DIY Network

Metallic Glass Mosaic From "DIY Crafts" episode DIC-163

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Metallic-glass mosaic tiles and metallic-colored grout give a sheen to this tabletop. Figure A Figure B Figure C Figure D Figure E Figure F

Artist and designer Andy Jones of PCM Studios adds sparkle to an end table with metallic glass mosaics applied to the top.

Materials:

Side table with wooden top
Acrylic paint: metallic copper and white
Damp sponges
Mosaic tiles
Mosaic-tile adhesive
Tile grout (suitable for indoor use only; if the table will be placed outdoors, use a grout designed for outdoor use)
Flat trowel or grout float
Paintbrush
Pot scrubber
Paper plate
Notched trowel
Cotton cloths

1. Apply mosaic-tile adhesive to the top of the table with a notched trowel. The adhesive sets up quickly, so apply it only to an area that you can tile in about 5 minutes (figure A).

2. Before positioning each tile on the surface, apply a dab of adhesive to the back. Having adhesive on both the table and the tile insures a good, tight bond. Allow the adhesive to dry five to six hours before applying grout (figure B).

3. Apply nonsanded white grout to the surface with a flat trowel or a grout float, working the grout into all the spaces between tiles. The grout should be level with the surface of the tiles. Don't worry if the tiles are obscured by grout. It will easily wipe off after drying about a half hour (figure C).

4. Using a slightly damp sponge, gently wipe the surface. This will help remove excess grout. Too much pressure could disturb grout between the tiles that hasn't cured, so remove only excess grout covering the tiles. Allow the grout to dry overnight.

5. To remove the film of grout dried on the tiles, polish each tile with a damp sponge or pot scrubber until no grout remains on the surface. This will make the tiles shine (figure D).

6. Paint the table with a metallic-copper acrylic paint. Apply two coats to achieve opaque coverage.

7. When the copper acrylic has dried, apply white acrylic paint to one section of the table at a time, then quickly wipe the white paint with a soft, damp cotton rag to give the table a whitewashed appearance.

8. Stain the grout on the tabletop by brushing copper acrylic across the entire top surface (figure E).

9. Begin wiping the top with a cotton rag to remove excess paint. Continue wiping the tabletop with a damp cotton rag to clean the tiles. The goal is to stain the grout and remove the paint from the tiles (figure F).

10. Finish by wiping the table with a soft cotton rag.