colours available. Flat surface. Suitable | | | | Generally the most cost-effective way of buying it is |
| for outdoor projects. | | | | in quantity from a builders' merchant. It is fairly quick |
| Can be tricky to learn to cut and shape. | | | | drying (within several hours), moderately |
| Smalti: Expensive. Wide range of colours available. | | | | water-resistant when dry, and relatively low hazard. |
| Classical appearance. | | | | Household tile adhesive: Good "grab" for 3-D projects. |
| Glass: Stained glass comes in a range of colours. Cost | | | | Useful where the tesserae are not flat, as it can fill |
| depends on source - scrap glass relatively cheap, | | | | the space behind. Generally relatively low hazard. |
| may vary in thickness. Can be used outdoors. Backing | | | | Epoxy resin: Very strong. Fast setting versions |
| and adhesives must be chosen with care, as may be | | | | available. Good for non-porous contacts e.g. with |
| visible through glass. Mirror glass can be very | | | | metal, or where quick repairs needed. High hazard, |
| effective. | | | | not pleasant to use. |
| Shells: Cheap. Fun to collect. | | | | Bathroom sealant: Very effective for |
| Frost-hardy. Too porous to be grouted in the normal | | | | ceramic-to-ceramic bonds. High "grab", so good for |
| way, as they will stain. | | | | 3-D work. Can work out relatively costly. |
| Found objects: Many found objects can be | | | | |