Download Article
Download Article
Left over or broken tiles can be used to make unique and beautiful mosaic designs rather than just getting thrown away. Here is a guide to make a mosaic from broken tiles.
Steps
Download Article
-
Get an idea in your head of what kind of mosaic you would like to make. Sketch a basic drawing of what you would like it to look like when it finishes. This can be as detailed as you want, but it just has to give you a guide. [1] X Research source -
Head over to your local hardware or floor store and select and buy the tiles you would like to use. This includes color and texture, or anything that you like. You could also go dumpster diving to find old tiles. These should be ceramic. (If your mosaic will be used where it may be subjected to freezing temperatures, the tiles should be porcelain that is frost resistant.) You may want to purchase a tile cutter if you are looking for a dramatic, organized mosaic with square pieces. You should also buy some tile adhesive and cement.Advertisement
-
With your safety glasses and protective gloves on, throw your tiles at any hard object, or simply drop them. In order to avoid major scratches, lay a thin comforter over the ground. Or score and cut with the tile cutter. These are great stress relievers and they don't hurt anyone. [2] X Research source
-
Gather your broken tiles into color categories. This will help you when the time comes to actually put them into place.
-
Now it comes time to make the mosaic. When you have all of your broken tile pieces, lay them onto the surface that you will decorate. Again, this can be anything at all.
-
Take your pieces and slide them into the wooden frame (if not already there). They might scatter a little, but if you are careful, it should not be too bad. Slide the attempted escapees back into place.
-
Now, individually glue each piece into place with the tile adhesive.
-
Once the tiles have set, mix up the cement with water until it is of the consistency described on the cement bag (liquid but not runny). Now put the cement/water mix over all the tiles. [3] X Research source
-
Using a soft cloth, rub off the excess cement that covers the tile pieces. [4] X Research source
-
You now have a beautiful Mosaic!
Advertisement
Community Q&A
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
Advertisement
Tips
- You can add food coloring to the cement to tint it.Thanks
- Plaster of Paris can be used in place of cement.Thanks
- Always make sure to ask if you can use the tiles.Thanks
Submit a Tip
All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
Advertisement
Warnings
- The pieces may be sharp; wear safety glasses and gloves while breaking the tiles.Thanks
-
Thanks
Advertisement
Things You'll Need
- Colored tiles
- A piece of cardboard large enough to hold your mosaic
- A laminating liquid
- Cement or tile grout
- Hammer
- A popsicle stick or plastic knife.
- Sponge
References
- ↑ http://www.architectureartdesigns.com/15-artistic-diy-projects-that-you-can-make-with-broken-tiles/
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hQ57JCoeHrQ
- ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/284-diy-tile-mosaic/
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mOQ7oWRi6cU
- ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-grout-tile/
About This Article
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 306,849 times.
Reader Success Stories
- "I was doing the same idea but in big area like a room. I never thought about doing it in a small area like wooden frame :) Thanks." ..." more
Advertisement
95%
of readers found this article helpful
.
Click a star to add your vote
% of people told us that this article helped them.
"I was doing the same idea but in big area like a room. I never thought about doing it in a small area like wooden frame :) Thanks."
..."
more
"I really appreciate the knowledge provided on broken tile laying. Thank you for this site."
"Nice. Simple and quick little steps. Easy to follow, because it's so broken down."
"The step-by-step mini videos helped a lot!"
"I love this website of wikiHow."
