What to use for mosaic backing

What is the best backer for mosaic tiles? What supplies do you need for mosaic tile? Humidity will eventually make it warp and crack grout and pop tiles off.

Not a good material to mosaic on because of its vulnerability to moisture and decay. The best all-around mosaic backer is concrete backer board , such as that used in bathrooms as the sub-floor for tile floors. Drywall can be removed easily and replaced with a sheet of concrete backer board.

WediBoard - Wedi board is probably the most commonly used lightweight substrates among mosaic artists. The mesh, plastic or paper backing that holds mosaic tiles together can get in the way if you don’t trim the edges. Mesh can stick out into the grout space and cause grouting trouble. And protruding backing can prevent you from pushing adjoining sheets close together. I would seal the back and edges with water seal or an oil-based paint.

Fine mosaic work takes an investment in time and materials. It only makes sense to mosaic on a backing that is resistant to moisture and decay. Thus the best material to use for an outdoor mosaic is foam-core tile backer board from a local building material store.

The method wraps the foam in three or four successive layers of fiberglass mesh and thinset mortar, and that coating is pretty tough, tougher than stone. Mesh can be used to create a mosaic in instances where the installation is difficult or you have to or would like to work away from the installation site. It can also be useful when a number of individuals are working together on the same project. Wire lath has been used as a base for plaster walls and stucco for decades.

It is made from an expanded mesh of metal. Prepping a glass surface:Making a mosaic using a sheet of glass, glass bottle or lampshade can be a beautiful way to highlight your piece. Using glass as your tesserae can allow you to create visions of light and color that can be enjoyed best when held up to light. When creating this kind of project, make sure you use the proper adhesive. Other supplies I used were: white glue, mod podge, a plastic cup, plastic knife, rubber gloves, a bit of water for the grout, florist wire for the back.

Grout is very important. I could have used a bit more. How to Cut Mosaic Tile Sheets. Although you can buy loose mosaic tiles, sheets of tile are much easier to install.

These tiles come attached to a mesh or fabric backing that keeps them evenly. The most commonly used backing is wood. If it will go out of doors, an exterior grade wood should be chosen.

The back of a tile can be used very successfully as a mosaic base, as it is porous and gives very good adhesion. Stone tiles are one of the easiest and most accessible ways to add a designer touch to home decor.

Though larger tiles typically come without a mesh backing , more elaborate designs with smaller. But you can also use acrylic based adhesives, epoxy resins, or construction adhesives. Find the right adhesive for you at your local craft supply or hardware store. Start by looking at the “Applications” section on the label.

The solution is a mosaic backer sheet. It’s self-adhesive on the one side to adhere to the back of the mosaic sheet making the entire mosaic sheet more rigid and much like a normal wall tile. So when you are installing, you won’t push into each individual tile to ensure a nice even application and a smooth surface.

Show activity on this post. It might be best to use a ready mixed waterproof adhesive. Had to join to comment.

I did a huge mosaic back splash in our kitchen from counter to under cabinets and about foot long. I used mostly recycled mirrors from yard sales and Alcohol ink stained clear glass to make many of the colors. Ink side glued down with silicone. The mirror behind the inked glass gives a lovely shine. Mosaic tiling sheets make it easy to achieve a great backsplash.

Layout is a cinch—you can simply cut the mesh backing on the sheets to fit the tile along counters and cabinets. In fact, the hardest part of this or any other tiling backsplash project may be choosing the look—the tiles come in a variety of shapes and materials, and many sheets have glass or metallic tiles built in for accents. The Blend and Mean Mosaic Operator options are best suited for continuous data.