HOMEMADE MOSAIC SUBSTRATE WITH FIBREGLASS MESH | All you need to know

[@robertafierro5592]

Thank You, Ms. Miles and KZbin!

[@HelenMilesMosaics]

You are so welcome - its good to know that the videos are helpful. 😀

[@dimitria386]

Thank you for all your lessons/tutorials! 💐🙏

[@HelenMilesMosaics]

You're very welcome Dimitra! 😀

[@josimandon]

Gracias Helen! Gran y generosa artista! Te admiro mucho!

[@HelenMilesMosaics]

Thanks Maria! 😀

[@EvgeniaKotsiubinski]

Thank you for the useful tip. It really helps!❤️

[@HelenMilesMosaics]

You're so welcome!

[@mirellieyohanna4312]

Thank you for sharing ..would you please guide me how to continue... how can I draw on this substrate then can I glue my mosaic with my ordinary glue does it work on it and finally grout it as the direct way I used to I often work on wood but it doesn't fit for outdoors ...does this substrate work outdoors... Your advice is so much appreciated ♥️

[@HelenMilesMosaics]

You can draw on this substrate using an ordinary pen or pencil and yes, it is brilliant for outdoors. When you say ordinary glue do you mean PVA? The glue depends on where the mosaic will go. I wouldn't recommend PVA for outdoors so its worth looking around for other options. I have done a separate video on how to grout a mosaic so that should help: kzbin.info/www/bejne/inXPeHauhpqmp5Y

[@coachpampeterson]

I’m late to the conversation but I love your videos! Question: how might I “finish the edges” for an outdoor piece? Should I make separate layers, trim them with scissors, then adhere them together then paint the edges? I may put a thin piece in a metal frame for outdoors but wondering what other options you would suggest, Thanks!

[@HelenMilesMosaics]

I would just make the substrate as outlined in the video and then apply it to the wall like putting a tile on the wall - ie use tile adhesive to hold it in place and then take a finger full and cover the edges to make sure that no water can get in behind it. That works for smallish ones. With outdoor mosaics on walls, I also try and make sure that there is a cap stone on the wall so that the mosaic has some degree of protection. I hope that helps!

[@rupashukla5916]

Can we prepare around 10 such substrate panels to be used over a period of say 1 or 2 months it takes for a bigger project where one can do the mosaic mural in piecemeal to be assembled on site at a time. Should the grout be applied to individual panels or at time of installing? As if now, I am just theoretically learning the basics. Hope to start on a small scale and progress to full wall project - hopefully.

[@HelenMilesMosaics]

Yes, Rupa that would work well. The great thing about these home made substrates is that you can make them any size or shape or just make big ones and them cut them down. I would make the mosaics onto your panels and apply the grout when they are finished - ie before installing just to make the installation process easier.

[@rupashukla5916]

@@HelenMilesMosaics Thank You Helen 🙏🙏🙏 your videos are really educative. Am trying to catch with ALL of them. 👍

[@montanaweaverkim]

@@HelenMilesMosaics hi Helen, what you recommend using to attach these smaller substrate mosaic pieces to a cinderblock or cement wall? This is all outside

[@HelenMilesMosaics]

@@montanaweaverkim Hi Kim. Just use normal outdoor grade tile adhesive.

[@sheelaghevenden6185]

Hi Helen just wondering if you cane give my the information on the dusk mask you use. I bought one from screw fix for doing stain glass but not sure if it is any good. I am watching you video of making mosaic substrates at the moment its fantastic. Its so easy to follow you great teacher clear instruction.🙋‍♀️✨✨✨

[@HelenMilesMosaics]

Hi. Here is a link to the dust mask that I use. I am not sure where you are based but I am sure you will be able to find something similar. I'm so glad that the video was helpful. 😀www.screwfix.com/p/gvs-spr501-medium-large-half-mask-respirator-p3/6922G?tc=TB4&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiAtt2tBhBDEiwALZuhAAalATsp268RwKi92fk3LHGc_XT2QHgxEPxR7e7XTQXvCtOayXdkchoCMOkQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

[@raylenej3287]

How would you cut a 4 layer one please ?

[@HelenMilesMosaics]

I would use a Stanley Knife or utility knife.

[@dosisdeautoconocimiento5629]

Excellent tutorial. I would like to know what kind of glue can I use to glue a mosaic from ceramic tile with inverse method to a homemade substrate. Thanks in advance!

[@HelenMilesMosaics]

So sorry I missed this message Douglas. If you are using the reverse method you normally use a temporary water soluble glue like a flour and water paste.

[@liviabuzila1308]

Thank you very much for all your video. I have a question: can this substrate ( with 4 layers of fiberglass and adhesive) be use for outdoor projects? For example house numbers ? Thank you

[@HelenMilesMosaics]

Yes, Livia. It's perfect for using outdoors.

[@PCHPatti]

Thank you for sharing.

[@HelenMilesMosaics]

My pleasure!

[@sheelaghevenden6185]

Love your videos 🙋‍♀️✨✨where do you buy the mesh for the mosaics. Thanks

[@HelenMilesMosaics]

You can get it in short lengths from mosaic suppliers but if you know you are going to be using a lot, then buy a roll from building suppliers.