Thank you. I resorted to tulle as one of my students was doing beautiful detail and we needed something finer than the regular mosaic mesh. Tulle works a treat and I have been teaching this method for over15 years
There are many cement type adhesives on the market. I use “tile All” by Dunlop as it is easy to find in shops where i live here in Victoria. America uses “Laticrete” products and Europe uses Mapei.
I Helen. I do face to face workshops. I am located in Ocean Grove, Victoria, Australia. I am travelling to Queensland in August to teach some workshops.
Thank you so much for explaining putting this on toile instead of using the heavy fiberglass mesh. I am just starting out doing (or trying() mosiacs and could no figure out how to place them on some kind of board. I am not sure what kind of glue to use...is Elmer's ok since it dries clear? Also is it cement board that you are placing them on? A small cutting board would be ok...yes or no? I would love to see more of your videos since you explain everything so completely!!! Thank you.
There are lots of glue you can use. BUT, you need to make sure if your mosaic is going outside you need to use a glue that is waterproof, not water resistant. A water resistant glue will eventually dissolve and your tiles will come off. I am placing my work onto cement sheeting as i have many off cuts. You can use any boards whilst you are laying your tiles on mesh. Anything that you have which is accessible. BUT, i would not glue my work onto timber if i was going to eventually place it outside as timber swells. This means your tiles could fall off and your grout could crack.
Hi if i can use rattan cutouts ,it will be ok to use mesh? I know its like a wood and porous materials, so i think it can bond with white glue on mesh ,but i dont know if it can bond strong .
This bonding to mesh is only a “tacking “bond. The real adhesion occures when the mosaic is transferred onto your substrate/board/wall. Also the type of adhesive depends upon your location and materials you are using A tiling shop will give good technical advice Good luck
Hi Brenda. I have not done a video on attaching the mesh to a wall. However,,,i would use thinset or an adhesive that is suitable for you location..be it indoors or outdoor and exposed to the elements. Make sure that the adhesive used is suitable.
Always a delight! Great tips; thank you. I assume on very large projects, you would cut your mesh to fit whatever section you did last rather than having to end your work on a straight line? Very helpful for doing non-bordered pieces like long floral backsplashes eh?
When applying onto large areas, you would cut the mesh without straight lines. This ensures that there are no tell tale signs of attaching. thank you for watching and getting in touch.
If it is not coloured the tulle will show through. However with transparent glass you could use a white coloured adhesive or thinset. This is a great way to overcome any issues with transparency Good luck and happy nipping
This was incredibly informative! I’m currently trying to scout for inexpensive mesh for my mosaic project. Do you think using a fibreglass fly screen mesh (from Bunnings) would work the same?.. I’ve only seen one article mentioning it’s not a good choice. Thank you in advance!
Hi There are many types of fly screen mesh so It would be inappropriate for me to offer a recommendation not knowing the brand or materials used. Wire mesh is good for 3D Cheap nylon mesh could work but it would be stiff and could react/corrode with certain adhesives. Fibreglass and nylon are pretty stable with most mosaic adhesives but think about checking the product information guides. Cheers and good luck
Thank you Cheryl, great information. I am currently working on an outside piece with small pieces. Can I use the tulle with cement based adhesive or is this not advisable?
HI Jenny. You can use tulle with cement base adhesive. Just remember that the tulle will not take a lot of weight and could distort. Cheers and enjoy your new found technique.
I have tried to find the heavy duty fiberglass mesh, but my local hardware stores do not have it. The one I bought is not stiff like the one you have. Is there an online option for this?