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INSTRUCTIONS: |
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1 |
Begin with a cement board panel designed for exterior use. |
click here for printable pattern |
2 |
Place a sheet of graphite or carbon paper on top of the board,
then place your 400% enlarged picture on top of that. Go over the lines of the design,
making sure to press down enough so the lines show up on the cement board. |
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3 |
Before removing your picture, make sure all the lines have transferred. Go over the lines
on the cement board with a thick marker. |
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4 |
Assemble your Mosaic Mercantile 3/8" mini tiles (Lavender,
Lilac, Dusk, and Flamingo). Use 3/8" Pansy for the background and 3/4" Champagne and Lapis tile for
the center (both of these tiles give the center a lovely glow, and create the focal point). |
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5 |
Before adhering your tiles, start by laying out the tiles according to your pattern. Using your
Mosaic Mercantile Wheeled Tile nippers, gently curve each tile by nipping at a slight angle. Be
sure to allow 1/8"- 1/4" spacing between each tile to allow for grout. |
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6 |
When you are satisfied with a section, you may begin gluing down the tiles with gloved hands and
Mosaic Mercantile Tile Adhesive. Begin by spreading a small area of adhesive down, but don't allow the
adhesive to dry without a tile being secured, as you don't want dry bumpy areas that will make it
difficult to lay new tiles down. If you need to reposition a tile, a bit of adhesive should be applied
to the back of the tile that was moved. |
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When you are satisfied with your finished mosaic, wait 24 hours. As an option, you can consider rust proofing
the table before applying the mosaic to the table base. Using 100% Silicone Sealant, adhere the mosaiced cement
board onto the iron table base. Allow to dry. Before applying the grout to your project, be sure that no moisture
from the tile adhesive will be trapped . A solid bond must form between the tile and the board. Slowly add water to
Mosaic Mercantile Sienna Sanded Grout until it becomes a peanut butter or frosting consistency, never runny.
Apply the grout with gloved hands and a rubber float tool, gently pushing the grout beween the tiles at an angle. |
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When you are satisfied every crevice is grouted, immediately wipe off the excess grout with an
almost dry sponge .If you wait too long, the grout will harden on the tiles, and be difficult to remove. |
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Allow to cure for 24 hours before applying sealer because once again, you don't want moisture
from the grout to seep through the sealer. The sealer protects the grout from stains, and forms
a water proof barrier in moist conditions. Be sure sealer dries only onto the grout lines, not the tiles. |
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Now, congratulate yourself on the beautiful piece that you have made, and enjoy it for many, many years to come! |
