8bit Crafts

Tile-by-tile color work

Mosaic Getting Started

Learn how to lay mosaic tiles, prepare grout, apply it cleanly, and finish the surface.

This guide is one way to complete the pattern. Experiment in your own way, and share your finished work with us at 8bitcrafter on Facebook or 8bitcraftkits on Instagram.

You will learn the following:

  1. Basic Tools and Materials
  2. About the backer board
  3. Laser Cut Wood Backing Boards
  4. Laying Tile
  5. Preparing Grout
  6. Applying Grout
  7. Final Cleanup
  8. Recommended Materials

Basic Tools and Materials

Mosaic patterns are a creative way to build art one tile at a time. Each pattern follows the same basic process, and the design changes with the pattern you choose.

The wooden backing board includes a guide to help place each tile accurately. Work from left to right and top to bottom so the design stays organized.

Common mosaic supplies include glue, tweezers, grout, a container, and wooden tools for placing, filling, wiping, and cleaning the finished mosaic.

The main difference between mosaic patterns is the design you choose. Follow the same steps and you will have your own finished piece in no time.

Mosaic tools and materials laid out in a row.

Substrate

About the backer board

The backer board is the surface your mosaic tiles attach to. It can be made from thick cardboard, chipboard, or wood.

We include files that can be used to laser cut your substrate if you want a precise base. They can also be printed or traced as a template to cut and grid your project by hand.

Mosaic backer board template and cut substrate example.

Backing Boards

Laser Cut Wood Backing Boards

If you have a laser cutter, or a friend who has one, you can use our laser cutting files to create a polished wood backing board.

The files can cut out the shape of the pattern and engrave guide lines for tile placement, giving you a cleaner base before you start laying mosaic tiles.

Setup

Laying Tile

First, you'll be gluing tiles onto a wooden backing board or prepared substrate. A gridded guide helps you place each tile accurately.

Step 1

Start at the top left

Start at the top left corner of the board and move from left to right, then top to bottom. See figure 1 for reference.

Step 2

Use one drop of glue

Use a strong craft glue or mosaic adhesive. Just a single drop is enough for each tile. Check out figure 2 to see how it's done. Be careful not to use too much; otherwise, the tile might move around before it can dry.

Step 3

Place tiles with tweezers

To place the tiles, use precision tweezers. See figure 3 for guidance. Align each tile within the board's guides, then press down firmly with your finger. Hold it for a couple of seconds to make sure it stays in place.

Step 4

Let tiles dry

After all tiles are placed, let the project dry for at least 2 hours before applying grout.

Preparation

Preparing Grout

Your next task is to prepare the grout. Aim for a consistency similar to brownie batter (3 parts grout to 1 part water).

  1. Start by pouring grout powder into a small mixing container. Then add water one tablespoon at a time until you reach that brownie batter-like consistency.
  2. Grab the large wooden paddle to mix the grout thoroughly. Don't forget to scrape the sides and any indents in the bowl to ensure an even mix.
  3. If the grout turns out too watery, no worries. Just add some of the extra grout powder to thicken it up.

Avoid inhaling the grout powder. It's safest to mix it while wearing a mask.

Technique

Applying Grout

Apply grout over the tile surface, clean the tile faces and edges, then let the mosaic harden fully.

Figure 4: grout being spread over the mosaic surface.

Step 1

Spread the grout

Put on gloves and then use the wooden paddle to evenly spread the grout over your mosaic's surface.

Figure 5: grout covering the mosaic and filling the spaces between tiles.

Step 2

Press grout into gaps

Ensure that you press the grout into the spaces between the tiles and also along the outer edges of the wooden backing board.

Figure 6: extra grout removed from the top of the mosaic.

Step 3

Remove extra grout

Use the wooden paddle to remove any extra grout from the top of the mosaic. For the sides, use the coffee stirrer to scrape off as much grout as you can. Once you're done, let it dry for 15 minutes.

Figure 7: tile surfaces being wiped clean after grout starts drying.

Step 4

Wipe the tile surface

Once it's been drying for 15 minutes, take a paper towel and gently wipe the surface of each tile to remove any remaining grout.

Figure 8: cleaned tile surfaces with grout lines left in place.

Step 5

Preserve the grout lines

Aim to wipe off as much grout from the tile surfaces as possible, but be careful not to disturb the grout lines between the tiles.

Step 6

Clean the edges and let it harden

For the edges and corners of the wooden backing board, use a coffee stirrer to scrape away any excess grout. After you've cleaned up your mosaic, let it sit for 24 hours to completely harden before you proceed to the next step.

Final Step

Final Cleanup

Now that the grout has set for 24 hours, it's time for the final cleanup.

Figure 9: mosaic surface after the grout has set and is ready for cleanup.

Step 1

Buff each tile

Take a paper towel and gently buff the surface of each tile to bring out its natural shine.

Figure 10: cleaned and buffed mosaic after final cleanup.

Step 2

Scrape edges and corners

Use your remaining coffee stirrer to scrape away any excess grout along the edges and corners of the wooden backing board. The edge of the stirrer works well for sanding off extra grout.

Step 3

Wipe and buff again

For the finishing touch, use a paper towel to wipe around the mosaic's edges and give the tiles one last buff.

Step 4

Remove the tape

Once everything looks clean, go ahead and remove the protective tape from the back.