Find a use for old tile in the country. Creativity from the remnants of tiles

Most likely, you are not indifferent to the mosaic. Such is the nature of this art form. Surely you have admired a certain street panel by an unknown artist more than once. Perhaps your abode is not even deprived of factory mosaics. Thousands of miniature items collected caring hand, invariably pleasing to the eye, but sometimes bite the pocket. And they hurt pride - you have so many wandering, but bright, ideas. Why not try it yourself? Take a chance, do-it-yourself mosaic is an indispensable thing not only for the interior, but also for the soul.

At home, compositions are made from anything, the most incredible objects are used: a mosaic of tiles, fragments of dishes, pebbles, broken bottles, mirrors, and even.



Making a mosaic is divided into stages:
  • tile preparation;
  • surface preparation;
  • planning and sketching;
  • mosaic laying;
  • grouting;

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Tile preparation

You may already have raw materials, but if you don’t, don’t worry. Any store will gladly sell battle and the remains of ceramics for a pittance. It is good if there is a familiar master tiler who is constantly faced with the need to throw away waste. Take on his "garbage" and find yourself with an inexhaustible supply of tiles. Stock up on multi-colored raw materials, a little bit of different shades is better than a lot of plain tiles. It’s even better to keep the future drawing in mind, it’s easier to navigate.


Mosaic from broken tiles requires small fragments of different formats. We suggest cutting a part of the tile - compositions often need rectangular pieces. Cut ceramics with a glass cutter or a professional tile cutter. If you plan to create regularly, get an inexpensive tool. High cutting accuracy is useless here. Simply break the main part of the tile into fragments. It is more convenient to do this with a rag in which you will wrap the fight, and a hammer wrapped in a dense layer of cloth. The latter is necessary so as not to unnecessarily crumble the material.


Stuff puzzle pieces of different sizes, it’s easy to follow a certain format. For the future: do not throw away the leftover tiles, broken dishes And so on. Postpone for later, the failed garbage will one day become part of the masterpiece.

Surface preparation

A suitable base for mosaics is a cement-sand screed or plaster, putty and drywall. They provide good adhesion to adhesives and ceramics. It is important that the surface is clean and even. Remove irregularities, repair cracks, if any. After that, treat the coating with a primer, it helps to strengthen the base and increases adhesion.

Sketch preparation

Even a trained eye is easier with a guide. An inexperienced artist, when working with a complex drawing, is nowhere without him. In order not to get away from the dimensions, contours and proportions, apply a pencil sketch on the base. If you have artistic skills, enough hands and eyes. Without such useful baggage (we are talking about skills), use the scale grid method, or even better, transfer the sketch using a projector.

Plan out color scheme and break the sketch into zones based on tonal representations. Consider how to make a mosaic according to your scheme optimally.
Stick to certain rules:

  • Start from the center, so the composition will be better in terms of proportions and compliance with the sketch;
  • Do the background last;
  • Leave abstraction in the end too, first people, animals, plants - something that has complex geometry.

Mosaic adhesive

The mixture for laying out the pieces should have high adhesion to the materials that you use. It is best to work with white glue, regular gray is not suitable for aesthetic reasons. For typical concrete substrates, a white cement adhesive (Kreps Reinforced White) is suitable. For laying on a non-standard base (for example, wood), it is better to use a reactive tile adhesive epoxy-based (Litokol Litoelastic), liquid nails or epoxy grout.

Mosaic laying

If you plan to use tiles of different thicknesses, start with the thickest one. It will serve as a guide for others. It is desirable to spread the glue both on the base and on the ceramics, but one of the surfaces requires only light smearing. One that will not increase the thickness of the layer, but will positively affect the strength of the installation.

Apply glue to small areas, which were previously selected on the sketch. Lubricate light areas larger area, complex ones will require slowing down. Having smeared glue on the base with an ordinary spatula, remove the excess mixture with a spatula with teeth. If the pieces of the mosaic are uniform in thickness, the work will go easier. Otherwise, the difference must be compensated by adding glue. But even homogeneity does not always save. Pieces that are too different in size require different bonding forces, smaller tiles with the same layer of mixture will always sink a little deeper, so they need more glue. The comb is just a guideline, each element still has to be brought to the desired plane individually.


Mosaic of broken tiles on the wall does not have to be in the same plane. Start from your own ideas of beauty. In addition to tiles, use other materials that diversify the composition and allow it to match the idea. The floor mosaic should be flat, irregularities and roughness will create problems when walking on the tiles.


It is difficult to achieve an even coating with only the help of hands and eyes. Use a flat sheet of wood, plastic, or metal to periodically press down on the laid out areas and thus level them. It is better to have sheets of different formats. The principle is simple: more complex drawing - less area covered at a time - less sheet.



Mosaic from broken tiles involves laying pieces with gaps. Do not lay tiles close to each other. A very precise fit of the parts will not only complicate the work many times over, but can also cause damage to the canvas later. Seams compensate for thermal expansion of materials resulting from temperature changes. But it’s also not worth making huge gaps, be guided by common sense. The final drawing should not suffer. Do not put pieces of the same size side by side. Too multi-format is also not a “class”, there should be differences, but within reasonable limits.

Worktop cladding

If the countertop is made of wood, clean it of paint with acetone or special washes. Then go over with sandpaper twice, first with a coarse abrasive, then with a fine one. These manipulations are needed to increase adhesion, do not start mosaic without preparation.

How ? This requires a different laying scheme:

  • Start from the edges, gradually getting to the center;
  • Compact the canvas as much as possible;
  • Remove glue immediately, high density implies a large number of seams; cleaning at the end will lead to unnecessary waste of time.

Video master class on decorating countertops with mosaics:



Grouting

Applies to floors with walls, and countertops. You can overwrite not earlier than one day after the end of the lining. The mosaic must dry evenly. If the room temperature is too high, cover the canvas with a damp cloth. Before jointing, remove any adhesive residue and wipe the mosaic with a damp cloth. To work, you need a rubber spatula.

Best for mosaic panels is a transparent grout based on epoxy resin with chameleon effect (). It will adjust to the color of each piece. cement mixture much inferior to epoxy in strength and can literally fall apart.

Apply the puffer with a rubber grater, pressing it firmly into the gaps between the pieces. Remove residue with a damp foam sponge. Epoxy mixtures must be washed off with plenty of water, and plaque is removed with special detergents (Litonet gel, Sopro ESE 548).



Well, now you know how to make a mosaic at home. We hope that the master class served as a starting point. Remember that mosaic requires regular maintenance. Do not wipe it with substances containing phosphoric acid. Use products with a low percentage of acidity, but even after them, wipe the mosaic with a rag and water.

Do not get hung up on tiles, train your imagination and use unusual and interesting objects.

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The long-awaited day of the completion of all repair work in the house, and the remains of ceramic tiles gather dust on the loggia or, even worse, block the passage in the corridor? Do not write off to get rid of the remnants of the material, but rather use it to decorate your renovated home! Or craft a functional item with it! The main thing - do not be afraid to show imagination! Our article offers you 10 original ideas how to use the remaining tiles to create a real art decor or decorate old furniture.

#1: use tilesto create a country decor

Tiles unused during the repair can become a suitable decor for suburban area. For example, with their help, you can lay out a small garden path or decorate the floor in the gazebo. If there is a small format tile or mosaic left, you can paste over flower pots in the garden with it. With such street decor, your dacha will sparkle with new colors.

#2: Use Tile to Make Cup Holders

The remains of a small hexagonal tile will be the perfect material for creating functional coasters. Simply glue a few tiles together and enjoy designer accessories that not only brighten up your kitchen, but also protect your dining table or tabletop. coffee table from stains.

#3: Use tiles to decorate the frame of the mirror

Bathroom mirror frame dull, scratched and no longer looking good? Dont be upset! Cover it with colorful ceramic mosaic. As a frame, a wooden and plastic frame with a flat surface is suitable. A little glue and fantasy - and your mirror will take on a new life.

#4: Cover scratches on an old table with tile

The remains of a tile or mosaic will come in handy in order to hide scratches on the surface of a coffee or coffee table. Just cover the countertop with colored tiles and you can be sure that such a piece of furniture will not only fit perfectly into the environment, but will also serve its owners for a long time.

#5: Use Tray Decor Tiles

So that the kitchen tray acquires an original and exclusive appearance, its surface can be pasted over with small format tiles or glass mosaics.

No. 6: the tile is suitable for table setting

If you are planning a picnic outdoors, use large-format tiles for table setting! Your guests will surely appreciate your creativity! In addition, the remains of porcelain stoneware or tiles can be used as a cutting board!

#7: Use tiles to decorate your walls

Not sure how to decorate the empty walls in the hallway? Forget about banal posters and reproductions and create your own art object. Combine several pieces of tiles into a single composition, choose a suitable frame for the masterpiece and, voila, the wall decor is ready!

No.: 8 original pictures show

Standard photo frames can be replaced with tiles! Just stick the photo on the surface of the material, hang the resulting decor on the walls, and best moments life will always be in sight!

#9: Tile part of the wall

Tiles remaining after repair can help transform the interior of a bathroom or kitchen in the future. By laying tiles on only one wall or even on part of the wall (near the sink, for example), you can add volume to the space and make the room original and spectacular.

#10: Boho colored floor

If you recently had repairs in your apartment, as a result of which there are “extra” leftovers, do not rush to throw them away - they can still come in handy!
This is especially true of old tiles or ceramic tiles - you can lay out a whole mosaic from broken pieces, updating the interior of a house or the landscape of a summer cottage. How? Very simple!

As you know, a real finished mosaic in a store can be quite expensive, but everyone can create it on their own.

The result is an interesting mosaic design, which, moreover, will cost much less than bought in a store.

Where can it be used?

An old shoe table can be "turned" into beautiful stand for indoor plants, or window sills - in a beautiful mosaic field.

If you have a cottage, then you can use an old broken tile for decoration country paths, shower floor in the bath or a decorative pond!

In addition to horizontal surfaces, mosaics are also used to decorate wall panels - just imagine how beautiful it will look or a wall in the bathroom, finished with mosaics!

Photos: apron in the kitchen from broken tiles

How can I get pieces of broken tiles?

Of course, if you have broken tiles and you do not want to spend time on its additional splitting, then you can use what is. In this case, the mosaic fragments will look more than natural.

But you want something beautiful, elegant. Then you can independently cut the tile into fragments of such a size that it will be convenient to use when laying out the sketch.

The tile can be cut with a tile cutter, or you can simply chop it with a hammer. In the first case, you will have to handle the tiles very carefully so as not to damage the pieces, in the second case, before breaking, you should wrap the pieces in a bag / cloth so that small fragments not scattered in all directions.

Master class on laying mosaics from old broken tiles

There are two ways to lay a mosaic of broken tiles: orderly (according to a sketch) and randomly (randomly).

First way more difficult because you have to lay out the tiles strictly according to the intended pattern, observing not only the technique of “drawing” patterns, but also the arrangement of colors. To do this, a sketch is prepared first on paper, then you can transfer it to a wall / horizontal surface (tabletop, floor, table, and other types of surface). And only then proceed to laying the mosaic.

Second way is simpler than the first one - pieces of broken tiles are simply stacked arbitrarily, you can lay them out like puzzles, “adjusting” some shapes - to form a kind of unified whole.

True, in this case, you still have to follow two rules:

  1. Mosaic must have different colors for nearby pieces - so the pattern will not only be bright and colorful, but also more fun, interesting. How smaller amount shades you use, the calmer your mosaic will be¸ and vice versa - the more different colors will be present in the image, the more colorful it will turn out. If some element "does not fit" into the overall picture, it can be replaced by another using a crowbar and picking out the "puzzle".
  2. The sizes of adjacent pieces should be different. Of course, you don’t need to put pieces that are completely different in size next to each other, but there should be at least some differences in them. You can take, for example, pieces not only of different sizes, but also different shapes. At the same time, the edges of the pieces should not touch each other - it is better to leave gaps (thermal seams), which then need to be carefully wiped.
  3. Advice: the amount of glue required for gluing tile pieces is not regulated - one piece may require a thin layer, the other a thick one. Everything will depend on how evenly the surface is prepared for laying, as well as on the thickness of the pieces themselves. Sometimes you will have to apply a little more adhesive to a certain piece in order to equalize different pieces of broken tiles in height - otherwise the grout can only damage the mosaic.

    Decorating a flower bed with broken tiles

    Photo: finishing flower pots broken tiles

    Tools and materials

  • Ceramic tiles, tile, remains of porcelain stoneware
  • Tile (or building) adhesive
  • Grout for joints
  • Fine-toothed trowel
  • Rubber mallet for tiles
  • A little plaster, primer
  • and other consumables - rags, paper, a pencil with a ruler (if the mosaic is planned to be laid “with a pattern”).

Stages of work

Stage 1. Surface preparation. As mentioned above, it is desirable to bring any surface, if not to ideal, then at least to the most even - so that the pieces of the mosaic lay flat. To do this, you will have to use both, and a primer. When the base for the mosaic is ready, you can apply a layer of glue, on which the pieces will subsequently be laid.

Important: if you use both floor and wall types of tiles for mosaics, then you should remember about their different thicknesses - floor tiles are thicker than wall tiles, and therefore it is advisable to start laying with it, it will be a kind of height guide for the entire mosaic tiles. An additional layer of glue can be applied to pieces of wall tiles to adjust the height.

Stage 2. Laying pieces of tiles on the surface. If you prefer a chaotic mosaic, then you can simply lay out all the pieces in a mess, leaving small gaps between them. If the mosaic involves a certain pattern, then you will have to make a sketch that needs to be transferred to the surface.

Additional lubrication of the surfaces of the tile pieces with glue is done with a notched trowel - so the glue will be distributed more evenly over the entire gluing surface. After the pieces are completely laid out, the surface is left for a day until the glue dries completely and the mosaic sets to the base.

Stage 3. Final work. After the glue has completely dried, it will be necessary to grout the tile joints. As a rule, it is advisable to select the grout in the same color as the pattern itself (however, if you choose a bright mosaic, then a neutral color grout - white, gray, light beige) is ideal. Half an hour after applying the grout, the mosaic can be wiped with a damp cloth, removing the remnants of the grout.

If the panel is laid out on the wall and has a certain pattern, then the mosaic laying technology is the same: surface preparation, drawing the outline of the pattern, selecting tile pieces by color and size, gluing each piece (in this case, it is advisable to apply glue to each tile piece in addition to applying a layer of glue on the base of the wall), grouting.

From the outside it seems that all this is quite easy and simple, in fact, laying out a mosaic of broken tiles on a wall in a certain pattern is a laborious, long, but nevertheless very exciting task!


What could be more familiar than ceramic tiles? A floor or walls tiled is a classic, but far from the only option for its use. It is worth connecting a fantasy - and even a standard finishing material takes on a second life!

Where to get ceramic tiles to use it as decoration? Check the attic for residues of this material after the repair. If not, contact any hardware store. There you can buy the remains of tiles for just a couple of rubles.

1. Facing the working surface of the kitchen unit


Ceramic tile is a strong and durable material that is not afraid of high temperatures, humidity, exposure to almost any cleaning products. You can put hot pots directly on the tile, without worrying about its possible damage.


Interesting solution- work surface and kitchen apron, lined with harmonizing types of tiles. One surface smoothly transitions into another. This eliminates the need for arranging joints, which facilitates cleaning in the kitchen.

2. New life for old furniture


Dinner table, the tabletop of which is decorated with tiles, will become a real decoration of the living room or kitchen. It is not necessary to use a whole tile. From small fragments of tiles left after the repair, you can lay out a picturesque mosaic panel. If the remnants of the tiles are not preserved, they can be bought at the nearest hardware store for next to nothing or even taken for free.


On the cleaned surface of the countertop, the tiles are glued with latex glue, the seams are filled with tile grout. After the grout has completely dried, the table is ready for use! You can decorate like this old bench or chair, doors hanging cabinets.

3. Wall panel - a replacement for boring paintings


From multi-colored fragments of ceramic tiles, you can create a colorful panel. The complexity of the drawing depends solely on your degree of creativity! A simple motif on the wall, which is then laid out with tiles, even a child can draw. These can be schematic images of flowers, animals, ornaments.

An easy-to-implement idea - an abstract panel of multi-colored stripes, geometric shapes. As a mosaic, use not only the remains of tiles, but also broken dishes, large beads. To develop a complex panel, we recommend involving friends with artistic taste. This is necessary to create a color scheme that will make the image three-dimensional. If you draw up a diagram yourself, then remember: the more shades are used, the more effective the panel. The tile can be painted: the surface is cleaned of the glossy layer with an abrasive, for example, sandpaper and then coated with paint for ceramics or glass. Don't forget a layer of protective varnish.

4. Unusual and durable garden decor


Even rough flower beds, old pots and buckets are transformed after decorating with the remains of ceramic tiles. garden path, tiled, will be a highlight personal plot. But in this case, we recommend using floor tiles With matte surface. Otherwise, the path will be too slippery, especially in wet weather.


5. Wall clock - let the time go beautifully!


To do it yourself original watch for the kitchen, you will need a whole ceramic tile with a beautiful pattern and a ready-made clockwork. You can get it from old watches or buy it at a store that specializes in selling hand-made goods. In the central part of the tile, it is necessary to make a hole with a drill. A clock mechanism is inserted into it, and a practical decor for the kitchen is ready! Draw the dial on the clock with paints for glass or ceramics. If there was no whole tile that could become the basis for the clock, paste over the finished clock with its fragments.

6. Ceramic canvas - the basis for a painting


Monochromatic ceramic tile becomes a non-standard basis for a pattern, replacing paper or canvas. If you are confident in your own artistic skills, create on one or more tiles glued to a common base using paints for glass or ceramics. Complete the finished composition with a frame that is suitable in style and size.


7. Tile + paper = decoupage


Decoupage is pasting with special cards, patterned napkins or pieces of textile on a certain surface. This decoration technique is indispensable in cases where it is necessary to create a beautiful image, but at the same time, ordinary painting with paints and a brush is too laborious. The tile surface is cleaned, degreased and coated thin layer primers - a mixture of PVA and acrylic paint. After drying, the tile is painted in desired color, a paper or textile motif is glued on it. The dried image is covered with several layers of acrylic varnish. Decoupage will make a real work of art even from ordinary tiles! A tile with a similar decor can be used to decorate walls.

8. Non-slip and beautiful stairs


Ceramic tiles are perfectly combined with natural wood, in harmony with forged elements. Staircase, the risers of which are decorated with tiles, not only looks unforgettable, but also becomes more functional. Its service life is increased, because ceramics are less susceptible to negative external factors than a tree. Such a combined staircase in the interior looks much more attractive than a fully tiled one.

9. Cold stand for a hot dish


You will need a wooden plank, which is in the kitchen of any hostess, and the remains of ceramic tiles. With the help of "liquid nails" glue, fragments of the tile are fixed on the board in a chaotic manner or according to the selected pattern. The seams are filled with tile grout. A whole tile of the original color can also be glued onto the board.

Of course, ceramic tiles are far from the only way to liven up a setting. Worthy of your attention and

Everyone can complete repairs in the house with an original mosaic of broken tiles, especially if you familiarize yourself with the basics of work. Lay out a colored pattern from the remains of a tile, adding fragments of others decorative materials- one of the most simple methods creating an original panel in the bathroom, kitchen or garden design. This painstaking work is not very popular, but man-made panels in the interior will never go out of fashion.

What materials can be used for mosaic cladding

The original do-it-yourself tile mosaic provides great opportunities for the manifestation of imagination, especially when there is material and good ideas. In childhood, many tried to master the method of drawing by cells, when the grid on the portrait reproduces the sketch, increasing the layout several times. In the same way, you can reproduce any plot or portrait on the wall in one of the rooms - Viktor Tsoi, Marilyn Monroe, "the mask of a stranger", birds, an aquarium. good examples- mosaic of broken tiles photo.

Doing the job is not as difficult as it seems, and if you hire a specialist, it will be expensive. Step by step laid out drawing, none of the guests will be able to distinguish from the work of the artist. It will take more time than a craftsman's workflow, but it's a nice creative experience, and it's nice to share the work on social networks. If you manage to master the technique of laying out mosaics from broken ceramic tiles, this can become both an exciting hobby and additional income.

Mosaic panels - execution of thematic or abstract compositions from different elements. Each drawing is unique, because it is made up of fragments, the color and shape of which cannot be repeated. Mosaic may consist of:

  • equal pieces of the same shape (circle, square, triangle, 6-sided);
  • fragments of arbitrary shape;
  • combinations of pieces of different sizes and shapes.

Construction supermarkets throw away broken tiles, ceramic tiles and other finishing materials or sold as recyclable, and can be bought at a reasonable price. For those who are interested in how to lay out a mosaic of broken tiles, it is important to know what is suitable for these purposes. various materials. It:

  • broken colored glass;
  • pieces of mirror and bottle glass;
  • fragments of porcelain dishes;
  • thin saw cuts of a tree;
  • polished fragments of colored glass and mother-of-pearl shells collected on the seashore;
  • original shells;
  • smooth colored pebbles;
  • pieces of gems;
  • large smooth buttons, etc.

Tip: When laying out a color pattern, there are not always pieces desired shape and size - they can be plucked with wire cutters from a large fragment or cut evenly with a tile cutter. When doing this work, protect your face from splinters and dust! When starting work, protect your eyes with goggles, and your nose and mouth with a household respirator. Work in a robe and gloves so as not to cut yourself on the edge of the fragment. It is important that casual spectators are not present during this process - sharp fragments of chipped tiles can injure them.

Where can I put a mosaic panel

Mosaic from a special tile like smalt - expensive pleasure, and it is also used for interior decoration. However, the most budget option will be a self-made mosaic made of broken tiles. This finish is widely used:

  • on the floor - in the bathroom, hallway, kitchen or pool;
  • in any surfaces intended for washing;
  • on countertops and ceramic flowerpots;
  • for garden structures;
  • on the sides of a bench or bench made by hand;
  • inside an old bathtub designed like a "seabed" pool.

If you're looking for finished work that inspires, look for views of Barcelona. The great Spanish architect Gaudi left many talented samples of mosaic panels to his descendants. But even gifted contemporaries left us a lot of artistic canvases:

  • at the ends of multi-storey buildings;
  • in the decoration of swimming pools;
  • as a decoration for kitchens and bathrooms;
  • monumental paintings in the foyer and cladding of public buildings;
  • for registration of shops, offices, policlinics and sanatoriums.

This universal way decorative finishes today you can try in your country house or in the country, in a city apartment or at the entrance. The bench in the courtyard, decorated with a mosaic of broken tiles, tolerates frosts and rains well, it will not lose its original appearance for years, and the material can be collected from apartments for free. You can familiarize yourself with the basics of mosaics from broken tiles - a video that details all the stages of work.

How to start laying out a mosaic image

Mosaic canvases are not only fascinating creative process, but also original way savings. Against the background of a steady rise in prices building materials there is an opportunity to show resourcefulness, collecting elements for a picturesque panel from improvised materials. Shards of broken colored tiles helped Gaudi not only discover new facets of talent in himself, but also create famous masterpieces in Park Güell!

There are several options for choosing a theme for the panel:

1. Try to see your theme in colored fragments and color solution, then add some missing material.

2. Select ready scheme broken tile mosaics, based on personal preference.

3. It is better to create a mosaic of broken tiles according to your own sketch, but on the basis of familiarization with highly artistic samples.

4. The picture that inspired you can decide to recreate it in a mosaic version using image enlargement.

5. Try to repeat the finished mosaic masterpiece with your own color scheme.

6. Review offers for the sale of finished mosaic tiles, and choose the material that impressed you the most.

7. Using ready-made broken material, spread it on any smooth surface abstract drawing that will tell fantasy.

It is important to have an idea of ​​artistic principles:

  • symmetrical canvases are more difficult to lay out, but they are better perceived;
  • in asymmetry, a larger fragment is placed on the left, and the right-sided placement of large fragments makes the image heavier;
  • when laying out recognizable outlines and portraits without a stencil, it is important to observe proportions;
  • if there is no artistic taste and creative experience, it is better not to experiment on a prepared surface, but to use a good sketch.

Fragments of broken tiles are also laid in the form of abstract canvases, using color contrasts. But the abstraction is built according to the principle:

  • beautiful color combinations
  • smooth color transitions;
  • contrast options.

However, large natural elements look most impressive in mosaic canvases:

  • birds and animals or their fantasy images;
  • flowers - sunflowers, daffodils, poppies, irises;
  • fish - aquarium, marine or animated;
  • portrait elements - a profile of a girl in a hat, a carnival mask, a languid look, recognizable images;
  • landscapes - schematic or highly artistic.

Before you start laying out the mosaic canvas in its permanent place, try to work out the layout on another surface, for example, on the floor or table. It is important to measure the dimensions finished work with the surface where the mosaic will be. Try to imagine the finished result with grout between the fragments, you may need to add pigment to it in the desired shade for a solid pattern. The black filler between large pieces of colored broken tiles will resemble a stained glass window, and white will give purity and freshness.

In the drawing of future work, it is better to think over all the options in advance so as not to regret the haste - it is extremely difficult to redo the mosaic. If a mosaic with a recognizable image causes difficulty, then it is better to start with a simple abstract composition.

Tip: When choosing pieces of tiles, it is important to sort them out - better pieces are suitable for central elements and semantic accents, the rest of the battle goes to the edges. Cut off on the front side, chipped and defective pieces with cracks in the enamel are suitable for edges and chipping off missing fragments (filling voids). For mosaic tiles, the dimensions will be corrected with wire cutters. When the finished panel is dry, freshen it with glass cleaner and wipe it with a fluffy rag.

Preparation of surfaces for work

Mosaic is laid out on the wall in different ways:

  • on the prepared wall, smearing each fragment with glue and fixing it on a reinforcing building mesh;
  • lay out the main part of the mosaic on the grid and fix the finished pattern to the plane;
  • it is important to prepare a rounded wall, to transfer the mosaic in fragments from a preliminary layout, otherwise the pattern will warp, and some of the tile fragments will fall off.

1. Before applying the markup for the mosaic sketch, clean the wall from the remnants of wallpaper, peeled paint, cement dust, and small particles.

2. Wipe the cleaned surface with a damp clean sponge and let it dry.

3. Fill everything with starting putty, apply a small layer on the entire surface under the mosaic panel, cover with a reinforcing mesh, and apply pieces of tile on it.

4. Fragments of the mosaic are well attached to a flat plane, if the pattern is initially laid out on a grid, it is applied to a perfectly plastered surface.

5. When transferring tiles, it is better to use 2 stencils - on one, the primary layout of the panel will be performed, and on the second, we apply markings on the wall or other plane. The most convenient way is with chalk or a marker. Do not be afraid that the lines will be visible, they will subsequently be filled with a special solution - grout.

Tip: When laying tiles and shards, protect your hands with gloves from small cuts with sharp edges. The tile sticks well only at the optimum temperature - within +5°С - +30°С.

Mortar for tiles

A solution for working with ceramic and tile is in every hardware store. Give preference light shades- so it is easier to evaluate the preliminary results.

For cullet, a light or transparent solution is used; it will shine through under the fragments. In some cases, a little foil is placed under each piece of colored glass so that the mosaic sparkles like precious stones.

The finished solution is applied to the wall with a small spatula from the corner or central area, from where it is more convenient to lay out the panels. Each fragment is slightly pressed into the solution so that it attaches well.

Tip: The laying is best attached from below, and the finished areas should be allowed to dry before the next step. It is convenient to lay out pieces of the same color according to the stencil pattern, for example, a sunflower petal. On a small panel, the solution will be successfully replaced by “liquid nails”.

curved pattern

Mosaic pattern from broken ceramic tiles - perfect option where there should be a curved washable surface that cannot be laid with ordinary tiles. It is good to fix small fragments along the grid with ordinary glue, and fill the gap with grout or finishing plaster.

This method is suitable for rounded and streamlined surfaces in the bathroom and pool, in the hallway and kitchen. Looks good:

  • a mosaic washbasin laid out in oriental style;
  • the outer side of the bath and the inner side of the pool;
  • rounded niches for small figurines.

Beautifully look in the bathroom, sauna or pool surfaces flowing into one another - from the floor to the walls and the outside of the tanks, as in the photo. The greenhouse looks picturesque, the loggia under winter Garden with rounded multi-level terraces for plants, lined with a mosaic of broken tiles, shells and stones.

Technology of laying out a mosaic pattern

To master the features of laying out a mosaic, it is important to carefully study the master class on tiles from broken pieces. For this you will need:

  • chipped remains of porcelain stoneware, ceramic tiles, other facing and natural materials;
  • a set of spatulas;
  • scissors for cutting the mesh and the mesh itself;
  • fixtures and utensils for preparing the adhesive composition;
  • grout for joints - in the color of the tile or contrasting;
  • wire cutters and tile cutter;
  • any light-colored tile adhesive, preferably a special transparent or super-cement;
  • suitable for laying mosaics on the floor cement mortar.

General rules:

1. It is convenient to lay out the pattern from the central semantic fragment, gradually covering new areas.

2. First, the laying of the main figures is completed, then the background and background of the composition. If a lot of mortar or glue has come out in some places, it is important to carefully remove each element from the front side, you can leave it in between.

3. On final stage the pattern is left to dry for a day. Then wipe the mosaic with a damp sponge to remove excess composition.

4. The final stage is the grouting of the mosaic canvas or filling in the gaps. Special grout for tiles can be purchased at a building supermarket or made from dry finishing putty. If you do it yourself, prepare the batch for small areas, working through each fragment.

5. If necessary, a pigment is added to the grout to match the tone of the mosaic.

6. After about 20 minutes, the grout seizes and darkens a little - you can remove its excess from the tile pieces with a damp sponge.

7. When the mosaic is completed - treat with glass cleaner and wipe dry thoroughly.

Tip: When the mosaic canvas is laid out on pieces of the grid in fragments, it is important to remove excess edges so that they do not overlap. It is better to immediately cut out individual fragments according to templates, lay out individual sections according to the sketch.

Mosaic for outdoor use can be laid on cement mortar with the addition of glue:

  • decoration of fences;
  • base of benches;
  • garden paths;
  • barbecue walls;
  • fountains;
  • multi-level flower beds.

After the cement base has set a little, they begin to decorate with mosaics. Do not forget to level horizontal surfaces with a building level, vertical surfaces with a plumb line.

Mosaic care is simple:

  • do not use abrasive cleaning compounds, acidic substances and oily substances that spoil the grout;
  • dirty areas of the mosaic in the kitchen can be lightly cleaned with a soft brush and soapy water;
  • after any cleaning agent, the panels are wiped with a damp sponge, then dry;
  • outdoor surfaces and garden decor can be treated clean water from a hose, but the jet should not be strong so as not to destroy the integrity of the composition.

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