Even if glass tile is used, the porous grout is still vulnerable, so we always seal with multiple applications. We avoid soft ceramics for use outdoors and always seal our finished mosaic with multiple applications of sealer to prevent damage. On the other hand, unglazed ceramic and tumble-finished stone are porous and highly susceptible to freeze damage. Glass tile is impervious to moisture penetration and therefore resistant to freeze damage. We do this for two reasons: the thinset will match any thinset that squeezed up between the tiles, and thinset is harder than grout. Outdoor Groutingįor outdoor projects, we will often use thinset mortar for grouting. I have written some instructions for how to use thinset for detailed mosaic artwork where the artist wants to mount one tile at a time. Wear a dust mask and scoop and mix the thinset outdoors. The mixing ratio is 1/4 cup water per pound. Slit the top of the bag and use a long-handle spoon or garden shovel or ice scoop to take out what you need. The bucket helps contain dust and keeps humidity from ruining the mortar over time. Buy a 5-gallon plastic bucket with lid at the same store you buy the thinset and put the bag directly into the bucket without emptying it (which would create an enormous amount of dust). We use Versabond brand thinset which comes in a 50-pound bag. Most people find it is easier to mix up small batches of thinset than it is to use a solvent-based adhesive. Use thinset mortar instead of adhesives for outdoor mosaics. Read more about outdoor backer materials and methods in our article, “ Backers for Outdoor Garden Mosaics.” Outdoor Adhesives The damage could have been minimized by sealing the pot inside and out with a tile and grout sealer. Terracotta flower pots are highly vulnerable to freeze damage because they are soft and porous. All stone, masonry and concrete should be scoured with a wire brush prior to applying thinset in order to remove contaminant and invisible concrete sealers which could interfere with bonding.Īvoid the use of terracotta bases for outdoor mosaics, as they can be extremely susceptible to freezing damage. Fieldstone and pre-made concrete stepping stones from the lawn and garden center are good for smaller projects such as mosaic plaques and mosaic stepping stones. Masonry can be smoother by plastering with thinset a few days (preferably 2 weeks) before the mosaic is applied. Masonry, concrete and stone are also good outdoor mosaic backers. Use 1/4″ concrete backer board, which is available at building material stores and is cut by scoring with box cutter and snapped along a straight edge. Outdoor Backersĭo not use wood as a backer for outdoor mosaics. Even then, the life expectancy of such a project will be relatively short if exposed to the elements. You should seal the mosaic with multiple applications of a tile and grout sealer a few days after the grout cures. We carry convenience sized thinset mortar here.Īll that being said, if you do want to mosaic something wooden for outdoors, such as a mosaic birdhouse, use thinset mortar to attach the tiles and make sure that every surface of the birdhouse not covered in mosaic is covered in multiple coats of exterior paint. Thinset and concrete backer board is available at building material stores. For attaching the tiles, use thinset mortar instead of adhesive. Instead of wood, use 1/4″ concrete backer board for your outdoor mosaic projects. The reason is that wood swells and contracts due to humidity changes in the air, and tiles will start to fall off eventually, and usually sooner than expected. First, wood should never be used as a backer for outdoor mosaics, even those kept relatively dry. However, outdoor mosaics and wet mosaics like pools and fountains require different backers and cements. For these indoor mosaics, wood can be used as a backer, and we recommend the “glue-then-grout” method using Weldbond glue, a water-based PVA adhesive with no fumes. Our regular mosaic instructions page is written for indoor mosaics not subject to standing water such as a shower floor. Outdoor Mosaic Patio Table with bench seats by Naomi Haas. Mosaic techniques for outdoor table tops, patio floors, fountains or birdbaths
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