Home --> Mosaic FAQ

Unfortunately, given the volume of requests, I am unable to respond individually to mosaic questions. But please do ask them and they may be answered on this page as time and space allow. Send questions to: sonia@mosaicworks.com. Please put "FAQ question" in the subject line for the quickest attention.

Another source for great info is the most active mosaic discussion group on the web. Click here to join mosaicartistsorg. I'm a member along with 3,500 of my best friends and fellow mosaic artists!

At right, one of the projects in the book, 'Mood Totem'.

And the questions begin:

- I recently tried using regular grout and it cracked. What did I do wrong?

It could be a lot of things. An improperly prepped base, the grout was too wet when mixed, using unsanded grout in grout joints over 1/8", the grout dried too fast, improper curing, sealing before curing process completed, flexible substrate and so on. It could be any of the above or a combination. There are a lot of variables. Detailed grouting instructions are on pages 112-115 in my book.

- Can you mosaic over a wallpapered wall ?
It's never a good idea to tile over a surface that isn't completely stable and strong. The weight of the mosaic could pull the wallpaper right off the wall. I'd strip it down to the base and have the wall prepped for tile installation. Ideally this means tile backer board.

- I have a question about using grout sealer: do you just brush it
over the whole mosaic piece, or do you have to follow all the grout
lines and put it on only over the grout? If you just put it over the
whole piece, what happens to it on the glass tiles?

Sponge the penetrating grout sealer on the surface, allowing the grout to absorb the sealer. It will soak down in which allows you to clean off and polish the tiles before the sealer dries. Wait about 30 minutes and repeat. Usually two applications is enough but wait another 30 minutes and squeeze a few drops of sealer on the surface. When it beads up and no more is absorbed by the grout, it is sealed. Just give the tiles a final polish and let it dry naturally and you're done.

- Where can I get the compound-geared nippers by LS Starrett Company?

The precision cut nippers are made by the LS Starrett Company. Starrett number is cut nippers #1x-5 1/2 or cut nippers #1x - 7. (They used to have a model 235 which was slightly different but isn't made anymore. The new version is number 233, which I personally don't like as well.) The 5 1/2" is the small and most often used. The 7" are larger, heavier (makes your arm tired) and good for thicker unglazed ceramic and stone. The 'x' indicates carbide tipped edges. Before everyone runs out to buy them (very expensive US$200 to $250, depending on size), they aren't great for everything. but what they're good on - they're FANTASTIC. The double-geared action makes unglazed porcelain cut like butter! Starrett doesn't sell direct but can recommend distributors in your area. They are almost always special order items. After you get them, you'll need to adjust the opening to slightly greater than the width than the tile you're cutting by loosening the screws holding the jaws, moving them wider and retightening. They can be purchased from Mosaic Studio Supply and Tiny Pieces Mosaics.