| Safety notice Be sure to always read the label to | | | | temporarily adhere glass to paper when working |
| check the manufacturer’s | | | | using the reverse method. |
| recommendations for use and to ensure that your | | | | Silicone adhesive Silicone adhesive is available in |
| materials are compatible. Also, be sure to work in a | | | | one-component (for caulking) and two-component |
| well-ventilated room, as many adhesives give off | | | | (used for bonding metal, glass and ceramic). Most dry |
| toxic fumes. If you are pregnant or nursing or have | | | | clear but check the label. Some silicone-based |
| respiratory ailments, please check with your doctor | | | | adhesives are formulated to withstand high heat but |
| first before using any potentially toxic product. | | | | be sure to check the label. |
| Considerations There are several types of adhesives | | | | Use in a well-ventilated room or outside. Toxic. |
| available, so before you start, there are a few things | | | | Ultra violet glue (UV) This type of glue cures when |
| to consider: Is either of the materials to be adhered | | | | exposed to UV light. Used for adhering glass to glass. |
| transparent? (If yes, use an adhesive that will dry | | | | Not heat-resistant. Dries clear. |
| clear) Is either of the materials to be adhered | | | | Fast curing time. |
| porous? Will the project be kept indoors at a | | | | Wheat paste Made from wheat flour and water and |
| constant temperature or will it be kept outside in | | | | usually used for hanging wallpaper. Can also be used |
| varying temperatures and in the elements? Will the | | | | instead of diluted PVA glue as a temporary adhesive |
| project sit in or under water? Will the substrate be | | | | when working indirect. See |
| vertical during the process of adhesion? How long is | | | | “Make-Stuff.com†for how to |
| the curing time of the adhesive? If using the | | | | make wheat paste. |
| adhesive in a fish tank, pond, or flowerpot, is the | | | | Tips when applying adhesives When applying most |
| adhesive toxic? Some types of adhesives suitable for | | | | adhesives, be sure to apply a thin layer, as a thick |
| mosaic work As there are too many types of | | | | layer will weaken the joint. |
| adhesives on the market today to list each one, | | | | Both surfaces to be adhered must be clean and free |
| below is a short description of adhesives useful for | | | | of any dust or oil. |
| creating mosaics. This is, by no means, a | | | | For better adhesion on smooth substrates such as |
| comprehensive list. | | | | plastics or wood, be sure to score the substrate well |
| Cement-based adhesive This is an adhesive with | | | | in a crosshatched pattern using a utility knife prior |
| cement as its base. As there are many types with | | | | priming. |
| varying admixtures and cure times, be sure to read | | | | Be sure that your primer and adhesive are |
| the label first. Good for outdoor projects and for | | | | compatible. |
| building up the substrate when working direct using | | | | Warnings & tips when working with polystyrene |
| tiles of a different thickness. Note: Always wear | | | | foam As polystyrene foam, such as |
| gloves and safety glasses when working with this | | | | Styrofoam®, is made of plastic, never use an |
| material, as it is irritating to the skin and eyes. | | | | adhesive that contains a solvent on polystyrene |
| Cyanoacrylate (CA) This is a 2-part instant bond | | | | foam because the solvent will break down the foam, |
| adhesive with a base resin and hardener. Sold in | | | | releasing toxic fumes. |
| some countries under such names as Krazy | | | | Never use hot glue directly on polystyrene foam, as |
| Glue® or Super Glue, cyanoacrylates are useful | | | | the heat will melt the foam, thereby releasing toxic |
| for gluing small areas. It is ideal for bonding | | | | fumes. |
| non-porous materials but cures rapidly. Flammable. | | | | Please note that hot melt glue is not suitable for |
| Avoid skin contact. Use in a well-ventilated room or | | | | creating mosaics as it is not a long-lasting or strong |
| outside. | | | | adhesive. |
| Epoxy adhesive Available in single component paste | | | | Choose adhesives that are for use on non-porous |
| or (more commonly) in a double component base | | | | materials (polystyrene foam is made of plastic which |
| resin and hardener. This type of adhesive is for use | | | | is non-porous) and that can be used on plastics. |
| with glass and other non-porous materials requiring | | | | Remember, adhesives are only as strong as the |
| extreme water-resistance. Toxic. It is preferable to | | | | weakest material in the union. |
| use this type of adhesive while working outside. Be | | | | Polystyrene foam is easily broken and has very little |
| sure to read the manufacturer’s safety | | | | tensile strength. Therefore, to mosaic over |
| precautions. | | | | polystyrene foam, it is better to first apply foil tape, |
| Polyvinyl acetate (PVA) Water-based, | | | | prime, and then to glue on the tiles. For larger |
| general-purpose hobby or wood glue. Hobby glue is | | | | projects, first build a wire frame using an EML |
| white in color; whereas, yellow PVA glue is generally | | | | (expanded metal lath) or chicken wire around the |
| for wood and is usually referred to as aliphatic resin | | | | taped polystyrene foam surface, and then apply a |
| glue. PVA glue is non-toxic and is good for bonding | | | | layer of thin-set cement-based adhesive to create an |
| porous materials such as ceramic tiles to wood. | | | | even surface. |
| Can also be diluted with water (1:1 ratio) to | | | | |