Posted By admin on May 18, 2009

Mosaic Glass

How do I apply mosaic tiles/glass to a mesh table top?

I bought a mesh outdoor table at an auction with the idea to
cover it with mosaic tiles/glass. Now--how do I do that??? I'm sure I will need something to apply the tiles to besides the mesh, but what, and how do I affix that to the mesh??? Thanx for your help!!
It is a round, steel mesh table top, the mesh is not fine. I do have a pattern in mind, and plan to use broken tiles/glass to make either a large sunshine or simple flowers with stems on the table--something spring/summer like. It will be used outdoors, under a covered porch. The top is flush with the edge, and I thought I would tile the edge, also.

Not so much a difficult task as a tedious one.

A few more details might help.

1. Is the mesh fine weave?
2. Is the mest top Flush with the rim around the edge?
3. Is the table round or...?
4. Do you have Tiles/glass/ a pattern in mind?
5. Is the substance of the mesh steel or aluminum?

You can approach this in a couple of ways.

You can cut a piece of concrete backer board to size; attach it to the table from underneath; with stainless fender washers and screws/ OR construction adhesive; then apply the tiles. If you used this method, it would also allow that you could possible work the pattern in your garage, or someplace out of the elements, then with someones aid, place the finished piece and attach still from underneath.

OR you can cover the mesh with something that just allows that the "THIN SET" mortar will not seep through the mesh;;; although for it to end up a stronger bond with the table itself, it might actually help if some mortar pushed into the mesh.

Depending on the pattern/ number of tiles/ placement/ you may not need a Wet saw or diag. grinder at all. That equates to what you do at the perimeter certainly. You might even consider PVC/ Vinyl lattice strip attached to the rim of the table, to border it, allowing a clean edge with the mortar. I'd probably work this job from the inside - out, to the perimeter. Once the edge area has been completed, remove the "Dam" smooth the edge with additional thin set,,, OR perhaps devise a method for applying edging tile all the way around the perimeter.

The Mortar: Any exterior grade Tile mortar will do, perhaps sold in your location in various brand names. Mixed to the consisteny of mashed potato, applied in small areas at a time, with a rectangular "toothed" trowel, or applicator; and tiles set in place. No offense but I can't imagine a mastik, or adhesive for this kind of tile work.

Hopefully you've either laid out a pattern, or have one in mind as you work along.

Interior applications for mosaic were/are, often done in plaster. This is not such a case.

Once set; then you can define the spaces with an appropriate grout, in some color that coordinates, or accents the pattern.

Steven Wolf

ADDITION: Depending on your thoughts, the design, the type of tile, and your feelings about aesthetics, you could apply enough mortar to create the situation where it becomes the "Grout" the seam filler.

Category: Antiques
Tags: design, glass, home, mosaic, mosaic glass, mosaic glass art, mosaic glass cutter, mosaic glass tile, mosaic glass tile installation, tile