A mosaic table top is a fun piece of furniture that can lighten up your space and give it a more artistic vibe.It can be difficult to find the right table top because they have different designs and colors.An old table you have sitting around the house can be used to make a mosaic table top.Prepare the table top and design the mosaic.Attaching your tiles to the table will allow you to enjoy your new mosaic.
Step 1: Place a piece of butcher paper over the table.
Place the paper around the table's edges.If you can't fit your paper over the entire table, tape two pieces together.
Step 2: The piece of paper should be in the shape of the table.
Cut around the edge of the table with scissors.As you cut, the tape should hold the paper in place.Remove the butcher paper and tape from the table.It should be the same size as your table.
Step 3: Smash your tiles into different shapes.
You can make your own shaped tiles if you want a more artistic look.Place your tiles on the floor with a towel.Use a hammer to smash the tiles.The tiles should be in different shapes and sizes when you lift up the towel.Smaller tiles can be purchased from the store.If you want to cover your table top, consider using premade tiles, gems, or a mirror.
Step 4: The butcher paper should be placed on top of your tiles.
Place the paper on a different surface than the floor.Lay out the tiles that you plan on using for your mosaic on the paper.Before you commit them to your table, this will help you visualize what they will look like.As you continue to build your mosaic, it will help to keep your tiles organized.If you are using uniform sized pieces for your mosaic, you should leave gaps between the tiles so that grout can fit in between them.Try to create unique designs.You can rearrange the tiles on the paper if you don't like how your design looks.
Step 5: The table top needs to be sanded.
If the table top is made of wood, you'll want to make sure the surface is smooth.Sand the wood with a hand or belt sander.You can skip this step if your table top is made of another material.On fine-grain woods like cherry or maple, use 180-grit.
Step 6: The table must be cleaned.
Use a duster or a dry cloth to run over the surface of the table and remove any dust that you created from sanding.Make sure to go over the surface of the table with your hand to make sure that you didn't miss anything.If you missed some places, go back and redo the area.
Step 7: The table must be washed and dried.
You can use a damp cloth and dish soap to clean your table.You can start creating your mosaic once the table top is clean.
Step 8: The table needs to be painted.
Paint can be applied to the table using a roller or brush.You can buy latex semi-gloss paint for furniture at a paint or hardware store.The first coat of paint may not be dark enough, so you may have to apply multiple coats.Allow the table to dry overnight after you've painted it.If you plan on using translucent tiles or stones, you want the table's natural color to not show through the mosaic.
Step 9: You can seal the table.
Before using it, be sure to mix it well.Use a clean brush to apply a coat of oil or water-based caulk.The instructions should be read when using a stain.The water will not be damaged.Place your table in aventilated area.
Step 10: Glue the tiles to the table.
You can use the tiles from the butcher paper to press them into the table surface.Glue down your design from the outside.Allow the tiles to set overnight once you're done gluing them down.If you want to change the design of the mosaic, you need to move the tiles around before the glue dries.For ceramic or glass tiles, mortar, mastic, or tile glue is the best glue to use.You can buy these at home improvement stores.
Step 11: There is a mix of grout.
To mix the grout, combine the powder with water in a bucket and use a trowel.To get the exact measurement of water, you need to read the instructions on the grout.Before you use it, make sure there isn't any lump in it.
Step 12: The tiles should be covered with the grout between the cracks.
The goal is to get the grout between the tiles.This will add to the look of your mosaic table, make it flatter, and help keep the tiles on the table.Use the trowel to work on the tiles.Some of the grout will be in between the tiles.
Step 13: The plastic card should be used to remove excess grout.
Run a plastic card over the tiles.After the scraper, try to get as much of it as you can with the card.
Step 14: The table should be washed off before the grout is dry.
Before cleaning the grout, let it set for at least 24 hours.Once it's dry, wash the tiles with warm water and dish soap.Use a sponge to scrub the grout if it isn't coming off.If your table top looks shiny, wipe it down and dry it with a clean rag.
Step 15: It is a good idea to spray a sealer to seal the grout.
Purchase a penetrating Sealer that works with the material you used.To prevent a film from forming on the tiles, wipe them down with a damp cloth and spray the sealer over the table.Allow it to dry once the grout is saturated.Before you use the table, wash it down one more time.If the table is going outdoors or you'll be having meals at it, it's important to seal the grout to prevent it from getting soft when it comes into contact with water.