How To Make a Mosaic Garden Pot

Mosaic Pots are a popular project as you can use them inside and out. This project demonstrates, step by step, the process of making a mosaic pot. It is the perfect beginner's project as no tiles are cut, and the design is simple but effective.

MATERIALS

Terracotta pot
Pot sealer
Tiles - we have used Tile Colour Packs, which contain a random selection of glass & ceramic tiles (a pack covers an area of approximately 10x10cm)
Cement Based Adhesive
Grout - Black
Grout clean-up supplies - sponge, rags, a container with water, disposable gloves
Acrylic Paint & Paintbrush (optional, you can start tiling from the top of the pot)

STEPS

1. Sealing the pot

Seal both the inside and the outside of the pot. You can use diluted PVA adhesive or a commercial sealer for this. We've used a primer & grout additive, which has a double purpose. You can use it to seal your pot before mosaicing & then add it to your grout with a water ratio of 50/50 to improve the flexibility of the grout. You can purchase primer & grout additive from a hardware or tiling store.

If you are re-using pots, ensure they are washed clean and allowed to dry out before making your mosaic.

seal the pot prior to applying the tiles

2. Adhere Your Tiles

Use a cement-based adhesive to adhere to your tiles. A cement-based adhesive is waterproof and will keep the tiles in place while it dries.

You can either apply the adhesive to the back of each tile or lay the tiles in an adhesive bed. The quickest method is to paint the adhesive onto the base. This method applies to small sections at a time to avoid the adhesive drying out.

Lay the tiles out on the pot, keeping the tiles within 2-3mm of each other to allow for grout lines.

Allow 24 hours for the adhesive to cure.

lay your tiles in a bed of cement based adhesive to tile the pot

2. Grouting Time

Remove any excess adhesive before grouting to ensure that no adhesive shows through the grout.

Use painters or masking tape to protect the top of the pot before grouting.

When mixing the grout, it should be the consistency of thick oatmeal before it is applied. If you accidentally add too much water, let it sit for a few minutes, and it will thicken up, or you can add more grout. Stir until smooth. If mixing your colour, mix enough grout to cover the mosaic to ensure colour consistency. Allow the mix to stand for 10 minutes, re-stir and then the grout onto the tiles. We suggest you use gloves when working with grout; while it is non-toxic, it can dry your hands. You will go through a few pairs whilst grouting. Apply the grout in a diagonal motion, ensuring that the grout goes into the entire depth of the joint. Sculpt it on your edges, and remove the excess grout with your gloved hands or sponge. Keep a water container next to you to wash off the sponge as you go.

using a gloved hand apply grout to the pot

Once you have covered your entire piece, wipe off as much excess grout as possible with your gloves or hands. After doing this, allow it to sit for 20-30 minutes or until the grout becomes hazy. Then take a slightly damp sponge or cloth and wipe off the haze. Buff and shine the tiles with a dry cloth. Remove as much grout as possible from the tile surface, as it will be much harder to remove later. Do not use paper towels as they flake off and stick in your grout.

A grout sealer can be applied once the grout is dry to keep the grout clean and protected (optional).

Tips:
· Safety first – use protective eyewear when nipping glass
· Never dispose of grout down the drain
· Mix grout in a disposable container for an easy cleanup

4. Paint (optional, you can start tiling from the top of the pot)

We've painted the top of the pot with acrylic paint. As it is not weatherproof, you will need to seal it if you use the pot outside.

To ensure a nice finish, paint or grout the inside of the pot.

Legal Disclaimer: No warranty is implied by these instructions. Use at your own risk. The Mosaic Store and its proprietors are not responsible for the results of any actions taken on the basis of this information, or for any omission in the advice. Please wear appropriate safety equipment when cutting mosaic materials and using grouts and adhesives. Keep out of reach of children. This newsletter is copyrighted and is made available for personal use only. Please ask permission if you wish to copy any part of it.