mosaic tile table 33 by Article Announcement
Published Date: 31/05/07
Perhaps you've admired those trendy bistro style mosaic tile tables, becoming popular at upscale coffee houses. They're beautiful, but cost a pretty penny! Did you know you can create your own with just the design and colors you'd like? It seems daunting, but is actually a fairly easy DIY project, especially if you have a little artistic flair. Mosaic tile tables are fun projects for kids too.
The necessary equipment is minimal. You'll need a tile cutter, mastic (tile adhesive), grout and acrylic additive (to stiffen the grout),sandpaper, spreaders, a dust mask and of course, tile and a table.
First you'll want to choose the table. The classic choice is wrought iron with glass. You can also remove the glass top and replace with wood to use as the base for your mosaic tiles. If you don't care for the wrought iron look, just about any sturdy table will do. For a first project, a small table is suggested. Then you can go on to bigger and better.
Prepare the table surface with a light sanding. Remember, when mixing grout, sanding or cutting tiles, wear a dust mask to avoid respiratory problems.
Using the measurements of the table top, draw your design on newsprint. You can use markers or colored pencils to fill in color as you develop your design. When your design is just right, use a transfer pen to trace the design onto the table surface.
Next, go to any big DIY supply to choose your tiles. One-inch tiles come on sheets in a dazzling spectrum of colors. Standard 12-inch tiles are good for background coloring, as they're large enough to cut larger sections of your mosaic tile table design. You may also find bins with broken tile bits, very inexpensively. Specialty tile shops have hand-painted tiles that are often so beautiful you can use a single tile, centered on the tabletop as your star piece.
Always start in the center of the design when placing tile pieces and work out to the edges. Apply mastic, sparingly, to the back of the tile, then press the piece to the table surface.
When all tile has been glued, let your new mosaic tile table stand overnight or at least eight hours before grouting.
Work grouting in small sections, being careful to fill spaces thoroughly. Scrape excess grout from the tiles as you go along. When finished grouting, use a lint-free cloth to wipe the surface. Let the grout dry for several hours. Any rough edges are easily handled with a metal file.
Voila! You've got your own personalized mosaic tile table. You may find mosaic tile table projects so enjoyable, you'll be looking to gift a friend or relative with one of your creations. Say, how about a cup of coffee?
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