Mosaic Bases - Materials and Preparation

Lionhead Mosaic Water Fountain
by Xuan My Ho

To ensure a good bond between the mosaic tesserae and the base, the surface must be clean and free from flaking paint, dirt and dust.

Remember that the base of the mosaic is like a spine and has to be able to support the entire weight of the tesserae, adhesive and grout - You can't put heavy thick pebbles on a 9mm plywood base!

Mosaic base considerations

The following pages contain information about the different types of mosaic bases that you can use and the special considerations required when using each type:

• Preparing the Mosaic Base Surface
• Using wood as a mosaic base
• Using glass, bottles or mirrors as a mosaic base
• Using metal as a mosaic base
• Choosing a base for an outdoor mosaic
• Choosing a base for an indoor mosaic