This one was a fooler. You get the "tiles" from the flooring store and not from the tile department. These are actually pieces of cut and peel linoleum squares applied to a tabletop.
Materials:
peel-and-stick linoleum squares *
grout
craft knife
ruler
table
*The squares usually range in price from about 40 cents to $2 each. It is recommended to purchase those that are among the higher priced. It is essential to select those that are of the same thickness so the top surface of your mosaic will be smooth.
Steps:
- Using a craft knife cut the tiles up into many pieces. It is often not necessary to cut through the entire tile. Usually after making the initial cut you can just pick it up and bend it and it will snap off. If not, turn it over and cut from the other side. When cutting you can cut large plain colored areas into a variety of shapes. On the patterned sections many of the designs will suggest natural cutting lines.
- Find the center of the table top by drawing diagonal lines between opposite corners. In the center peel off the backing from the tile piece selected to be the focal center point and place in position.
- Work out from the center toward the outside edges stopping to check with a ruler every now and then to be certain that the lines in all directions are straight. If you decide to make an un-patterned mosaic then this step is not necessary, of course.
- When all the pieces have been positioned, go over everything with a brayer to be certain every piece is securely attached to the table top.
- Mix and apply grout as per the package directions. Allow to set for a short time, then wipe over everything with a wet sponge. Repeat procedure until the entire top is absolutely clean and the grout is only in the spaces between the tile pieces.
- After grout has cured, which usually takes about 10 days, apply a sealer.
Note: The type of table you use will determine how to treat the outside edges. If there is an edge that comes up even slightly beyond the tile and grout, there will be no problem. If it is even with, or below the tile level, you may have difficulty keeping everything neat. You can either hold up a length of wood or cardboard along the table edge while you apply the grout, or you can go over the edge and cover the side edges with the grout.
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