by Juanita Canzoneri
One of the easiest ways to save money on mosaic art is to stop looking at every project as something that needs a traditional mosaic substrate.
A piece of wood is a great base. So is a thrift-store plate, a rock, or an old ceramic pot. But sometimes you have an idea for a shape or size that you simply can't find—or you don't want to spend much money on a base.
That's when it can be fun to make your own.
In this session of Mosaic on a Shoestring, we're looking at a technique using fiberglass mesh and thinset to create a lightweight, sturdy mosaic base.
This technique comes from mosaic artist Bonnie Fitzgerald of Maverick Mosaics. It uses inexpensive materials and a process that is a little like making a lasagna: layer, layer, layer!
What You'll Need
You don't need a long list of supplies.
- Plastic wrap
- Fiberglass mesh
- Scissors for cutting the mesh
- Thinset mortar
- A mixing container and tools for the thinset
- Gloves and appropriate safety equipment
- Hanging hardware, if you're making a wall piece
For the thinset, look for a good-quality dry-set mortar. Two readily available options are Versabond from Custom Building Products, commonly available at Home Depot, or Kerabond from Mapei, available at Lowe's. Prices vary, but you can typically get a 50-pound bag for under $25 and make so many bases from it.
Fiberglass mesh is also inexpensive. Kismet Mosaic sells fiberglass mesh in 1-foot by 3-foot pieces, making it easy to buy only what you need for a small project or just play with the process.
Start with Plastic Wrap
Begin by covering your work surface with plastic wrap.
The plastic keeps the thinset from sticking to your work surface while your base is curing. It also makes cleanup much easier.
Lay your fiberglass mesh on the plastic wrap and spread a layer of thinset over and into it.
You don't need to make this first layer extremely thick. The goal is to completely cover the mesh with thinset.
Build It Up in Layers
Now comes the fun part.
Add another layer of fiberglass mesh and another layer of thinset. Repeat the process until you have at least four layers.
Think of it as making a mosaic version of lasagna—or a very thin pastry like a Napoleon. You're building strength by stacking multiple layers together.
Make sure each layer is well covered with thinset, with no large areas of exposed mesh.
The number of layers can affect the strength and stiffness of your finished base, so don't be tempted to stop after just one or two. For a sturdy mosaic base, at least four layers is a good place to start.
Let It Cure Slowly
Once you've built up your layers, cover the piece.
Slowing down the curing process can help the thinset cure properly. You don't want your new base to dry out too quickly.
This is one of those parts of mosaic-making where patience pays off. Give the thinset plenty of time to cure before moving on to the next step.
Once it's completely cured, you'll have a lightweight, rigid base ready for your mosaic.
Add Hanging Hardware
If you're making a wall piece, think about how you're going to hang it before you start covering the base with tile.
This part should happen a few hours after you’ve finished the layers and before it’s fully cured.
Carefully make a couple of holes in your mesh/thinset creation with an awl or a sharp stick. Then put your piece back between the plastic to fully cure.
Once your piece is fully cured you can add your hanging hardware. One simple approach uses a washer, screw, D-ring, and nut to create a secure attachment point. You can then hide the washer and screw head under your mosaic work.
The important thing is to plan ahead. It's much easier to incorporate your hanging system before the mosaic is finished than to figure out how to attach hardware after you've covered the entire piece with tile.
Use Thinset to Attach Your Mosaic
One of the nice things about this type of base is that thinset can also be used to attach your mosaic materials.
That means your base and adhesive can be made from the same basic material.
Apply the thinset to the cured base and set your tile into it, following the recommendations for the particular tile and installation you're using.
As always, use appropriate safety precautions when mixing and working with thinset. Follow the manufacturer's directions for mixing, application, curing, and ventilation.
Look at Your Materials Differently
Making your own mosaic base opens up a lot of possibilities.
You're no longer limited to the shapes and sizes available at the craft store. You can experiment with your own dimensions and create a base that fits the idea in your head.
And that's really what Mosaic on a Shoestring is about.
Saving money isn't about limiting your creativity. It's about finding different ways to get from the idea in your head to the finished piece.
Sometimes that means using a scrap of wood.
Sometimes it means turning a thrift-store find into something completely different.
And sometimes it means making the base yourself.
So the next time you have a mosaic idea that doesn't quite fit a ready-made substrate, ask yourself:
Could I make it instead?
You might be surprised by what you can build with a little fiberglass mesh, some thinset, and a willingness to experiment.
Next time we’ll look at casting your own mosaic bases with concrete.