INSTRUCTIONS
1. Sealing the MDF Tray
This indoor project is not suitable for areas where it will be exposed to moisture or water, as it is not waterproof. As wood is porous, you will need to seal the tray before tiling. Use a mixture of PVA adhesive & water as the sealer in a ratio of 1 part adhesive to 4 parts water; apply two coats allowing each coat to dry thoroughly (30 minutes to 1 hour). Coat the area where you will be tiling by using a paintbrush.
2. Adhering the tiles
The adhesive can be applied directly to the tray or painted individually onto the tiles' back. The quickest method is to paint the adhesive onto the tray. When using this method, apply to small sections at a time to avoid the adhesive drying out.
Start by laying your square tiles on the outside of the tray and then your ceramic leaves. Take some time to play with the placement of your ceramic leaves to ensure you don't have significant gaps.
When the tiles have been laid, allow the adhesive to cure for 24 hours before applying the grout. Run your hand over the tiles to ensure they are all firmly adhered before grouting. If any are loose, remove them and re-adhere.
3. 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 be sure to 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 that 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 to make a nice smooth edge, 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.
Once you have covered your entire piece and filled in all of the spaces, wipe off as much of the excess grout as you can with your gloves or hands. After doing this, allow the piece 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 you can 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 clean up
4. Paint
Paint the tray with acrylic paint and seal if desired.
This project is suitable for indoor use only; clean with a damp sponge.
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