what kind of tiles to use for outdoor mosaic

Whether a mosaic adorns the backsplash in a kitchen, the top of a table, the walls of a bathroom, or even the flooring. The bones definition of a mosaic is that it'south a decoration of a surface. You lot could use that aforementioned definition for any piece of fine art, and and then the distinguishing characteristic of a custom mosaic tile fine art installment is that it typically uses fragments of tile or rock to create the decoration.

Mosaic tile art tin elevate any room, and even when applied to a surface using neutral colors, information technology adds pop to the area. Nearly mosaic patterns used on walls allow the natural beauty of the stone, glass, or other material polish on its own. However, some designs are intricate pieces of fine art that form flowers, faces, or places. When you choose a mosaic application for your domicile, it's an investment, one that pays off down the road!

The Astounding History of Mosaic Tile Art

Mosaic Tile Fine art is i of the earliest, and it was discovered in Mesopotamia. Back and then, colored stones and shells were used to create patterns and pictures. The art grade connected to be used throughout the ages in the Eye East, Europe, and pretty much everywhere else. Maps were made of stone tiles, and people from the Bible were depicted in mosaic forms. Mosaics were as intricate or simple every bit the artist wanted.

Today, mosaic tile art is however made into detailed images of people, places, and things, or they're used to create patterns in courtyards, on tabletops, and as backsplashes in kitchens. The simply real departure today is that many mosaics are beingness manufactured. There's a fence as to whether these computer-created mosaics are still considered art, or fifty-fifty mosaics because they aren't technically artisan.

What is Mosaic Tile Art?

You already know what a mosaic tile art is, simply is it possible to define what a mosaic is not? The beauty of art is that information technology can be whatever you want it to be. However, there is a way to just use mosaic-like techniques, only not create mosaic tile art.

For case, if y'all were to digitally create a mosaic-like piece, it wouldn't technically exist a mosaic. To get in a true mosaic, y'all must use actual pieces of fabric to create a pattern – or a non-pattern. So, what materials are considered ideal for real mosaics?

Tiles You lot Can Use to Create Your Own Mosaic

Many people love the wait of glass tile mosaics, while others like the natural matte look of stone. Both terminate up looking cute as mosaics, and there are more materials out there than just those two. Whether you go with random or natural shapes, or y'all prefer the small blocks or squares of materials known as tesserae, your mosaic tile art should be stunning with the correct materials.

1. Glass

Image credit: https://pixabay.com/

You can choose from all sorts of different glass tiles for your mosaic. The end event will have a stained-glass look. It will be sleeky, shiny, and can exist fabricated upwardly of a multifariousness of colors or finishes.

• Smalti: Italian drinking glass with an opaque await. Typically, mitt cut and very expensive.
• Vitreous glass: Affordable glass tiles that are sold past the sheet. These are usually used in pools or showers, and then they're easy to acquire, and they come in a diverseness of colors.
• Mirror tiles: Precut mirror fragments are easy to come by now, but you tin can too buy large mirrors and shatter them to create dissimilar shapes. Utilise negative space or colored grout for a hitting look.
• Articulate glass tesserae: This pricier type of glass is beautifully colored and ofttimes includes patterns in the tiles. Information technology'south one of the best, but most expensive, ways to get that stained-glass look.

2. Raw Stone

Image credit: https://pixabay.com/

It's surprising just how beautifully intricate your mosaic tile art can look with simple stone. You tin can choose natural shapes or buy tesserae for a uniform look.

• Marble: Non just is mosaic marble gorgeous, it's also durable. You can find slabs to cut your own tiles, or buy pre-cutting squares, hexagons, strips, and more than shapes to get the look yous desire.
• Pebbles: These come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and prices. Y'all tin can get pebbles and stones that are raw or polished, and you can apply them in clusters or laid out side by side to i some other. The mix of earthy tones creates a hit wait.

iii. Ceramic

Image credit: https://pixabay.com/

One of the all-time choices for a beginner mosaicist, is the ceramic cloth. It is cheap, comes in several colors, shapes, and textures, and it's easier to cutting and use than other materials. You might notice that ceramic is sold right adjacent to porcelain, and porcelain gets a better marketing plan.

Really, the truth is, in that location'southward not much difference between the two. If anything, the difference is in immovability and h2o absorption. If you plan to create a mosaic tile art outside, then you want to avoid using ceramic, as it could crevice during a freeze. Some other option, if you're looking to add mosaic tile art flooring outdoors, is to utilize something more durable, such as slate, marble, or quarry tile.

4. Recycled

Image credit: https://pixabay.com/

Not all mosaics are made of manufactory-produced tiles. In fact, the truer mosaic tile fine art is made of found materials, as it was in the past. That is not to say that tiles cannot be used to create beautiful works of fine art. If you're looking for a more than artistic outlet and consequence, though, you might find more than authenticity in recycled materials.

• Broken mirrors
• One-time china pieces
• Seashells
• Coins
• Bricklayer jars
• Household tiles
• Jewelry
• Beads
• Compact discs

Where to Utilize Mosaic Tile Art

Adding mosaic to your home can be as simple as hanging a piece of fine art. Any surface can exist used for mosaic tile fine art. Not all surfaces, are practical, of course. You take to keep in heed that mosaics typically have a raised surface in one case finished, and the cracks are filled with grout. Many of the materials used require special cleaning products, and in that location's the possibility that staining and pitting could happen. Taking all that into consideration, there are some popular, and some not-and so-common places in a home where mosaics may appear.

1. Bathroom

Epitome credit: https://pixabay.com/

I of the most common rooms in a dwelling where mosaics are a part of the whole look is the bathroom. The make clean look of articulate, colored tiles, or mirror mosaics makes sense. Where they go is a matter of practicality sometimes, but they might make surprising appearances in other areas.

• Wall: It's easy to create a mosaic on office of a wall and it'll stand lone as a piece of art. Materials used vary from metallic or glass to mirror or stone.
• Shower/bath: This is another common identify to see mosaics make an advent. Glass is especially mutual, as it's easy to clean it's non-porous.
• Flooring: This is rare to see in a bathroom, every bit a lot of materials uses for mosaics can be slippery. Rock, slate, travertine, and other natural materials work well here because they're polish, but you shouldn't slip on the surface.

2. Kitchen

Image credit: https://pixabay.com/

Another popular place for designs to make an appearance is in the kitchen in the form of a mosaic border. Information technology's a great way to add together a mural or pattern on a wall that would otherwise be plain.

• Backsplash: By far, this is the most common manner to add together mosaic tile art to a kitchen. Virtually any material works well in this awarding, but you'll have to shield it from h2o, nutrient stains, and grease.
• Island: Y'all might see mosaics added equally a focal indicate on the wall of a centre isle, which looks fantastic, and it's easy to maintain.
• Flooring: Rarer is the mosaic kitchen floor. You lot might see some mosaic-style tiles in a kitchen, but truthful mosaic on the kitchen floor is impractical. The raised surface can be uncomfortable, and spills are common in the kitchen. The same goes for countertops.

three. Back Yard

Epitome credit: https://pixabay.com/

Ane of the best places to enjoy the dazzler of mosaic ideas is in the dorsum yard. Whether yous utilize mosaics in the garden, or on a patio, it's an piece of cake way to add this fine art form to the exterior rooms of your home.

• Pathways: Whether you hire a professional, or you do it yourself, adding a mosaic tile art path to your back yard is piece of cake and offers a stunning result. You can utilize almost whatsoever material for this project, merely ceramic is non advised. Natural stone and colored glass are the most popular choices.
• Patio article of furniture: Bistro sets, tables, and stools covered in colorful tiles are commonplace. They're like shooting fish in a barrel to find in stores already made, or you tin easily create your ain. Glass is the best option, but ceramic can be used, if you take weather precautions.
• Pools: Inventiveness blooms in large outdoor pools with mosaic tile art. You tin can evidence off a cute design with glass tiles that seem to float merely under the surface of the water. Alternatively, you can create a lovely pattern that spans the entirety of the pool, which seems to add together depth and texture.

4. Objects

Paradigm credit: https://pixabay.com/

Only most anything you tin think of can be spruced upwards by calculation a mosaic tile art characteristic. It's also easier to incorporate about any material, such equally gears, coins, marbles, or buttons.

• Planters: Cover an otherwise plain planter in jewel-toned glass or ceramic tiles to give it a unique await. Indoor planters volition final longer than anything kept outside.
• Art: Create a design, pattern, or portrait by using whatsoever textile on a board, canvass, or other surface. You tin hang it on your wall, utilise the wall itself, or any other surface – try a surf board, if y'all'd like.
• Stairs: Add a mosaic art to the apartment facing side of stairs to add together some fine art to a apparently set of stairs. They shouldn't suffer much wear and tear in this spot, then you can use almost any type of tile.
• Cracks: Make full in the cracks of a pathway with custom-cut tiles. This takes the idea of kintsukuroi to another level. The Japanese art of repaired pottery tin can work almost anywhere, and information technology's meant to take something that's broken and making information technology more than cute.

Pros and Cons of Mosaic Tile Art

As beautiful as mosaics are, they may not be practical in every room of your domicile. Afterward all, who would want to sit down for extended periods on a burrow covered in tiles and grout? You'll have to keep a few things in mind when you choose mosaics to decorate with in your business firm.

ane. Pros

• Trendy: Mosaic tile fine art is often considered a classic style, but occasionally the look trends upward or downward, like any mode. This can increase the value of your home if y'all get the correct buyer who sees the mosaics in your domicile as a bonus.
• Easy to maintain: With all the protective coats and grouting, your mosaic should be easy to intendance for, peculiarly if you cull glass tiles.
• Unique: Good luck finding a mosaic anywhere else that looks exactly like the ones in your dwelling house. The very nature of mosaics means they will always have a i-of-a-kind look. Steer clear of the factory-produced sheets of tiles and yous're more likely to keep a unique fashion.
• Affordable: Mosaic tile art tin be an affordable option if y'all choose inexpensive tiles. Glass, ceramic, and natural stone are the most budget-friendly choices.

two. Cons

• Low resale value: Although mosaics can increase the value of your domicile, in that location's also the risk that it affects the value negatively. It really depends on the market, the demographic, and any'due south currently trending. Natural rock holds its value better than some other materials.
• Hard to clean: Non all mosaics are easy to maintain. Natural stone, for instance, requires kid gloves when it comes to cleaning. You may have to purchase a cleaner specifically fabricated for stone.
• Drinking glass Hands damaged: Glass tiles can scratch easily, which tin bear upon the overall appearance of your mosaic. Ceramic tiles absorb water easily, and if used outside without the necessary protective coats, it tin can crack if in that location's a freeze in the winter.
• Expensive: While some types of tile are affordable, there are plenty of options that might be outside your budget. Porcelain is probable to be pricier than ceramic. Simple glass tiles can exist affordable, or more intricate or thicker pieces could be as expensive equally quartz, marble, or granite.

DIY a Mosaic Abroad

Patently, to start making your own mosaics, y'all volition need to purchase tiles or find materials that you lot want to employ every bit tiles. Depending on whether you buy prefab mosaic tiles or you want to cutting your own, there are some tools and supplies you'll need or won't need.

i. Supplies

The supplies you'll need largely depends on the blazon of tiles you choose, and the base where you lot intend to build your mosaic tile art. Some volition require mosaic glue, while others simply demand grout. And in some cases, y'all can forgo grout altogether.

• Tesserae: These are your tiles, whether yous choose drinking glass, ceramic, porcelain, stone, or institute objects.
• Mosaic glue: This may be necessary if your tesserae won't stay put with grout only.
• Grout: If you lot desire to fill in the cracks with a cohesive expect, you'll demand this product. You can find colored grout, or stain information technology yourself.
• Paint: Utilize acrylic paint to stain the grout when y'all mix information technology if you want a colorful grout.
• Tile & grout sealer: You'll need this to create a seal to protect the grout from stains and the tiles from scratches or other harm.

two. Tools

Again, depending on what type of mosaic or tiles you lot use, some of these tools will be unnecessary. Most of them are must-haves, though.

• Hammer: Apply to break large pieces of materials into smaller shards and fragments.
• Tile cutter: This is for making make clean cuts of ceramic and other materials.
• Glass cutter: Specifically, for cutting glass cleanly.
• Safety spectacles: It's always important to vesture safety goggles when working with sharp objects and chemicals.
• Work gloves: To protect your hands when you cutting or hammer materials.
• Bucket: This is needed for mixing the grout and water when y'all're set up for this step.
• Stir sticks: Manifestly, you lot'll need something to stir your grout.
• Rags/sponges: After applying grout, you'll need something to wipe off the excess.

three. Maintenance

Mayhap maintenance is the hardest part of mosaics. You must use the proper cleaning agents and clean the tiles regularly. You'll also want to avoid stains and grease on your mosaic.

• Sealant: Y'all'll have to reapply sealant once in a while for mosaics that remain indoors, and at least once per year for outdoor mosaics.
• Balmy lather: This is the best way to keep your mosaic make clean. Avoid acidic cleaners, as they can strip sealant and potentially damage your mosaic fine art.

The Bottom Line

Mosaic tile art is an excellent fashion to add color, art, and patterns to whatever room of your business firm – and outdoors. Glass, ceramic, natural stone, and other materials all piece of work every bit well to spruce up an surface area of your home. Whether you lot choose the DIY route, or you hire a professional to pattern a backsplash, flooring, or a pathway, you're sure to enjoy the artistic touch a mosaic brings to your space.

Comments

comments

12

delaneyouldn1975.blogspot.com

Source: https://blog.mozaico.com/different-types-of-tiles-you-can-use-for-mosaics/

Share this post