Mosaics

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Mosaics
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History of Mosaics

• Mosaic can be traced back through several
  cultures.
• The first culture attributed with mosaics was the
  Aboriginal Native Americans with intricate pebble
  and sand pattern design, however they had no
  practical function.
• The second culture was the Ancient Greeks. They
  created solid floors of pebbles in designs.
• The Romans style of mosaic is more like today.
  They used cut tiles in several patterns to
  decorate floors and walls.

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• The use of mosaic declined following the
  Renaissance.
• Venice began the industrial tile production which
  enabled the beginning of the reverse method.
• Following a lull in production, mosaics are now
  mainly used in context with fine art, and home
  decoration.

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Types of Tiles

• Vitreous Tesserae
• Smalti
• Gold and Silver Smalti
• Mirror Tiles
• Ceramic Tiles
• Marble Tiles
• Broken China
• Found Objects
• Homemade Tiles

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Acceptable Surfaces

• Plywood
• Fiberboard
• Perspex and Glass
• Mesh
• Cement Backer Board
• Tile Backing Board

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Adhesives

• Aleens Tacky Glue
• Mastick
• Silicone
• Epoxy Glue

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Tools

• Glass Cutters
• Score and Snap Pliers
• Pliers
• Nippers

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Application Methods

• The Direct Method Apply mastick to the
  underside of the tiles and then place them on the
  design.
• Indirect/Reverse Method The tiles are
  temporarily stuck upside down on a strong surface
  like brown craft paper by using water based glue.
  Leave a space between each tile. Try to make
  them the same space between each tile. After the
  design is complete, apply the mastick to the
  prepared surface with a trial. Then flip your
  tiled paper upside down on top of the mastick and
  apply pressure to set the tiles. Once they dry,
  apply water to the paper and soak it off.

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Grouting

• Once the applied tiles are dried, spread a layer
  of grout on the tiles so that it settles in
  between the tiles. Choose a color of grout that
  matches well with the tiles. Spread the grout
  over the tiles with a squeegee. Once the entire
  surface is covered, begin removing the excess off
  of the tiles with a damp sponge until the entire
  surface is clean. Once finished, buff the
  surface with a soft cloth.

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Safety

• Wear goggles when cutting tiles or glass.
• Always clean off surfaces with a brush and never
  your hand.
• Do not put grout or adhesives down the sink, it
  will clog the sink.
• Do not eat or drink in the room or where you are
  working.

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Vocabulary

• Buttering Putting the adhesive directly on the
  back of the tiles
• Casting Making a mosaic surface like a slab to
  add tiles to.
• Direct Method Where the mosaic is glued
  directly to the surface in its final position
  the right face up.
• Grout The substance used to fill the gaps
  between the tiles.
• Indirect Method Where the tiles are temporarily
  stuck in reverse onto a craft paper before it is
  turned over to be fixed into its final position.
• Interstices The spaces between the tiles.

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• Nippers An essential tool used to cut the
  tiles.
• Smalti Irregular pieces of hand cut enamelled
  glass which is left ungrouted.
• Tesserae The tiles or objects used to make the
  mosaic.
• Vitreous Glass Square mosaic tiles made to a
  regular size and shape. One side is smooth and
  the other is rigid for better adhesion.

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