PREPPING FOAM BOARD FOR MOSAICS | Preparing Jacko or Wedi board

This short video explains the whole process of preparing Jacko or Wediboard for mosaics.
You will find all you need to know about preparing Jacko or Wediboard for mosaics from cutting the board and adding hanging fittings to protecting the edges with sticky mesh tape and sealing them with thinset adhesive.
If you need to know how to make thinset adhesive for moaics then please go to my other video: • HOW TO MAKE THINSET/TI... . And to find the essential tools that I recommend for making mosaics, please follow this link: • FIVE ESSENTIAL MOSAIC ...
Jackoboard is the manufacturer's name for a compressed foam board which is used to line bathrooms. It is available at tile suppliers along with the sticky mesh tape mentioned in this video.
00:00 Introduction
01:24 Tools and materials
03:10 Cutting the board
04:41 Attaching hanging fittings
08:48 Preparing the edges
10:23 Applying a scratch coat
12:30 Conclusion

[@robertafierro5592]

What a Great way to spend an early Sunday morning!

[@irinalyulicheva4961]

Thank you! Very useful and just in time for me👍

[@HelenMilesMosaics]

Great to hear! 🙏😀

[@AzerPaul]

I still go to you for intros to techniques, materials and methods that are new to me. Your videos are to the point and well illustrated. Thanks.

[@HelenMilesMosaics]

Thanks Paul! Are you back in the States and fired up with all your new mosaic skills?

[@ebb8980]

Thanks for the cutting tip, Helen, I've been hacking away at my marmox board (same product) and I've learned a better way from you! 🙏

[@HelenMilesMosaics]

So glad to be of help! 😀

[@rabbitgregory9289]

This is exactly what I wanted to know. Thank you.

[@AzerPaul]

Yes, quite informative and helpful to me. Thank you.

[@toysforeva]

So very grateful to you for helping me avoid the mistake - I almost thinsetted my ready mosaic (on the mesh) directly on the board, without making the hanging system. Wow! What a bullet I dodged - all thanks to you!!! 😍 I also didn’t think of the edges before - another big thank you from me 💐

[@HelenMilesMosaics]

You're very welcome - so glad to hear I am helping you dodge the bullets! 😀

[@katedanis9075]

Thank you, Helen! Learning a lot from you

[@HelenMilesMosaics]

I'm so glad to hear that Kate and I'm loving your work on Instagram. 😀

[@npkouts5624]

Simple and informative, thank you Helen.

[@robertafierro5592]

Im in love with that fish!!

[@HelenMilesMosaics]

🙏😁

[@davidhill1220]

Thanks very much 👌👍

[@HelenMilesMosaics]

You're welcome 😊

[@ljubowart3831]

Thank you :-)

[@barbarabrummer-dq6ez]

Hi Helen, Beginner question- doing an indoor mosaic on wedi with unglazed porcelain tiles and would prefer to use titebond glue. I would also like to tile the edges as I am not framing. Questions are - if I put the mesh on the edges can I use glue or do I need to use thin-set to apply the tile? Will the mesh create a slight height difference on the top? Basically stuck on best way to have a smooth and even top surface and how to do the tiles edges with the mesh that protects the board. Love your videos Thank you! Barb

[@HelenMilesMosaics]

Apologies for the delayed reply Barbara - I don't think that it would be necessary to use both mesh and tiles to protect the edges. If you want to use tiles then skip the mesh and tile as you normally would using the titebond glue and then you won't have a problem with slightly raised edges. Good luck!

[@cannabis1490]

You are an exellent tutor! (very detailed; I like that....thanks). Would one hanger in the center be just as good or do you suggest two hangers as you've done?

[@HelenMilesMosaics]

Thanks Michele!

[@kathymast225]

Hi Helen! Thanks so much! One issue I am trying to figure out is that many of my mosiacs I like to mount onto a thin piece of plywood with a frame after complete. How would I do that with the wedi board? Typically I use scrap plywood for a substrate for smaller pieces and then when done I use wood glue and screw from the back into the wood back and the plywood piece itself. Haven't come up with a good plan for a larger piece with the wedi board. I also use stones, etc and larger items in my mosaics so they are typically quite heavy.

[@HelenMilesMosaics]

From the way you describe it I dont think Wedi board would work for you because you wouldn't be able to screw from the back into the wedi to hold the frame in place. You could, however, rely on the wood glue which would work equally well on the wedi, it's ust that you wouldn't have the screws as an extra layer of security. Alternatively you could glue the wedi onto a thin marine ply substrate but then do the frame as you were doing before but that kinda defeats the purpose of using Wedi which is a great surface if you need something super lightweight and suitable for outdoors. Neither of those things seem to be your top priority so I would skip the Wedi and carry on with your great system! :)

[@debhughes9695]

Well thought out Tutorial much needed thank you. Question: Can you apply more thinset on top of dried thinset? Example I have textured the base now I would prefer a smooth background? Thanks in advance Debbie

[@HelenMilesMosaics]

Absolutely! Once it’s fully dry there is no problem at all.

[@KR-vq7iu]

Very helpful, I’m just about to start a project and was wondering how to prepare the board. For an outdoor Mosaic slightly larger than the one shown in the video, would you mount the wediboard onto marine ply or is that just not necessary with this type of board?

[@HelenMilesMosaics]

There is no need to mount it on marine ply unless you are doing a very large mosaic in which case the board might bend or crack. This type of board is water proof so needs no further preparation. Of course you must cover the edges - I just smear grout along them when I grout.

[@MsK-xm7vw]

I have never seen those little t-nuts before, their amazing. The ones I get are huge in comparison. I usually put tape over them as well before I put a thinset layer on; but, with those little ones it wouldn't be an issue. Just wondering how you'd finish the back of your piece?

[@HelenMilesMosaics]

They're great, aren't they?! About the back of the piece - I tend to leave it as it is. I am careful about covering the sides with outdoor grade grout but other than that I just leave it plain.

[@annaprice752]

Thanks for a really brilliant and instructional video. Seeing your beautiful fish mosaic is a bonus. I'm using Wedi board for an outdoor mosaic. So will tape the edges and cover with thinset. The wedi tape is around £25 a roll, or you can get similar tapes for much less. Which brand do you use and recommend? Thanks again.

[@HelenMilesMosaics]

So glad to be of help! You can use this cheaper fibre glass mesh tape from Screw Fix for only £3.99 but it is pretty annoying as it doesnt stick very well. www.screwfix.com/p/diall-fibreglass-mesh-tape-white-90m-x-50mm/. To be perfectly honest, I have started using Wedi board without the tape because I feel that covering the edges with outdoor grade tile adhesive at the end is more than enough to protect them but if it's something that you are worried about then I would suggest you bite the bullet and pay for the more expensive one that will definitely stick! 😀

[@refinnejselwonk]

Thanks Helen, that’s great. For your lovely mosaic example, did you then go on to use small amounts of thin set to apply your tesserae?

[@HelenMilesMosaics]

Thanks Jenny! Yes, I did use thinset for this mosaic.

[@corinnesalazar2720]

Hello! Thank you for sharing your expertise! Would a Masonite board work? I like the thin and more clean look it offers

[@HelenMilesMosaics]

Sorry for the late reply Corinne. Yes Masonite board is great - its just harder to get hanging fittings onto it.

[@suzannehebert2373]

I loved your video - and "adore your fish". Could you please tell me where you got the pattern and the tiles to do it? I want to do one for my son, who is an avid fisherman! Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge!

[@HelenMilesMosaics]

The pattern is my own and the tiles are mostly smalti which you can buy from this company if you are in the US: mosaicsmalti.com/. The Mexican smalti is a particularly good option for this kind of work. Good luck with your project!

[@suzannehebert2373]

One other question, please. Did you use the direct or indirect method of mosaic to lay your tiles to the wediboard and how did you keep the grout used on your fish from getting on your black thin set background?

[@montanaweaverkim]

Hello Helen, your tutorials are wonderful. I am making a large outside piece that will be adhered to a cinderblock wall. I have decided to first build it onto a cement board called durorock. Then that board will be cemented to the cinderblock wall. Should I seal both sides of the board first? I do plan on sealing the edges with the mesh technique you just showed in this video, but what do you think about sealing the entire board?

[@HelenMilesMosaics]

Hello Kim. I'm glad you're enjoying the tutorials! I think cement board would be totally fine unsealed at the back and in fact sealing it might reduce the adhesion when you come to place it on the wall. However, I would check with the supplier/manufacturers of the board just to be on the safe side.

[@montanaweaverkim]

@@HelenMilesMosaics thank you!

[@j.c.7555]

Why does the hanging hardware need to be put into the board before you mosaic? Sometimes the design might not be in the correct place for hanging straight or at an angle. Also do you have to punch a hole all the way through or can you use a different hanging method? Thank you for these instructional videos.

[@HelenMilesMosaics]

The hanging fittings have to be put on first because the compressed foam board is reasonably soft and so a washer is required to prevent the screw being pulled through the board. I only know the punching all the way through method so would be interested to know if you have come up with alternatives.

[@sachaknight1414]

I’d like to make a house number sign consisting of separately hung large numbers. Do you think the Jackoboard or Wediboard would be easy to cut into bold number shapes and whether it would hold up to the North Wales elements? Thank you!

[@HelenMilesMosaics]

I'm so sorry for the late reply on this - KZbin doesn't tell me when I have comments. I must see if there is anything I can do to change that! Yes, both Jacko and Wedi would cut into bold number shapes really easily and would be fine in the North Wales elements although if you want to be extra careful you could use Hardie backer instead - that concrete board that you also get from tile suppliers.

[@Abiba55]

okay, so you put on the thinset, what glue do you use to add your tess? I am assuming that the thinset is just the base?

[@HelenMilesMosaics]

Yes, you apply the a thin layer of thinset as a scratch coat to aid adhesion and then add a thicker layer to hold your tesserae in place

[@emileemonville4526]

Hi! Im looking to screw my wediboard onto a wooden table to mosaic and keep outside. I understand we habe to use thinset on the edges to seal it. Would you recommend using thinset to glue the broken ceramic plate pieces to the wediboard? And then just grout in between? Thanks so much in advance, this is my first mosaic and im trying to do it right!!

[@HelenMilesMosaics]

Yes, that is how I would do it. Good luck with your project!

[@patti7805]

Hi Helen, do you put a thin layer of thinset and then more thinset when you are ready to lay uour tiles?

[@HelenMilesMosaics]

Yes, Patti, that is one way of doing it. Personally, I dont bother with the initial layer of thinset but I know lots of people who do, so the choice is yours!

[@annaprice752]

Another question, do you use a primer on the wedi board before applying thin set?

[@HelenMilesMosaics]

Personally, no. Other artists use a thin scratch coat of tile adhesive/thinset before they apply the thicker layer which the tesserae will be embedded into.

[@susanneniedrum]

Hi Helen, thanks for your helpful video. I'm just starting out. I want to use wediboard to make a 600mm x 800mm hanging mosaic for a wall outside. For the last one I made under instruction from a teacher I just stuck the tesserae on with collal and then grouted, no thinset. Is this method OK? If not, in your method, once you've covered the wediboard in thinset, with what do you attach your tesserae and with what do you grout? Many thanks in advance. Susi

[@HelenMilesMosaics]

Hi Susanne. Yes, it's perfectly OK to stick the tesserae straight onto the board and grout it without the thinset.

[@susanneniedrum]

@@HelenMilesMosaics Thank you 🙏

[@elizabethwayling9643]

Hi Could you tell me exactly which hanging fixings and sizes to order please and the name/s of the company/ies you buy them from, please.

[@HelenMilesMosaics]

Are you based in the UK? I buy mine from Ebay, but they all coming from different companies. Here are the links. Screws (M4, length 12mm): g.page/r/Cddtz-0rh9KPEAI/review Tee nuts (M4): www.ebay.co.uk/itm/291210508285?var=590364472919 Washers (6mm hole): www.ebay.co.uk/itm/383557374789?var=651934486341 D-rings (4mm hole): www.ebay.co.uk/itm/383557374789?var=651934486341

[@elizabethwayling9643]

Thank you so much

[@cwaller7008]

If your project is for outdoors, you need to thinset the back also, correct? Or is there a different backer you would recommend?

[@HelenMilesMosaics]

Technically, no, you wouldn't have to thinset the back. The board is used to line bathrooms and is waterproof so it's good to go as it is. The only place where it is crucial to apply thinset for protective purposes is along the edges. The thinset on the front is an aesthetic choice and depends on the design/mosaic approach that you are going to use. In other words, if you were going to cover the whole of the front of the board with mosaic and then grout it there would be no need to thinset it first.

[@cwaller7008]

@@HelenMilesMosaics ah, makes sense. Thank you. Here in the states, I can only find a very hard board of this type called Hardie Backer.....it looks monstrous to deal with as it only comes in large 3×6 ft wall sizes.

[@Jane-qg9fs]

Can I ask where you get your hanging fixings?

[@HelenMilesMosaics]

Yes, Jane. Sorry for the late reply - I order them from eBay.

[@kimj2067]

How long should the screw be please?

[@HelenMilesMosaics]

If you are using 12mm thick board, then I use 14mm long screws

[@anna-nn4ix]

What size is the Tnut? In US size? Thanks in advance

[@HelenMilesMosaics]

It's 4mm in metric so .15 inches. I hope that helps! 😀

[@johartland4375]

Hi Helen - thanks for this video , excellent tips! I have a general question about outdoor mosaics - I have made a few house numbers on wediboard, using mesh, with exterior cement based adhesive and exterior grout. Usually using unglazed porcelain. They seem to be surviving ok. But some people suggest that the grout needs ‘sealing’ if the piece is for outside. Do you agree, do you seal your grout - is this is the best policy and if so which sealant type? And does the sealant need to cover the tesserae too? I can’t imagine how it’s possible to seal the grout lines without getting the sealant on the tiles too? And What about the back side of the wediboard? Does that need sealing?. I’m making the next one for a neighbour so need to get it right. Thanks very much for your advice. Jo Hartland

[@HelenMilesMosaics]

Hi Jo. As far as I am aware you dont need to seal the grout or the tiles. The Winckelmans unglazed ceramic are non-porous which is why they are frost proof which also means that they don't need sealing. As for the back of the board, I dont treat it at all. Maybe I will ask around and see what other people do for outdoor work - perhaps I am missing a trick!?

[@johartland4375]

Thank you! That’s reassuring.

[@HelenMilesMosaics]

@@johartland4375 Do please let me know if you come across anyone who treats the back of their Wediboard. It is a thin concrete layer so it should be fine without treatment but it's better to be safe!

[@johartland4375]

Just one more related thing - I use largely winkelmans unglazed ceramic, but sometimes add some glass tiles into the patterns. Are they non-pours/frost proof ? Or am I dicing with danger with those? Yes I’ll let you know if I hear of people treating the back of wediboard. Thanks again.

[@HelenMilesMosaics]

@@johartland4375 You're fine with the glass too. No worries at all!

[@libwade5350]

Why do you have to apply thinset to the board Helen? Can’t you just mosaic straight on and then grout the mosaic? Libby

[@HelenMilesMosaics]

So sorry for the late reply Lib - I promise to be quicker next time! 😀 If you are using tesserae of irregular heights like smalti then grouting is not advisable as it means hours of work picking out the grout that gets trapped. The thinset method is by far and away the best approach for smalti or materials like broken plates and pebbles which have irregular surfaces. Smalti also has little air bubbles in it so you dont want the grout to fill those and dull the brilliance of the glass.

[@plamenapapazova1966]

Is this 20 mm Wedi board?

[@HelenMilesMosaics]

I use the 12mm but a thicker one would work just as well :)

[@plamenapapazova1966]

​@@HelenMilesMosaics Thank you so much. And how mm screws you are using?