How to Grout Mosaic Projects When Using Rocks & Cut Glass
- 1). Apply pebbles, glass shards and river rocks to your mosaic base (the item you want to create your mosaic upon) in the pattern of your choice. Use silicone glue to provide a clear, firm hold. Create glass shards in various shapes by using found (or recycled) glass bottles. Place the three large plastic bags inside one another to make one heavy-duty bag. Place the glass bottles inside the plastic bags and knot the open end with a large knot. (Don't make the knot tight because you need to be able to open the bag again.) Wearing protective goggles and work gloves, use a hammer to smash the glass in the garbage bags. Do this until you have glass shards in the sizes you want to use.
- 2). Cover your work with a plastic bag or tarp to protect it while the glue dries once your tesserae are placed. Allow the glue to set according to the manufacturer's instruction---usually 24 hours.
- 3). Mix the grout according to the manufacturer's directions. You can purchase colored grout or create your own colors by mixing in a small amount of acrylic paint. After mixing, pour a batch of your grout into a large ziplock bag. Cut one corner of the ziplock bag and then pipe the grout around the tesserae as if applying icing to a cake. You can also use a small spatula to spoon on and spread the grout around the objects. With objects of different sizes, extend the grout to the edges of each item so that everything is securely set in the grout.
- 4). Wipe off any excess grout that covers the mosaic using a soft cloth after the grout has set about for five to 10 minutes. Once the grout has set completely, use a fresh cloth to polish the mosaic. (See the manufacturer's directions for the correct curing times for your brand of grout.)
