Place mesh over drawn design. Butter each mosaic piece with adhesive and push down on to mesh. Allow to dry for a couple of days. Adhere design on to cement board or MDF.
Direct Method
Step 1: Draw your design on paper. Place clear plastic sheeting over your design. Choose the tile selection and arrangement.
Step 2: Place a sheet of fibreglass mesh over the drawing (large murals can be broken up by mosaicing individual parts).
Step 3: Use tile adhesive to butter the back of each tile and press onto the mesh. Wipe off excess adhesive around and on the tile’s face.
Step 4: Continue to cover your design, leaving a small clean and even gap between each tile.
Step 5: Leave the mesh to dry for a few days. When dry, the tiled mesh can be adhered directly onto the final surface (wall, concrete pavers, cement sheeting, etc.).
Step 6: Put a layer of the ceramic tile adhesive directly onto the surface to be covered. Lay the tiled mesh onto the wet adhesive.
Step 7: Using a damp cloth remove any excess tile adhesive which has oozed around the piece. Allow to dry for 24–48 hours depending on the weather.
Step 8: Wear disposable gloves to mix grout to a creamy consistency and apply with a rag or rubber squeegee. Be mindful of sharp edges.
Step 9: Make sure that excess grout is removed quickly with a soft cloth as it will dry like concrete and will be difficult to remove when dry.
Step 10: Keep polishing the tiles with the cloth until all grout is removed and the tiles look very shiny.
Zart Art School Catalogue page: 231