Mosaics - direct method

Keywords :

The direct method is the most natural technique of making mosaics. The tesserae are cut and placed directly on the backboard. The drawing of the mosaic is drawn onto the backboard (which is most often a piece of wood), so that the tesserae can be stuck down following the outlines of the shapes.

However, it is not possible to make a mosaic with a flat surface using the direct method.

The direct method is perfect for 3D objects such as a picture, a vase, a mirror, a sculpture etc.

Supplies

Tools

Beginner's mosaic kit.

Materials

Tesserae : granite, glass enamels, pebbles etc.
Plywood 1cm thick
Bottle of vinyl wood glue
Mortar mix

Directions

Preparation of the backboard

Cut out your plywood to the desired dimensions.

Trace out your drawing freehand with a felt tip pen or trace out a design onto the board.

Cut out and put down the tesserae

Cut out your glass enamels with Japanese pliers and the granite tesserae with a marteline (small pick-axe).

Spread and smooth the glue with a float onto the board.

NB: For the smaller pieces, put the glue directly on the tessera.

Place the tesserae along the outside of the board and work inwards.

NB: For smaller pieces, use tweezers to place them on the board.

Lightly push the tessera pieces in the glue on the board.

As you go along, remove the excess glue between and on the tesserae.

Démonstration pince mosaique Leponitt
par amkan

Pointing, drying and cleaning of the mosaic

Prepare your mortar mix following the manufacturer's instructions.
Spread the mortar mix with a scraper on your mosaic, filling in all the gaps between the tesserae.
Wipe over quickly with a damp sponge to get rid of excess mortar mix.

NB: In particular, make sure you get it off the tesserae.