MOSAIC Q&A | Answering Viewer Questions About Adhesives, Mesh, Tools, and Tiling, No. 1

[@rosefaulk7646]

Holy Cow! So freaking helpful. I’m in a mosaic rut, I have wedi board to try house numbers and just got my first epoxie sculp / bezels to try for the first time. It’s your site I learn from. Thank You!!!

[@JulieWeilbacher]

Hi Rose! YAY! It's great to hear my videos are helping you in your mosaic journey. To break out of a rut, I like to do a small mosaic that's in a design completely out of my norm....knowing no one will see it. I mix different types of tesserae, maybe I add interesting textures and unusual color combos. It helps to shake off any cobwebs in my head. Keep moving forward. You got this! Keep creating and I'm so glad you're here!🙌

[@froufox]

Hi Julie! Just found your channel today, and it’s already been super helpful. Sometimes I’ll spend hours browsing video after video, only to get bits and pieces of the information I’m looking for. Your videos are always thorough but succinct, and I don’t feel like I’m wasting my time watching them all the way through like I often feel with other videos. ⭐️ So my question…I make dioramas and I’m toying with the idea of making a tiled wall for one of my sets (or maybe a section of a wall). The finished piece would need to be sturdy enough to move around occasionally and also be stored with other walls when it’s not being used, and then it would also need to be lightweight, so that it could be aligned and joined with other walls without weighing things down. A bonus would be if I could make something transparent (I’m thinking about glass blocks), but that’s me probably getting ahead of myself. What would be your suggestions for the lightest adhesives, substrates, etc.? Thank you for your time!

[@JulieWeilbacher]

Hi Stephany! Thank you for your kind words!😊 Great to hear my videos are helpful. For a lightweight, transparent substrate I would suggest acrylic. Keep creating and I'm so glad you're here!🔥

[@barbrathompson9798]

Loved the bloopers,,,, and no your hand gestures are part of who you are,, love your videos , thanks for sharing

[@JulieWeilbacher]

Hi Barbra! Awww, thanks for your kind words and support. Great to hear you enjoy my videos. Keep creating and I'm so glad you're here!🔥

[@DS-ps6il]

Julie, I Love this Q & A series! My question: I would love to learn about creating lightweight 3D substrates, specifically fish, animals, free-form designs, and possibly 2-3 feet in size. Any thoughts? Thank you SO much! D

[@JulieWeilbacher]

Hi DS! Great to hear you're enjoying this new series!! I will add your request to the list. It's a GREAT one!! Keep creating and I'm so glad you're here!🔥

[@lorrainehayes4688]

Excellent!❤️

[@JulieWeilbacher]

Hi Lorraine! It's great to hear you enjoyed the video. Keep creating and I'm thankful you're here!🔥

[@MsK-xm7vw]

Holy Cow Julie; I'm older than you are and have been a mosaic artist for decades. Nobody ever told me to remove the upper bar from my wheeled nippers, and I never thought of it. Shyte! I'm on it. 🙃

[@JulieWeilbacher]

Hi Ms. K Casey! Yup, take that bar off. It's a whole new mosaic world! Keep creating and I'm so glad you're here!🔥

[@patsyw6477]

Hi Julie, Thanks for the great videos! On the question of keeping the tiles evenly spaced I saw on a website that sells mosaic supplies that the tiles should be the width of a dime from each other. I've been using a dime just to gauge what that space looks like until I get used to the same space between tiles. I don't think everyone should do exactly the same space but it might help.

[@JulieWeilbacher]

Hi Patsy! Great tip! A thin coin is a great guide and visual that everyone can use. And yes I agree, sometimes a mosaic design requires larger spacing between the tesserae...but I like your idea. Thanks for sharing! Keep creating and I'm so glad you're here!🔥

[@pmanzano4474]

Can you add colorant to a premixed thinset?

[@mamasaenzcreationsbretinas8136]

How to tell what kind of class and tiles are waterproof

[@judojohn11]

Hi...I finished my table I asked about. You helped to get to it! Thanks for your help. I have another question on a new project. My Dads cement raccoon. He painted a rubber coating to preserve cement figure. He passed away so now I have it. I would love to tile it. What video should I watch to do this project?

[@susanwheeler1573]

Can you add anything to grout to make it into a thinset?

[@flowerbug55]

Julie, can you tell me, do I need to seal store bough stepping stones before I apply my mosaic? If so what product? Thank you, and you are so fun to watch and learn from.

[@JulieWeilbacher]

Hi Flowerbug55! Awwww, thanks for your kind words! Great to hear you're enjoying my videos. 😊 Here's a video on how to mosaic a stepping stone from the beginning (kzbin.info/www/bejne/gIqoYomqYqt5faM), and then once your thinset adhesive has cured, this video will show you how to seal your grout (kzbin.info/www/bejne/a3vUi4hrqsiAlc0). Keep creating and I'm so glad you're here!🔥

[@elisabethgandy3528]

We make our cement garden stones at The Adventures Academy.. After we apply our design what is the best sealer.....for outdoor stones...we have found they are difficult to remove some stains with the clear stain we r using.

[@JulieWeilbacher]

Hi Elisabeth! This video will help: kzbin.info/www/bejne/a3vUi4hrqsiAlc0. Keep creating and I'm thankful you're here!🔥

[@elizabethdodsdivers1922]

Julie, I am really enjoying all your videos and learning a lot of tips, tricks and everything else. I bought a 12"x6" thin smoothe plastic planter (roughed it up with steel wool) at Dollar Tree. I am using broken plates and glass gems and adhering them with E6000, ha, they are now all falling off (glad I was still working on one side) Julie, what adhesive should I be using to make sure the tesserae and gems stick so I can grout them. and finish my piece. Need to check out your Mesh video for a wood box I have in mind. Look forward to hearing from you.

[@JulieWeilbacher]

Hi Elizabeth! Thank you for your kind words. I hope you're doing well.😊 For outdoor mosaics like a flower pot/planters I recommend using fortified thinset as your adhesive. This video will help: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pWOVhaeumclrg6s. Keep creating and I'm thankful you're here!🔥

[@elizabethdodsdivers1922]

This is a really cheap (inexpensive) planter, thin plastic. The Thin Set didn't work, but I find Silicone and Gorilla Glue are working. Live and learn, I needed to buy a better quality planter... .

[@lindakennedy5831]

Do you have a video on how to cut cups for mosaic art

[@JulieWeilbacher]

Hi Linda! Check out this video on how to cut cups/mugs for mosaics: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eIi2k2Spg5edas0. Keep creating and I'm so glad you're here!🔥

[@DarlingDarla16]

Hi Julie, great series! My question is: What is the safest way to pack and ship a finished mosaic?

[@JulieWeilbacher]

Hi Darla! It's GREAT to hear you're enjoying this new series! Thanks for watching and for your support. Bubble wrap and air pockets work great when packing and shipping a mosaic. If it's a larger, or heavier mosaic you might want to consider double boxing, or you might need a crate.😳 If you're unsure, take it to your local pack and ship store to see what they recommend. Keep creating and I'm so glad you're here!🙌

[@laurawalker546]

Thank you so much for all your videos. I am truly a beginner and I am learning so much from you. Can you use compound tile nippers to cut smalti if I buy some smalti glass?

[@JulieWeilbacher]

Hi Laura! It's great to hear you're getting value from my videos. Warms my heart!😊 Sure, compound tile nippers can cut smalti, but there are better, more precise tools you could use (kzbin.info/www/bejne/bXmlo6iBZ6pro9E). Keep creating and I'm so glad you're here!🔥

[@sueglen1034]

Hi Julie! I’m a newbie to mosaic art and am loving it so far. I just finished my first piece which was putting tesserae on a wooden letter G. I painted the exposed edges white but grouted with black. When it came to grouting it I got grout all over the edges and the back of it. How do I deal with the wood edges and keeping the piece clean? Thanks!!

[@JulieWeilbacher]

Hi Sue! Look at you...no longer a newbie!🙌 Woo Hoo! For your edges you can tape them off with painter's tape (amzn.to/3V3OGU4) and then grout. Or you can tile your edges and grout them like usual. Options! Keep creating and I'm so glad you're here!🔥

[@EricaGamet]

Thanks, Julie! Always helpful!

[@JulieWeilbacher]

Hi Erica! Great to hear you enjoyed the video. Thanks for watching and for your continued support! I hope your mosaic projects are coming along beautifully, and that you're enjoying the process as they unfold. Keep creating and I'm so glad you're here!🔥

[@EricaGamet]

@@JulieWeilbacher I am having so much fun! I'm working on a new idea... but it's a big undertaking, so I'm keeping busy with little projects in the meantime. Trying out some techniques and such (including bringing in my love of carving and sculpting foam... and trying out using it as a substrate). But I'm completely loving all of it! Your videos are so great and I'm glad you're making them... they've been super helpful!

[@ginnys8501]

What brand is your favorite for wheeled nippers?

[@JulieWeilbacher]

Hi Ginny! I prefer Leponitt. This should help: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bXmlo6iBZ6pro9E. Keep creating and I'm glad you're here!🔥

[@ginnys8501]

Thank you Julie. I have those and like them a lot. Didn’t know if you used the Montolits too?

[@brandycom1976]

I have never created a mosaic. I would like to create one for the backsplash in my kitchen using reclaimed and recycled materials. My question is about Masonite. Can I use Masonite as a substrate for my pieces and if I can what sealer would I use to prep? Thank you in advance for your advice.

[@c.wallacehume5625]

Did you create your mosaic backsplash yet? I bought mother of peal 1/8" thick tiles on a mesh back and I'm using that as a boarder on my backsplash. I am installing the mesh with the mother of pearls over an existing ceramic tile backsplash. Do you recommend I use Bondera fiberglass tile mat? Mussel Bound tile mat? Or glue my mesh with the mother of pearl tiles on to the existing tile backsplash with Weldbond or Mac Craft glue? I think it would be easier to glue it on, but I'm not sure it will hold onto the existing tile. I will be grouting afterwards. Thank you for any advice you may have on my project.

[@janicecooper9174]

What adhesive for my ceramic wood coaster

[@JulieWeilbacher]

Hi Janice! You can use Weldbond, thinset, Apoxie Sculpt as your adhesive. I recommend you use fortified grout or thinset as the grout, and that you seal your grout. Keep creating and I’m thankful you’re here!🔥

[@lenabracelin6390]

Hi Julie I'm Lena.I just love what you do.I have a question?Do I need to use a concrete sealer over grout, for outside concrete slab?grout sealer is already over grout.

[@lenabracelin6390]

Hi Julie can you read my question in your comments ,please

[@JulieWeilbacher]

Hi Lena! I always use grout sealer on grouted outdoor mosaics. Keep creating and I'm glad you're here!🔥

[@cbjork9385]

Hi Julie! I live in rural Wyoming where it is 100+ miles in any direction to the closest town. This makes finding mosaic materials difficult. I saw a beautiful glazed bird bath at the tractor supply store today and thought a mosaic project in the bowl section would look stunning. Is it possible to tile on top of the glaze? What would I do to prepare it for a substrate? Thank you for sharing your passion for mosaics! Christine B.

[@JulieWeilbacher]

Hi Christine! Yes, you can mosaic directly onto the glazed surface using a fortified thinset mortar as your adhesive. You'll also want to use the fortified thinset or fortified grout as your grout. This is crucial for longevity of your mosaic outdoors. Because it gets pretty cold in Wyoming, you might want to consider bringing it in during the winter to avoid the free/thaw risk. Sounds like a really fun project!! Enjoy! Keep creating and I'm so glad you're here!🔥

[@deborahbarker9139]

Best adhesive nti use for mosiacing

[@JulieWeilbacher]

Hi Deborah! We’re lucky to have so many adhesive options for mosaic art.🙌 Keep creating and I’m thankful you’re here!🔥

[@michellelalonde4918]

After your mosaic is placed on the thinset, is it necessary to grout it at all?

[@JulieWeilbacher]

Hi Michelle! You don't have to grout your mosaic. It's a matter of personal preference. But if you aren't going to grout, you might want to adhere your tesserae up against each other. Keep creating and I'm glad you're here!🔥

[@elizabethdodsdivers1922]

Hi Julie, been a while since I was last on, usually watch you on TV etc.therefore, I can't make comments I have a question for you. I have a big old teapot made of a glazed terra cotta material (in Scotland we call them Brown Bettys) around the top where lid fits and about 2" down sides, the glaze has developed crazy crackling. Question, can I use crockery tesserae to cover the crazy crackling (only around the exterior top) and continue using teapot. It never goes in dishwasher or gets water on outsider, only gets heat from tea inside pot. If yes, what kind of adhesive/grout would you recommend? Love your videos, oh, also, where can I buy the Apoxie Clay I see you using, loved tghe Letter Opener one, going to make one for my brother-in-law. Cheerio from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Elizabeth

[@JulieWeilbacher]

Hi Elizabeth! It's hard to say, but from your description, if it was my teapot that I used all the time, I wouldn't do it. If it's going to sit on a shelf and look lovely then that's another story. If it's not an heirloom then give it a try, the worst that could happen is your pieces could pop off. You can use silicone, Apoxie Sculpt, or thinset as your adhesive. You can get Apoxie Sculpt here: amzn.to/3m1Jpzq. Keep creating and I'm so glad you're here!🔥

[@elizabethdodsdivers1922]

@@JulieWeilbacher Thanks Julie, I'll give it a whirl, nothing ventured, nothing gained; also, thank you for the Apoxie Sculpt link - last night when I was watching one of your videos, I thought Apoxie would be the one.

[@pmarlowe1638]

This was SO helpful! Thank you!

[@JulieWeilbacher]

Hi P Marlowe! FANTASTIC! It's great to hear you got some value from the video. Thanks for watching! Keep creating and I'm so glad you're here!🔥

[@sundaysunshine2925]

Thank you so much ! What a helpful video !

[@JulieWeilbacher]

Hi Sunday Sunshine! Woo Hoo! GREAT to hear you enjoyed the video and got some value from it. Whatever I can do to shortenthe learning curve. Keep creating and I'm so glad you're here!🔥

[@kayjay9071]

Glue! How am I so messy with it?? Thank you love the tips 👍

[@JulieWeilbacher]

Hi Karren! It happens to all of us! You're in great company!😉 The important thing is, it's not stopping you from mosaic making. Just keep at it. It's great to hear you enjoyed the video. Always lots of tips and tricks! Share, share, share! Keep creating and I'm so glad you're here!🔥

[@kayjay9071]

@@JulieWeilbacher I really do enjoy the videos thank you 😊

[@jchebasnyc]

Hi Julie, can glass on plexiglass work? if so, which adhesive? Thank you for sharing your videos. I saw your glass on glass video, but don't see anything on plexiglass.

[@JulieWeilbacher]

Hi jchebasnyc! Yes, you can mosaic on plexiglass. You'll go about the tiling process exactly the same as what I demonstrated in the glass on glass videos (kzbin.info/www/bejne/paXZe4RsatB-fsk ; kzbin.info/www/bejne/mIrKhaKwjJmFmLc). Keep creating and I'm so glad you're here!🙌

[@susanbertoncini4761]

What do you use for sealer on your substrate

[@JulieWeilbacher]

Hi Susan! This video will help regarding sealing your wood substrate before tiling: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y2OTaquCbaaKisU. If you're asking about sealing a cured mosaic, then this video will help: kzbin.info/www/bejne/a3vUi4hrqsiAlc0. Keep creating and I'm glad you're here!🙌

[@arlenebain5678]

Great video! Love all the useful information! I have a question, how long does it take for grout to cure? Thanks so much!!

[@JulieWeilbacher]

H Arlene! Great to hear you enjoyed the video! On average it takes grout 24-72 hours to cure. Keep creating and I'm so glad you're here!🔥

[@arlenebain5678]

@@JulieWeilbacher ok, thanks so much!! 😁♥️