MASTERING OUTDOOR MOSAICS: 4 Key Principles For Long-lasting Artwork

[@WendyHannan-pt7ez]

Thank you Helen, I loved and enjoyed this video. You were straight to the point, I like that. 😊

[@HelenMilesMosaics]

I’m so glad that it was helpful! 😃

[@craftsNstuffBamma]

You are a very good instructor

[@HelenMilesMosaics]

I appreciate that!

[@WendyHannan-pt7ez]

Hi Helen, Its my first time watching. I’m wanting to make a smallish cross to add to a loved one’s grave. Thanks for explaining what material I need to use to firstly make the cross, i was going to mosaic over the wood, I now know that won’t stand up to the weather. Great advice, clearly understood.😊

[@HelenMilesMosaics]

I'm so glad it was helpful especially with such a sensitive and important mosaic

[@AzerPaul]

Thanks again for your thoughtful work, Helen, all of which we can avail ourselves for no cost. You’re very generous.

[@HelenMilesMosaics]

You are so welcome Paul! 😀

[@NanaWilson-px9ij]

Thank you a explaining what each product is, and it's name in the US.

[@HelenMilesMosaics]

I'm glad that it was helpful! 😀

[@WildWoodlandsSW]

I'm just getting started in mosaics,and your videos are very helpful. Many thanks.

[@HelenMilesMosaics]

I'm so glad that they are helpful. 😀

[@LC-dj9du]

Thank you so much for making these incredibly helpful videos.

[@HelenMilesMosaics]

I'm so glad you like them! 😀

[@BigMoneyDizzle]

Brilliant! Thank you so very much for all the work you put into this video. Most informational video I've seen and I am supremely grateful. Kind regards.

[@HelenMilesMosaics]

I am very glad that it was helpful! 😀

[@Laura-fj6kq]

This has been so helpful! I’ve been wanting to do some things for outdoors but was unsure of what’s different. Thank you, thank you, thank you! I saw your link for the video using glue, that’s quite helpful too! Will be sure to watch it also!

[@HelenMilesMosaics]

I'm so glad it was helpful! 😀😀

[@saidezerimar1986]

Awesome video! Very helpful thank you so much 🌻

[@HelenMilesMosaics]

I'm glad that you like it! 😀

[@teamstrite]

Hi Helen, thanks so much! For the Titebond, would you still aim for 1/2 - 2/3 of the thickness of the piece to bed it?

[@HelenMilesMosaics]

Sorry - I should have asked what kind of materials you are using before replying to your last question. Titebond is for flat, purpose made materials like Winkelmans and vitreous glass but if you are using materials with different thicknesses like pebbles and broken pottery, then I use BAL Max Flex Fibre Tile Adhesive. That's the one that you aim for 1/2 to 1/3 of the thickness of the piece to bed it. I hope that's clear!

[@teamstrite]

@@HelenMilesMosaics Awesome thanks for the response :) I am using unglazed ceramic (wish I could find more yellows!)

[@theresachavez4259]

Just found your podcast ...want to do outdoor mosaics .so just starting!

[@HelenMilesMosaics]

Wonderful - I hope it goes well! 😀

[@WendyHannan-pt7ez]

Me too, I want to make a small out door table top. I’m just looking for the right table frame. I now know wood isn’t the base to use. Thank you this is great 👍 I’m watching from Australia 🇦🇺🐨

[@kevennikoportades7455]

How about sintra board? Will it work?

[@HelenMilesMosaics]

Yes, I don't see any reason why it wouldn't! Have never tried it myself but if it's waterproof it would work

[@sandramillist3108]

Very helpful and informative but I am wondering about a complimentary grout to follow through. Or was your video working on not using grout and if so can the wood glue you recommend take pigment?

[@HelenMilesMosaics]

I use grout only when I use the direct method with glue or when I am using mesh. Otherwise, with the tile adhesive/thinset method no grout is involved and I do add pigments to the adhesive if the mood takes me! 😀

[@anastasiasavinova3173]

Thank you so much for this informative video! I'm wondering about 2 things. 1) Grout. Do I have to grout my outdoor mosaic if I use outdoor thinset? Smalti or shells are hard to grout...What would you recommend? 2) Marble mosaics. I read that it needs to be specially treated. Do you have the experience of marble mosaics deteriorating over time if not treated?

[@HelenMilesMosaics]

No, you do t need to grout outdoor mosaics if you are using outdoor thinset and yes, you’re right, smalti and shells don’t lend themselves to grouting! I use a stone sealer on outdoor marble mosaics and it has worked well over the years. After a bit of time, the mosaic will need to be scrubbed and a new layer of sealant added, but the stone itself is unlikely to deteriorate unless you are using a very soft stone

[@RobinEschler]

I'd like to make a birdhouse using recycled yogurt container as the "house". I'm planning on using mesh substrate first because the yogurt container is curved. How do I then "paste" the completed mesh pebble mosaic onto plastic?

[@HelenMilesMosaics]

It’s tricky to stick to plastic because it’s slippery and doesn’t have a rough surface. Ideally you should use an epoxy glue to stick to glass, metal and plastic

[@RobinEschler]

@HelenMilesMosaics Thank you. Would WeldBond work best or would any "super glue" be OK?

[@HelenMilesMosaics]

@@RobinEschler I have never tried to use either for mosaics so i wouldn't be able to advise but I'd imagine that super glue would be too strong and fiddly to use.

[@oldmanfigs]

Off to buy materials and a tile nipper!😀

[@HelenMilesMosaics]

Wonderful! 😀🚀

[@WendyHannan-pt7ez]

Me too I can’t wait to get started. I’m starting with a good quality terracotta pot. 👍

[@patriciaterranova1074]

Thank you for the tips. I don't understand how far to push the tiles into the adhesive? If I use 1/2 inch trowel then how far into the adhesive do I push the tile? I want to make an ammonite mosaic backsplash for over the stove. I've searched for a few years to see if anyone has attempted to do what I want to do. I am concerned with the thickness of the adhesive and the temperature of the backsplash (the oven broiler's heat gives off hot exhaust from the convection oven). My ammonites are of various thicknesses: some are as thick as 0.7 inch and as thin as a fingernail. I'd appreciate any comments or recommendations. Ty

[@HelenMilesMosaics]

In general it is recommended to push them in to one third to half of their depth. If you are using materials which are very different thicknesses like your ammonites then the overall thickness of the tile adhesive needs to be one third the depth of your thickest pieces. That means that the thin ones will then have a much thicker bed than they need. As for the heat, I’m afraid I can’t help with that. You need to check with the manufacturer of the tile adhesive you use

[@nikegalavis5075]

Gracias.

[@listenstoflowers7277]

If using the tire bond, would you also need the depth of glue to be 1/2 or more?

[@HelenMilesMosaics]

No, the Titebond II glue is just glue so you use a little bit for each tesserae whereas the tile adhesive is a cement based paste which you need to use quite thickly. I've done a separate video on using ordinary glue: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jZCnkpiEbMahhpI

[@mariehud7382]

Can I use fiberglass mesh to attach my mosaic to then bring it outside and attach to a concrete block wall? The wall is approximately 3 1/2 meters by 1 1/2 meters. Thank you for these lessons.

[@HelenMilesMosaics]

Yes, absolutely. That’s what I did when I made the mosaic in the cover photo. 😀

[@nikegalavis5075]

La malla de fibra de vidrio debe tener una medida de profundidad?. Que silicon uso si quiero pegar vidrios colores y transparentes?.

[@nikegalavis5075]

Si pongo en piscina q uso para sellar y q lechada uso?

[@HelenMilesMosaics]

You need to choose a grout which is suitable for underwater and the same with the sealant - all companies that produce these products have a technical advice person who can recommend which products work in which situations

[@sandeepeterson4972]

what adhesive do you use for glass tiles on glass base/

[@HelenMilesMosaics]

Hi there. I haven't made glass on glass mosaics, but I would use outdoor silicone glue

[@jeniferuhlman9167]

@@HelenMilesMosaicsThank you for your informative helpful videos. I am brand new to this and I’m looking to create a piece that is on plexiglass for stability, it will be outdoors and very close to a pond, so waterproofing will be essential. I am looking to put up-lights behind the design so I need an adhesive that is clear as well. I see you suggested trying a clear silicone to attach the pieces (if I understood that correctly) but would I also need to coat the final product in a resin to waterproof it?

[@brigettepusello9908]

Great video! Has anyone seen how Wediboard holds up over a few years... I am thinking to use it, just wondering if anyone has seen any deterioration? Please let me know your experiences :)

[@HelenMilesMosaics]

As long as you seal the edges you should be fine. The board has a concrete skim on it which is impermeable which is why it is used to line bathrooms so I would be surprised to hear if anyone has had problems with it. It is routinely used for outdoor mosaics. However, I would be interested to hear about other people's experiences too.

[@anitafarmer403]

What do u seal outside mosaic with)

[@HelenMilesMosaics]

If using Winckelmans or vitreous glass, I don't seal at all because both materials are non permeable. However, some people do seal their mosaics and the product recommended in this case is LTP Mattstone: www.protilertools.co.uk/product/ltp-mattstone--1litre--ltp-12-1

[@AngelicaStarMusic]

What about grouting?

[@HelenMilesMosaics]

Grouting for outdoor mosaics is the same for indoor ones - you just need to check on the packet of the grout you choose that it explicitly says that it's suitable for outdoors.

[@nikegalavis5075]

Puedes dar curso para mí on line español

[@HelenMilesMosaics]

Unfortunately I dont offer courses in Spanish.

[@laurafrustable]

I made a mistake. I'm 500+ hours into a glazed porcelain mosaic meant for outdoor.

[@HelenMilesMosaics]

Oh no! Are you sure? As I said, the weather gets pretty rough in Scotland. Maybe you are somewhere with a gentler climate?

[@FoițaCaretta]

🙏🏻🤗❤