Glass Mosaic - The new fashion statement

Glass mosaic tiles are one of the many mosaic tiles available for use in making mosaic arts, mosaic pools, mosaic tables, etc. It comes in a variety of designs: metallic, iridescent, mini and swirled. Usually, tiles measures ¾” x ¾” x 1/8”, which is the industry standard, and because of this very standard, glass tiles from different manufacturers can be used for the same design. However, it should be kept in mind that stone and ceramic tiles are usually thicker than this tiles.

These tiles have a flat face, with the back embossed with small ridges to facilitate the faster bonding of glue. While cutting glass mosaic tiles, it is important to use a mosaic glass cutter that has wheel-shaped blades; these blades help in cutting the tiles more cleanly and precisely than a tile nipper.

Iridescent glass mosaic tiles are usually found mounted on a removable mesh sheet, with about 36 tiles per sheet. Larger sheet sizes are available, but the tiles themselves are available in one size. The mesh is placed to ensure consistent grout spacing between the glass mosaic tiles and can be removed by soaking it in hot water.

The finest Italian mosaic glass tile is fired at high temperatures in the presence of mineral salts to give it an iridescent finish that shimmers like mother of pearl. In the case of metallic glass mosaic tiles, there are tiny metallic flakes that are swirled throughout the glass to give a stunning overall effect to the tile. In the case of swirled These tiles are marbleized with swirls of different colored glass. These tiles are molded into individual tiles that are ready to use “as-is” when required, with no cutting.

Stained Glass Mosaics are surprisingly easy to start making. The craft is much easier to learn than traditional stained glass and yet the results can be equally as stunning.

The secret lies in using the correct clear drying glue to bond your stained glass mosaic pieces to a piece of clear picture glass. The best idea is to buy an old picture frame (6 x 6 inches is a good size for beginners). Take the glass out but keep the frame which can be used to frame the work later.

The glass need to be thoroughly clean before any glass is fixed to it. You can obtain glass mosaic pieces, either by cutting your own from sheets of stained glass, using glass 'nippers' or you can buy precut glass tiles, or stained glass off-cuts.

Always wear protective glasses when cutting glass and be aware of how sharp cut edges can be. It is a good idea to rinse all glass to remove any chips or glass dust.