Preparing A Polystyrene Gazing Ball For Mosaics - Mosaic Tutorial

[@ProudAmericanMom]

👏👏BRAVO👏👏 So glad to find you!! Great topics …. Clear instructions! …. Outstanding filming & editing! Thank you!!

[@TreasuryRoad]

Thankyou so much appreciate that very much. Thankyou for watching and for your comment. :)

[@shellymarstonfischer4905]

I have made several of these - and this is the BEST way I have found. They turn out light enough to lift easily - but weight is heavy enough to weigh down. Also - I do recommend making the outer coat of thinset not too thin and also as smooth as possible so when you add the coat of glass later with thinset, there are no bumps. If bumps DO occur, just take outside and sand them down smooth with a piece of sandpaper. I recommend wearing a mask and protective eye wear while doing this - it gets really dusty!

[@TreasuryRoad]

Thankyou Shelly, yes if the piece is to be sanded a mask and protective eyewear needs to be definitely worn, it needs to be an N95 or a P2 mask. By the time I added another layer of thinset for the adhesive it leveled out any bumps and then the crockery and then the grout it became pretty weighty, but you are right you dont want the ball to blow away. Thanks again Shelly and thanks for watching. :)

[@lorrainehayes4688]

Thank you for the information. I have some small ones to try this process on , before I try the large one.❤️👍

[@TreasuryRoad]

My pleasure Lorraine, Thankyou for watching and appreciate the comment. 😊

[@rflyman9565]

Thank you! I do approximately the same thing but (1) use smaller polystyrene balls, (2) cut the tape into numerous squares which are adhered to the ball, (3) insert a flower tube (looks like a test tube) into the bottom of the sphere so I can later use it to insert a garden stake into the ball and place it in the garden. The stake can be long or short, depending on how one wants the globe to appear in the garden.

[@TreasuryRoad]

My pleasure, yes inserting a tube into the ball works really well for a feature piece and looks great in the garden. Love the idea of a small sphere on a garden stake, would look great. Thankyou for adding a comment and enjoying the video. :)

[@yvonnefordham5320]

Thank you so much for both of your replies. This is the best mosaic video, so thorough and detailed instructions. And the accent is a perk.

[@adelesheppard5141]

Very informative. Thanks. I just tried it. Works like a charm! Only thing I did differently, is I pushed a kebab-stick right through the middle before I started, as I want to put a thin rope through it to hang... and then realised that the thin Kebab-stick makes a nice holding onto element while adding the thinset... like a popsicle... and then I put it into a bigger sized bowl to hang on the stick while drying... so I don't get the pot-rim when it dries...

[@TreasuryRoad]

Thankyou a great idea, saves a bit of work as well and makes it easier to hold, very clever. Thanks so much.

[@elizabeth6849]

Thank You for your for the informatio.

[@TreasuryRoad]

My pleasure and thankyou for watching Elizabeth. :)

[@cgueldner875]

I thoroughly enjoy every single video you have done about mosaics! Thank you and bless you.

[@TreasuryRoad]

Thankyou very much, appreciate that. :)

[@bonnievicari9167]

You are incredibly knowledgeable!

[@TreasuryRoad]

Thankyou very much Bonnie appreciate that, but l am really just learning as l go like everyone else is. Thanks for watching and commenting. 😊

[@romyhernandez7811]

Great idea to put the thinset with a brush ! ❤️❤️❤️

[@TreasuryRoad]

Thanks heaps Romy, it makes it easier. :)

[@zerozilchnada5373]

I would of loved to see the finished product. Tfs & take care 🌺

[@TreasuryRoad]

Thankyou so much, if you go to my Treasury Road Facebook page and click on photos you will see it finished sitting on a concrete Cherub. Take care as well. :)

[@bgs03548]

Not really.

[@elizabeth6849]

Thank You for your fast reply. I did find it and bought it to try your way of application. Love your work.

[@TreasuryRoad]

Thanks so much Elizabeth, appreciate that and thanks for watching. :)

[@carolinejariwala]

Hiya Pete ... I have a preference for cutting the self adhesive mesh into small pieces and then applying at angles, that way it doesn't flap open or fray. 😉

[@TreasuryRoad]

Hiya Caroline, sounds good, I will have to give it a go, thanks for the tip. :)

[@maggiecarey2695]

A great video. Thank you, again. It is so clear and easy to follow. I like the list of items at the end, too.

[@TreasuryRoad]

Thankyou so much Maggie, appreciate that and Thankyou for watching. 😊

[@harinishankar9345]

Hey Peter, thanks so much. I like watching your videos - your presentation is so easy to understand. If it isn’t too much of a bother, I wanted to request you to make one on using apoxie sculpt with styrofoam heads to make mosaic heads. Would greatly appreciate it.

[@TreasuryRoad]

Hi Harini. Thankyou very much. If enough people want to see that video I can make one but its very time consuming and costly making the mosaics, materials and producing the videos, there would need to be a demand for it. :)

[@harinishankar9345]

Treasury Road Ah ok. It makes sense. I understand. Thank you for replying.

[@yvonnefordham5320]

I just started doing Mosaics and love your videos. I don’t understand how you insert the flower tube into the bottom of the sphere. Thank you, Yvonne

[@TreasuryRoad]

Thankyou so much Yvonne, I didn't insert anything into the polystyrene. :)

[@kimspence21]

Thanks again for ideas. I will love to see your technique for applying smalti to an actual backing.

[@TreasuryRoad]

Thankyou very much. :)

[@Miss59Pat]

Thank you for this video!

[@TreasuryRoad]

My pleasure and thankyou for watching it. :)

[@manuelakahlfuss4602]

I use a plastic lazy Susan that I bought from a second hand shop. That allows me to turn my work when needed.

[@TreasuryRoad]

Thanks for the suggestion, I bought a bamboo one 4 years ago and I forget to use it. lol So glad you mentioned it. :)

[@vickichedzey1660]

Hi Pete, love your videos, if I don’t want to use Grout in my thin set, what do I add to the laticrete 4237 latex additive please

[@TreasuryRoad]

Thanks so much Vicki appreciate that. You can buy Laticrete 211 thinset and mix it with the 4237 to the directions. Available online from Oz Mosaics in QLD in smaller quantities you can always give Sandy or Dave a call there they are very helpful. Here's the information. :) au.laticrete.com/en/our-products/tile-and-stone-installation-system/adhesives-and-mortars/latex-additives/4237-latex-additive

[@debmartin7937]

Did you do a video of you finishing the ball. With tile or glass and grout

[@TreasuryRoad]

The video was just on prepping the ball I did finish the ball with broken crockery and ceramic flowers. Theres a photo of it completed on my Instagram page, link above. :)

[@yvonnefordham5320]

@@TreasuryRoad instagram

[@TreasuryRoad]

@@yvonnefordham5320 Yes that was after the video and I didn't create a video on the process. :)

[@timeenuf4200]

Great instruction as always. Was wondering is there any reason you couldn't just put thinset in your hands and smear it on? Thank you again for sharing your ideas with us.

[@TreasuryRoad]

Thankyou very much. Go with whatever works for you, the reason why I use a paintbrush is its just cleaner working and you can put it on fairly evenly. :)

[@elizabeth6849]

What brand of Self Adhesive Alkaline Resistant Mess Tape are you using? I can not find this product anywhere to purchase.

[@TreasuryRoad]

I just buy it from Bunnings here in Australia in the plaster section. You can also get it from building supply stores and online as long as its alkaline resistant adhesive mesh tape. It doesn't really matter about the colour or the brand. If you're in the USA I believe Wits End Mosaics sells one as well. Thanks so much for watching. :)

[@kathykandel5148]

I made a gazing ball using a bowling ball. Because of the urethane material, I had to use silicone to adhere my pieces. Would this mesh tape make it possible to use thinset on the bowling ball instead of glue?

[@TreasuryRoad]

I cant advise you regarding that. The problem with bowling balls is that the center core expands and contracts which can result in failure of the mosaic. Even though some people have used bowling balls successfully many haven't, bowling balls are not meant to be outside and it doesn't matter how much preparation is done, its just like a game of Russian roulette your not really going to know. :)

[@galaxielbreizh3475]

I love your videos and have learned a lot from them, thank you! I have done a few of these and was pondering if I could Thinset a finished mosaic ball in the center of a birdbath and be partially submerged in water. Would the ball be waterproof or the polystyrene foam would get damaged over time?

[@TreasuryRoad]

Thankyou so much Galaxiel. I can’t speak specifically about your project because there are always variables l cannot see. Choose a thinset that is suitable for the Tess you are using if you are mosaicking it. Choose a thinset that can also be submerged, some thinset you may need to mix with an additive. If you are grouting choose an epoxy grout such as Litokol epoxy grout. Thankyou for watching and commenting. 😊

[@berylwilson6685]

Peter, thank you once again for your tutorials. I learn so much and so appreciative of your time for us crazy mosaicers. Where do you buy online the sticky mesh tape please?

[@berylwilson6685]

I just read you get it from Bunnings, thank you.

[@TreasuryRoad]

@@berylwilson6685 In the plaster section. :)

[@staceyleed8743]

What about bowling balls? Use the tape and thin set also?

[@TreasuryRoad]

Bowling balls are not suitable for outside because the center core can expand creating failure of the mosaic. Although some people seem to have used them successfully, most haven't. You will never know which ones will work and it wont matter how much prepping you do or the adhesive used. :)

[@sundaysunshine2925]

Do you have an episode in which you teach the finishing steps of the gazing ball - ie the next steps ?

[@TreasuryRoad]

it’s really just sticking what you want onto the gazing ball and with what adhesive you want to use and l used thinset for that as well. 😊

[@Steph_andthebulldogs]

Do you prefer using thin set to attach the tess?

[@TreasuryRoad]

Yes I do, I find using the baggie system it works extremely well and gives you complete control is a very durable and proven adhesive. Pretty well the only time I don't is if I am adhering mirror or anything with a reflective back, then I use a SMX polymer such as Soudal Fix All Crystal Clear because it doesn't effect the reflective backing because its neutral curing where as thinset isn't. Thanks for watching. :)

[@ChristineSmyth-vb2nx]

So looking forward to trying this thank you for such clear information. I am just not sure where to get the high density balls. Searched on ebay and some say solid polystyrene but not high density. Can you help?

[@TreasuryRoad]

Thankyou so much Christine. Purchasing high density polystyrene balls is dependant on which country you are in. Because you are using the mesh this helps immensely and you can always use mesh and thinset twice if need be for strength. It doesn’t matter if the polystyrene is hollow or solid and you can fill them with concrete if you want them heavier. 😊

[@ChristineSmyth-vb2nx]

@@TreasuryRoad many thanks again for your help. 😊

[@sweetpea7722]

I have an old foam ocean bouy. I was wondering if this would work the same way

[@TreasuryRoad]

I have seen some lovely mosaic balls using ocean buoys, I personally haven't done it though. :)

[@sweetpea7722]

@@TreasuryRoad thanks. I will try. I am doing a bowling ball covered in jewellery. So far it looks good. I also am doing a little courtyard and did a section of the wall in plates, saucers and lids. Not broken at all, just stuck in a line. Would love to show you

[@Steph-in-the-Stars]

Hi Peter. Love your videos! Is the self-adhesive alkaline-resistant mesh tape made of fibreglass?

[@TreasuryRoad]

Thankyou so much, yes it is. :)

[@josierosie100]

Hello Peter I only have white thinset, can I add acrylic black paint to it?

[@TreasuryRoad]

Hi Josie. Don't add acrylic paint as it wasn't designed as a colourant for grout or thinset, you need to use coloured oxides or Tints All. Although some people have used paint successfully, many haven't as it can compromise the integrity of the thinset or grout. It will also fade outside. :)

[@josierosie100]

Hello Peter I’m wanting to do smaller balls then hang off hooks , any recommendations for what to screw into I guess once thinset is applied so I can attach a chain? Thanks in advance

[@TreasuryRoad]

If you are going to be hanging the polystyrene ball, you are going to need to embed the hook into the polystyrene rather than screw it in otherwise there's a very good chance it will pull out. If you look at my videos on creating a polystyrene heart, that will show you what I mean regarding embedding into the polystyrene. The wire you use would need to be strong and have something on the end so it doesn't pull out of the polystyrene. :)

[@joannechris0]

Hi Peter..love this video!..just a question on the thinset..do you use a additive to it to achieve the black?..have only come across white and grey..but have not used Laticrete brand..but do know it from working in the tile industry..thanks for all of your videos..just love them!

[@TreasuryRoad]

Thankyou so much. Yes I use Laticrete Admix, if you go to the Thinset video I made, it explains what I use and how to use it. :)

[@dorisb505]

Hi Peter, your videos are always stellar. What adhesive would you use for the next step in adhering the tess over thin-set?

[@TreasuryRoad]

Thankyou so much, appreciate that. For my my go to outside adhesive is thinset (cement based adhesive) thats what I use 90% of the time. :)

[@silviaconsoli1604]

Fantástico!!!👏👏👏👏

[@TreasuryRoad]

Thankyou so much. :)

[@debrakirkbride6461]

Just wondering where you purchase the larger polystyrene balls. Thank you

[@TreasuryRoad]

It depends what country you are in, you get them from eBay or if you’re in Australia you can purchase them from My Dream Cake Shop or for that matter large cake supply stores. 😊

[@lyssantamaria1242]

Would this work by applying the thinset directly onto the ball without the mesh?

[@TreasuryRoad]

I have only used the mesh and thinset, the mesh is very easy to do, the mesh plays an important part to help increase the strength of the polystyrene because there are different densities. Some people adhere directly to the polystyrene using silicone type products with no issues however I prefer to over engineer. I would suggest doing a sample and see how you go on a high density polystyrene ball. :)

[@lyssantamaria1242]

@@TreasuryRoad thank you so much! I'll try it and update my comment here.

[@mozhdehnouripayam9470]

Hi Peter, are you applying the first coat of thinset to make a foundation base. Then appy another coat as an adhesive for your tess or that first coat is also used for adhering tess?

[@TreasuryRoad]

Hi Mozhdeh, the polystyrene ball that I used is very high density and as Im using thinset to adhere the tess I just applied one coat but you can add further coats if needed. :)

[@milokatrak4148]

Thanks very much Peter! I love all your videos. Going to try one for my garden and do appreciate all the time you take to share and reply to all the questions. 🙏🏽

[@TreasuryRoad]

Thankyou so much Milo, appreciate it. :)

[@mozhdehnouripayam9470]

Hi Peter, Why do we need use this sticky tape?

[@TreasuryRoad]

Hi Mozhdeh, there are different densities of polystyrene I prefer to use the alkaline resistant adhesive mesh tape as it adds strength to the polystyrene, some people just adhere directly to the polystyrene without using the tape but I prefer to use the tape as its inexpensive and doesn't take long to do and adds a bit more strength. :)

[@sunshinejenny777]

What else can I use instead of the polystyrene? Just hate the texture and sound of it. Love the idea though. Very cool!! I notice you use black thin set a lot instead of grey. Why is that?

[@TreasuryRoad]

Some people use bowling balls but the center core can expand and crack causing failure of the mosaic, some have success and many dont so its a guessing game, you can also use concrete and I have made a video on that as well. I make my own colour thinset using grout and a latex additive, I made a video on that and it explains why I do it, it is the same colour as I will grout with so it doesn't matter if it gets into the grout lines, you can also tint the thinset using coloured oxides but you need to be careful of the ratio. I used the black for no particular reason in this case just what I had most of. :)

[@kristyansell1663]

Pete - where do you source your self adhesive tape?

[@TreasuryRoad]

Just from Bunnings here in Australia in the plaster area its a blue tape and come in other colours depending on where you buy it from. Make sure it states Alkaline Resistant Adhesive mesh tape. :)

[@dorisb505]

Perhaps I missed it but what is the purpose of the mesh?

[@TreasuryRoad]

The mesh gives further strength to the polystyrene ball, there are different grades of polystyrene and some can dent easily by adding another couple of layers of mesh and thinset on those ones makes the ball very strong so your pieces have a good foundation to work on. :)

[@Valorie0221]

Do these float?

[@TreasuryRoad]

Im not sure, I would think so depending on the tess you will be using as to how much the mosaic would weigh when finished, you may end up with a 1/4 of it out of the water. I would probably use Laticrete Spectralock epoxy grout instead of a sanded grout after the tess has been adhered :)

[@christineribone9351]

I've never used thin set, I thought you just spread it out and then press your gems into it while it's wet. What is your next video, where you actually glue the mosaic pieces? That's going to cost a whole lot more! (Love the accent, is it real?)

[@TreasuryRoad]

There are different ways of using thinset and depending on the project you can just push suitable tesserae into it. This video was just on the preparation of the polystyrene, how you finish it and what you finish it with is a personal preference. If you go to my Treasury Road Facebook page and have a look through the photos you will see the piece finished. It doesn't have to cost a lot more mosaicking it, just depends on the tesserae you want to use and upcycling is the cheapest option. Yep the accent is real, thanks heaps and thanks for watching. :)

[@christineribone9351]

@@TreasuryRoad yeah, this video was just on prep. And I asked for the 2nd video on actually laying the glass. But apparently there isn't one. In the meantime, some other videos popped up o KZbin with some further info I can utilize. I'm actually thinking it's much easier to just buy one at Home Goods.

[@mozhdehnouripayam9470]

Thank you Peter, where can I ge the polystyrene ball with high density?

[@TreasuryRoad]

My pleasure. You would need to see if cake decorating supplier shop carries them in your area, Ebay is another source, other than that I would Google it to find your nearest stockist. :)

[@lasleyArt]

Recycle old soccer or basketballs by covering with a thin coat of cement or just glue right on them.

[@TreasuryRoad]

Yes people use soccer and basketballs to create a gazing ball with the right prepping but it’s not advisable to stick directly to them as they can interact with environment that they are in. 😊