How To Build A Mosaic

Mosaics can be built in multiple ways for almost any kind of surface.

The most decorative style is "positively set", which means that the irregularities of the tessera are showcased. "Negatively set" produces a smooth surface and is best for floors.

Mosaics can be built on fiberglass mesh and installed with thinset. They can also be built on foam or wood backing boards for wall mounting, adding a nice additional depth to the artwork.

Cindy studies the overall flow her mosaic design

Cindy studies the overall flow her mosaic design

Templates for those shapes are laid out inside tilt-up frame.

Templates for those shapes are laid out inside tilt-up frame.

Concrete poured around templates yeilds a recess once walls are "tilted up".

Concrete poured around templates yeilds a recess once walls are "tilted up".

Laying out smalti for a different style of mosaic application with a wood backer board.

Laying out smalti for a different style of mosaic application with a wood backer board.

Mosaic glass smalti can also be set onto a fiberglass mesh, which is later adhered with thinset.

Mosaic glass smalti can also be set onto a fiberglass mesh, which is later adhered with thinset.

An example of glass on mesh.

An example of glass on mesh.

Thinset applied to cementitious surface in preparation for mosaic materials.

Thinset applied to cementitious surface in preparation for mosaic materials.

Detail of thinset prior to setting mosaic on mesh into it.

Detail of thinset prior to setting mosaic on mesh into it.

Nails gently tapped into thinset is enough to hold up mosaic until the everything dries and hardens.

Nails gently tapped into thinset is enough to hold up mosaic until the everything dries and hardens.

The smalti pieces are grouted.

The smalti pieces are grouted.

Cleaning off the excess grout.

Cleaning off the excess grout.

Carefully cleaning mosaic of any irregularities.

Carefully cleaning mosaic of any irregularities.

Finished!

Cindy studies the overall flow her mosaic design

Templates for those shapes are laid out inside tilt-up frame.

Concrete poured around templates yeilds a recess once walls are "tilted up".

Laying out smalti for a different style of mosaic application with a wood backer board.

Mosaic glass smalti can also be set onto a fiberglass mesh, which is later adhered with thinset.

An example of glass on mesh.

Thinset applied to cementitious surface in preparation for mosaic materials.

Detail of thinset prior to setting mosaic on mesh into it.

Nails gently tapped into thinset is enough to hold up mosaic until the everything dries and hardens.

The smalti pieces are grouted.

Cleaning off the excess grout.

Carefully cleaning mosaic of any irregularities.

Finished!