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

Making out door mosaics can be a challenge.
Maybe you are worried about how to install them or that the materials or adhesives won't last against the elements.
Watch this easy to follow video in which I break down the four key principles of making outdoor mosaics. Choose your materials, substrates and glues with attention to their underlying properties. Embed your tesserae properly. Apply these principles and you are guaranteed strong, beautiful and, most importantly, permanent outdoor mosaics.
Want to take your mosaic practice further? Then try my pre-recorded online class which takes you through all the stages of preparing, making and finishing a contemporary mosaic using the classical rules: helenmilesmosaics.org/product...
00:00 Introduction
00:32 Outdoor materials
01:22 Using crockery outdoors
03:00 Outdoor substrates
06:17 Installing outdoor mosaics on a wall
07:13 Outdoor adhesives
09:55 Depth of adhesive for outdoors
13:03 Conclusion

[@maggamoosie801]

Slate! Yes, I have access to slate that has been replaced by new roofs where I live. I thought it might be too slick. Glad I was wrong..your videos are the best. Much Thanks from Ohio. 💚

[@HelenMilesMosaics]

Thanks so much from Edinburgh (although currently in Dublin!)

[@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! 😀

[@saidezerimar1986]

Awesome video! Very helpful thank you so much 🌻

[@HelenMilesMosaics]

I'm glad that you like it! 😀

[@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. 😀

[@oldmanfigs]

Off to buy materials and a tile nipper!😀

[@HelenMilesMosaics]

Wonderful! 😀🚀

[@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! 😀😀

[@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

[@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]

Puedes dar curso para mí on line español

[@HelenMilesMosaics]

Unfortunately I dont offer courses in Spanish.

[@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?

[@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?