How to Make Mosaic
Mosaic is the art of decorating a surface by setting small pieces of different colours side by side, and the work produced this way. Pieces that mean little on their own become a work of art when arranged in order.
What is mosaic?
Mosaic is a surface decoration made by fixing small pieces of stone, glass, ceramic or marble onto a base. It is used on floors and walls, on vases and plates, and on tables. We tell its story on our history of mosaic page.
Mosaic materials
- Natural stone and marble: Calm, earthy tones and natural veining.
- Glass mosaic: A wide colour range and a glossy, light-reflecting surface.
- Smalti: Intensely coloured glass pieces of about 1 cm, made specifically for mosaic.
- Ceramic and others: Ceramic, wood and mirror pieces are also used.
You will also need mosaic nippers, an adhesive or cement-based mortar, grout for the gaps and a sealant for natural stone.
Methods
- Direct method: Pieces are pressed one by one into adhesive or mortar on the base. The most common method for flat surfaces such as tables.
- Indirect method: The design is assembled in reverse on paper or mesh, transferred to the base in one go, then grouted. Used for large, repetitive surfaces.
Step by step
- Draw the pattern and choose the palette.
- Sort the pieces by colour and cut what you need with nippers.
- Try the pattern out dry on the base.
- Fix the pieces from the centre outwards, keeping the gaps even.
- Once the adhesive has cured, apply grout and wipe off the excess.
- Clean and polish the surface; seal natural stone.
Frequently asked questions
Mosaic pieces (glass, stone, ceramic or smalti), a base, adhesive, mosaic nippers, grout, a spatula and a sponge for cleaning.
Smalti are intensely coloured glass pieces of about 1 cm, made specifically for mosaic art.
Grout bonds the pieces, levels the surface and shapes how the pattern looks. Light grout softens it, dark grout sharpens the lines.
Let’s design your table together
Size, colours and pattern are chosen with you, and your table is made as a single piece in our Istanbul studio. Send a photo of your space and the size you have in mind.