Question from Claire from NSW

Hi Brett,I have my 1st business commission, which is to mosaic 2 Large Seahorses, 2 Large Fish and 5 smaller fish onto the interior wall of a new business, I will not be installing the mosaics.Im thinking it would be best to be done on mesh ? As the rest of the wall has to be tiled and the mosaics have to blend flush with the tiled wall.I haven’t used mesh before, have you any tips on this, at all ? Or any other tips on other methods of installation that you think may be better.Any help would be appreciated.Thanks

Reply from Brett

Thanks for your mail.

OK, I think mesh is definitely your best option – especially since someone else will be installing it.

The only problem with mesh, is if you’re using different thickness of tesserae. It’s not possible to get a perfectly flat mosaic by using weldbond or similar – it depends if that’s OK with your client or not.

If they require it flat, you might consider using cement based adhesive (thinset) so you can flatten using the techniques described here 

Tips? Use an additive with your glue (if using thinset) to improve stickiness & flexibility. Break mesh down to smaller pieces if the murals are large – but mark them clearly so the installer can figure out how to piece them together.

I hope that answers your questions Claire – let me know if not.