How to Make a Tile Mosaic Serving Tray
Crafters Can Recycle Spare Tiles to Accent a Remodeled Kitchen
Sep 26, 2008
Tile mosaics are a quick and simple way to dress up out of date treasures from the thrift store. And, if left over tiles from a remodeling project are used, the pieces will be perfect accents to the new room.
Working with tile isn’t difficult. Even someone who hasn’t had practice remodeling their counters can create charming accent pieces for themselves or to give as gifts. Making a mosaic serving tray is a great idea for anyone who wants to try out tile working for the first time without getting themselves into an enormous project.
Materials
- A few leftover tiles
- Rimmed serving tray
- Tile cutter
- Hammer
- Tile adhesive
- Trowel
- Grout
- Rubber float
- Putty knife
The patterns chosen for a serving tray will vary depending on the size, shape, and colors of tiles used as well as the size and shape of the tray. Crafters should start by selecting one tile or grouping of tiles for the center and lay it out inside the tray without using adhesive. Next, they can measure and study the remaining tiles determining how many to cut for the smaller pieces that will make a row around the central pattern. Finally, a fun method eliminating the need for exact measurement is breaking the tiles up with a hammer and filling in the outer edges of the tray with the broken pieces. It’s important to wear goggles when cutting tile to protect eyes from flying debris or dust.
Instructions for Laying a Tile Mosaic
- Measure the tray and draw a line from top to bottom and side to side.
- Use the trowel to coat the back of the tile for the center with adhesive and place on the tray.
- Use the tile cutter to score and cut tiles to surround the central tile.
- Lay out the next row to see if it looks right.
- Apply adhesive and place in tray.
- Smash tile with a hammer for the outer edges of the tray.
- Spread adhesive with the trowel and place the broken tiles in a tight pattern that fills in the tray.
- Scrape adhesive that has bulged from the cracks, and wipe it from the tiles’ surface.
- Allow adhesive to dry according to the label’s directions.
Instructions for Finishing a Tile Mosaic with Grout
- Be sure to wear rubber gloves for this part of the project.
- Follow the instructions closely when mixing water and grout powder.
- Hold back a little powder in case the mix is too watery.
- The grout should be firm, but not crumbly. If crumbly, add a little water; if watery, add a little more powder.
- Use a putty knife to dig out some grout and drop it on your project.
- With the rubber float, push the grout into all the cracks.
- Run the corner of the float along the cracks to even out the grout line.
- Allow grout to harden, but not dry completely.
- Before the grout dries, use a damp towel to wipe the film from the tiles.
- When grout is dry, polish the tiles with a dry towel.
Instead of a pile of left over tiles for the trash, now there’s a one-of-a-kind accent piece to match the new kitchen. Crafters can take this project as far as their creativity will carry them. What other recycled treasures from the thrift store might look better with a mosaic makeover?
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