Mosaics - direct method for walls

Mosaics - direct method for walls  Tutorial

The direct method for walls is an easy technique that allows you to cover your walls in mosaics in no time letting your imagination run wild.

 

Supplies
Materials
  • Tesserae: granite, glass enamels, pebbles etc.
  • Rubber cement
  • Seal/Joint
Directions

Prepare to make the mosaic

  • Clean the wall that you're going to make the mosaic on and remove all traces of paint. 

  • Draw out your mosaic with chalk or paint, if you're making an outdoor mosaic.

Cut and position the mosaic tiles

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

  • Prepare the rubber cement in a a mortar trough following the manufacturer's instructions. 

  • Spread the rubber cement onto the drawing and smooth it with a float. Always start at the top: starting from the bottom would mean that there's a danger of dirtying the tiles underneath as you move upwards. 

  • Retrace the mosaic drawing using a knife or other blade. 

  • Start off by placing the tesserae along the edge of your drawing and move inwards. For smaller pieces, use tweezers used by stamp collectors.

  • Lightly push the tesserae into the rubber cement which will go up in between the tesserae, thus forming the jointing.

  • Remove the excess rubber cement from the tesserae as you go along.

Let the mosaic dry and clean it

  • Leave the rubber cement to dry according to the manufacturer's instructions. 

  • Give your mosaic a quick clean using a sponge and washing-up liquid diluted in water.

Video

 

 
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