A mosaic table top can be a nice decoration to add to your home. It could be a coffee table, a nightstand, or even the dining room table. It's a fairly simple project, but it will take some time to make.
Steps
Step 1. For this project you need to get an old table
Step 2. Choose the tiles of your mosaic
If the coffee table is small, you may want to purchase the dowels at a local craft store. Otherwise, a better solution may be to purchase some scrap tiles from a specialty store or home supply store. Or, you could use old Chinese porcelain with decorative motifs that you like.
You may want to consider buying some square tiles to use around the perimeter of the table to create a border. You could also choose corner pieces or a focal piece to place in the center of the table
Step 3. Break the tiles to size
Place a tile or plate inside a large paper bag or cloth sack and hit them with a hammer from the outside of the sack. Check periodically how the ceramic is breaking. You could also use a tile cutter to cut the ceramic clean and straight. You can skip this step if your tiles are already the size you want.
Step 4. Shape the decorative motif you intend to make on your table, starting with the outer edges and moving towards the center
Try not to leave too large gaps between one tile and another, as the grout may crack. Make the decorative pattern to your liking.
- If you have decided to incorporate a centerpiece into your mosaic, start by placing that one and then continue working from the edges towards the center.
- If your decorative pattern is very intricate, try drawing guidelines directly on the tabletop. Working without guidelines may take too long if you are doing a detailed decoration.
Step 5. Spread some mosaic glue or putty on the dowels and place them on the table top; repeat the operation until you have completed your decorative mosaic pattern
Or, if your mosaic is particularly complicated, spread the glue directly on the tabletop and then quickly place the tiles. Let your mosaic rest overnight before proceeding.
Step 6. Prepare the grout following the instructions on the package
Some types of grout are pre-mixed. You can also add acrylic paint to the grout to give it color.
Step 7. Use a trowel, or directly your gloved hand, to spread the grout in the interstices between the blocks
Make the grout penetrate well into the interstices.
Step 8. Remove excess grout from above the plugs with a damp sponge
Allow your mosaic to dry overnight, and then wipe the damp sponge over it again to make sure any excess grout has been removed.
Step 9. Spread some sealant over the grout with a small brush, or by using a spray on the entire surface of the tabletop
This will prevent the grout from getting wet again, returning to a malleable state; if you already know that the table will have no chance of getting wet, you can skip this step.
