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Adhesives
Adhesives
The tesserae are glued onto your base before grouting. There are many adhesives on the market and it is important to choose the appropriate one for the type of base you are using, the tesserae you are using and the final position of the piece.
PVA - For indoor horizontal pieces PVA is suitable. It is easy to use, dries clear and is strong as long as it is not exposed to moisture.
Weldbond - An alternative to PVA is Weldbond. It is waterproof, dries clear and is very strong. Weldbond has become the most popular glue (especially for indoor horizontal work) with modern mosaic artists.
A cheaper alternative is Fuller's Max-Bond in a cartridge - cheap, waterproof and reliable although a little messy to use. You may want to use this for any pieces on a vertical.
An alternative to Max Bond for vertical pieces and for all outdoor pieces, is to use the bonding agent described below.
Cement Adhesive - For all outdoor pieces this is my preferred glue. This is a powdered mixture of cement and sand. Its chemical reaction is activated by the addition of liquid – either water or latex. The powder and liquid are mixed to a peanut butter consistency and applied thinly.
For outdoor mosaics this is one of the best glues to use because it is strong and waterproof and can be used on vertical pieces.
It can be purchased pre-mixed but I find it is better to make up my own small batch because it does not have a long working life.
Silicone - I use clear silicone for all clear work - glass/translucent. Silicone has many advantages: it is waterproof, has immediate vertical hold, dries clear, protects the backing of mirrors and can be used outdoors.
Do Not Use
School craft glue – it is simply not strong enough
Hot glue guns – or any glue that dries instantaneously
PVA - For indoor horizontal pieces PVA is suitable. It is easy to use, dries clear and is strong as long as it is not exposed to moisture.
Weldbond - An alternative to PVA is Weldbond. It is waterproof, dries clear and is very strong. Weldbond has become the most popular glue (especially for indoor horizontal work) with modern mosaic artists.
A cheaper alternative is Fuller's Max-Bond in a cartridge - cheap, waterproof and reliable although a little messy to use. You may want to use this for any pieces on a vertical.
An alternative to Max Bond for vertical pieces and for all outdoor pieces, is to use the bonding agent described below.
Cement Adhesive - For all outdoor pieces this is my preferred glue. This is a powdered mixture of cement and sand. Its chemical reaction is activated by the addition of liquid – either water or latex. The powder and liquid are mixed to a peanut butter consistency and applied thinly.
For outdoor mosaics this is one of the best glues to use because it is strong and waterproof and can be used on vertical pieces.
It can be purchased pre-mixed but I find it is better to make up my own small batch because it does not have a long working life.
Silicone - I use clear silicone for all clear work - glass/translucent. Silicone has many advantages: it is waterproof, has immediate vertical hold, dries clear, protects the backing of mirrors and can be used outdoors.
Do Not Use
School craft glue – it is simply not strong enough
Hot glue guns – or any glue that dries instantaneously
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Getting Started
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Adhesives
