FAQ

Store Opening Hours

Our online store is open 24/7. Our customer service is available Mon–Fri from 10:00 to 16:00 (EET). You can best reach us at: 📧 info@mosaiikkimyymala.com 📞 +358 44 246 9244 Please note that we respond to messages on social media more slowly, as we do not monitor them continuously. Our warehouse store in Mikkeli is open irregularly – see current opening hours here. We also welcome groups of 6 or more outside opening hours by appointment and organize mosaic workshops. Don’t hesitate to contact us!


Are all products in the online store available for immediate order?

Yes! All products displayed in our webshop are generally available for immediate order. We ship directly from our own warehouse in Mikkeli. Occasionally, some popular items may be temporarily out of stock, but we restock regularly. If you need a larger quantity of any item, we recommend contacting us in advance – we’re happy to assist!


Product Quantities and Packaging Sizes

Do you sell small quantities of mosaics?

Yes. Most of our products are available in small batches – either as individual pieces or in bags, typically ranging from 20–200 grams depending on the product type. For mesh- or paper-backed tiles, we also offer small packs, such as sets of 25–49 tiles.

Can I buy mosaics by the sheet?

Yes, many of our mosaics are available in full sheets. The advantage of sheets is faster and easier installation and a lower price per unit. Small and transparent tiles are often paper-backed, requiring an indirect mounting method.

Do you sell bulk or wholesale quantities?

Yes, we offer larger packages and wholesale lots for many products. For bulk purchases, you can request a custom quote – feel free to reach out! If you're not yet familiar with a product, we recommend ordering a small sample first or booking an appointment to visit our warehouse store in Mikkeli.

Larger Orders – Schools, Companies and Institutions

We are happy to work with schools, educational institutions, care facilities, and therapy centers. If you're representing an organization and need larger product quantities, guidance, or help with your selections, we’re here to assist. Contact us via email: info@mosaiikkimyymala.com or phone: +358 44 246 9244. We also offer invoicing and installment payment options for companies and communities. Read more here.


How Can I Pay for My Order?

You can pay with debit/credit card or use other methods such as Klarna or PayPal. See all payment options here.


Ordering and Editing Your Order

You can place an order without registering, but if you'd like to speed up future purchases, see your order history, and create a wishlist of your favorite items, we recommend registering! Register or log in here. After registering, you can log into your account and start shopping easily.

I’ve placed and paid for an order – can I still add or remove items?

Yes, if your order hasn’t been shipped yet, it may still be possible to add or remove items. Please act quickly and contact us by email or phone (Mon–Fri 10:00–16:00), and we’ll check your order together. We aim to dispatch orders every weekday between 14:00–16:00. If tracking shows your order has already been shipped, please place a new order. Note: if your updated order significantly increases in size or weight, we may need to charge extra for shipping.


Shipping and Returns

How quickly will I receive my order?

We strive to ship orders from Finland the same day if received on weekdays (Mon–Fri) by 2:00 PM. Typically, domestic (in Finland) delivery takes 1–3 business days. You can track your order using the PostNord, Matkahuolto, or Posti tracking apps. International deliveries take longer. Click here to read more about delivery times.

Can I return unused materials?

Please check our return policy here.


Who Is Mosaic Crafting For?

Mosaic art is suitable for anyone over the age of 3 who enjoys hands-on creativity, colors, and visual expression. This versatile craft offers an opportunity to grow, relax, and explore your own artistic style—whether you're a beginner or an experienced hobbyist. Due to the use of small parts and glue, mosaic crafting is not suitable for children under 3. Children should always craft under adult supervision, and any grouting must be done by an adult.

We also have a dedicated Mosaic for Children product category with safe, suitable supplies for little ones.

Mosaic is perfect for you if:

  • You enjoy crafts, decorating, or art projects

  • You like projects that progress at a satisfying pace

  • You want to choose the size, complexity, and timing of your project

  • You’re looking for creative flow or an activity that enhances focus

  • You’d love a calming, home-based hobby

  • You want to make unique gifts, decorations, or everyday items

  • You value screen-free, shared activities with family, friends, or kids

  • You’re looking for a fun and creative idea for date nights, bachelorette parties, team days, or staff retreats

How large can mosaic projects be?

  • The smallest projects might be simple magnets, jewelry, or keychains finished in 15–30 minutes

  • Larger works may include full mosaic walls, staircases, or sculptures that take weeks or months to complete


Mosaic Crafting Steps 1–3: How to Make a Mosaic Step by Step

Watch tutorials on our website or YouTube channel. We offer a range of DIY kits that include everything you need for a mosaic project. These are especially handy for beginners—we recommend starting with a small, flat piece like a trivet. Browse all DIY mosaic kits here.

You can create mosaics on nearly any base: glass, metal, styrofoam, ceramic, MDF, etc. We sell a variety of shaped mosaic bases, including animals and symbols.


1. Plan Your Project Carefully and Choose the Right Materials

Planning is key to a successful mosaic—good preparation makes the process smoother. Always use materials, adhesives, and tools suited to your specific project.

Start by considering:

  • What is the size, theme, and color palette? Sketch it on paper and draw light outlines with a pencil directly on the base for easier placement.

  • Choose your base, mosaic materials, glue, and grout based on the intended location (e.g., will it be outdoors? Exposed to sunlight or moisture?)

  • Will you use pre-cut mosaic pieces or cut your own?

  • Do you want a flat or more textured surface? Consider thicknesses of materials.

  • Does your project need grouting, or is gluing enough? Not all mosaics require grout, but it gives a polished, smooth finish.

  • Estimate the amount of material needed using product info pages and our mosaic calculator. It's better to order a little extra than to run out mid-project.

2. Glue the Tiles (and Cut Them If Needed)

You can use ready-made mosaic pieces or cut and shape them yourself for more creative freedom. Generally, the smaller and more detailed the surface, the smaller the pieces you'll want. We have excellent tools for cutting—avoid using regular hammers, as they may damage the surface and create waste. 

  • Use enough glue to ensure the entire back of each piece adheres firmly

  • Leave a gap of approximately 2–4 mm between the pieces if you plan to grout, or place them more tightly if no grouting is needed

  • Allow the glue to dry completely before moving, using, or grouting the piece to prevent tiles from coming loose

  • If any mosaic piece detaches, it can be reattached. First, make sure both the tile and surface are clean—remove any glue or grout residue using a toothpick, cotton swab, or gently with the tip of a knife. Re-glue the piece and let it dry thoroughly before grouting to ensure it stays firmly in place during final finishing

Helpful tools for gluing:

  • Glue spreader – for even application

  • Glue syringe – for small or hard-to-reach spots

  • Sticky pen and tweezers – for precise placement, especially in jewelry work


How to glue:

Apply mosaic glue to a small section of the surface at a time and gently press the pieces into place. This method is cleaner and easier than spreading glue on the back of each individual piece—your fingers stay clean, and the glue won’t smear the tile surfaces.

  • Apply glue to small sections of the surface and press pieces into place

  • Use enough glue so the full back of each tile makes contact

  • Leave a 2–4 mm gap between tiles if you plan to grout, or place tightly if not

  • Allow glue to fully dry before moving or grouting the piece

  • If a tile comes loose, re-glue it after cleaning any residue off both the tile and base (use a toothpick or craft knife)

Click to explore our mosaic tools. See our glue recommendations. Watch our glue tutorial video.


3. Grouting (Optional Step)

Grouting gives your piece a finished, clean look and strengthens the surface. It’s not always necessary—if tiles are tightly placed or you want a light, airy look (like with lanterns or glass), you can skip it. Always prepare only as much grout as you can use within the recommended working time.

For large projects, ask someone to assist or grout small areas at a time. Follow your grout brand’s specific instructions.

Grouting is safe but requires care and protection—grout can irritate skin or airways. Always grout under adult supervision.

Grouting is recommended when:

  • You use sharp or irregularly cut pieces

  • Your tile gaps are over 2 mm

  • You want a smooth, easy-to-clean surface like tabletops or trays

Tools for grouting:

  • Mixing container – e.g., a plastic jar or bucket

  • Measuring cup – for water

  • Mixing tool – spatula, stick, or old spoon

  • Grout spreader – for applying across the surface

  • Grout sponge – for removing excess and finishing lines

  • Lint-free cloths – for final cleaning (match cloth color to grout)

  • Respirator – for dust during mixing

  • Gloves – to protect hands

  • Safety glasses – for mixing and splashing

  • Surface cover + tape – to protect tables

  • Apron or old clothes – grout can stain

Before grouting:

  • Wear gloves, a mask, and safety glasses

  • Cover your workspace and wear old clothes

While grouting:

  • Follow the grout instructions exactly

  • Wipe spills off surfaces immediately

How to grout:

  1. Mix grout as instructed—usually thick like porridge—and let it sit (5 mins), then remix

  2. If using absorbent tiles, lightly dampen them before applying grout

  3. Rub grout across surface with gloves or a spreader until gaps are filled

  4. Let set for 5–10 minutes, then wipe gently with a damp sponge in circular motions

  5. Let dry slightly again and polish with a soft cloth; let it cure fully

  6. Dry leftover grout can be discarded as mixed waste (check local guidelines)

For large projects, repeat steps 4–5 in sections. Let water settle in your rinse container overnight, pour off clean water, and dispose of dried residue properly


What glue should I use for mosaic work? 

The type of glue depends on the mosaic work you intend to create. We offer a variety of glues in our selection. Check our glue chart to see which glue we recommend for specific applications HERE.

How do I cut/chop mosaic pieces? 

We have several tools for shaping mosaic pieces. Check our tools HERE.

Can I use a regular hammer to chop mosaics?

We do not recommend this as it breaks the tiles into random pieces and can damage the glaze or surface of the mosaic. Investing in good tools can make cutting more enjoyable and productive.

How much mosaic do I need for my project? 

Estimate the surface area based on length, width, and height (if 3D). Cutting pieces yourself will result in waste, so add 5-10% more to your calculated amount. The product page for each mosaic provides information on coverage. It's advisable to buy a little extra to ensure your project doesn't stall. Sometimes there can be slight variations in color batches, so it's better to buy the required amount all at once. See mosaic calculator HERE.

How to Grout a Mosaic Work? 

Grouting a mosaic is not particularly difficult or dangerous, but it can be a bit messy. Therefore, it's important to protect yourself and your workspace. We recommend that grouting is done by an adult. Wear protective gear, as grout can irritate the skin and respiratory system. If grout comes into contact with the skin, wipe it off and rinse with water. When mixing water with grout powder, use a dust mask and safety glasses for protection. Always wear protective gloves while grouting.

Keep in mind that different brands of grout might have slightly different instructions. It's crucial to follow the specific instructions provided with the grout you're using. Gradually add water to the grout to prevent it from becoming too runny and mix thoroughly.

Always prepare only as much grout as you can use within its working and drying times specified in the instructions. Cleaning the surface of the mosaic work becomes more challenging if the grout dries out too much, possibly requiring you to use significant force. For large or extensive projects, consider asking for help with grouting or working on one small area at a time to manage the workload and ensure quality results.

Here's a guide to give you an idea of how to grout: Mix approximately 500 grams of grout powder with approx. 1.5 dl of water carefully until it reaches a porridge-like consistency. Let it sit for about 5 minutes and mix again. Use the grout within the next 60 minutes. Before applying the grout, dampen absorbent, unglazed materials with water.

Apply the grout to the surface of the mosaic work with a grouting tool/spatula and allow it to dry for about 5-10 minutes (until the grout does not stick to your finger) and gently wipe off excess grout with a slightly damp grouting sponge in circular motions*. Allow the work to dry for about 5-10 minutes, so that a thin, dryish layer of powder remains on the surface. Finally, clean the surface with a soft, lint-free cloth. Use the same color cloth as the grout itself. Allow it to dry well. If you have leftover grout, dispose of it according to local regulations. Usually, hardened grout can be disposed of with general waste.

*If you are working on a large mosaic project, you may repeat the cleaning and drying phase several times. You can squeeze the grouting sponge clean in a container with a small amount of water. The remains of the grout will settle at the bottom of the water container over time. The next day, pour the clean water on top down the drain (you can use a filter cloth to help) and leave the grout residue to dry in the container before disposing of it.

How much grout do I need?

A general guideline is about 2 kg of grout per square meter, but it's better to have enough grout on hand to avoid interruptions. Always prepare just enough grout that you can use within its specified working/drying times. Cleaning the surface of the mosaic work can be difficult if the grout dries too much. For large or extensive projects, consider asking for help with grouting or do a small area at a time.

What color grout should I use? 

This depends on the desired effect; whether you want a lot of contrast between the tiles and the grout color or you prefer a more harmonious, less contrasting look. You can also test the grout color's effectiveness by making a small sample work in which you glue your chosen colors and grout them with different colors.

Grey grout is generally a neutral and safe choice, suitable for many colored works. For outdoor mosaics, grouting with dark or grey grout is recommended as it's less likely to show dirt and debris.

If you can't find the exact shade of grout you want in the selection available, you can also mix it yourself by combining different colors of the same brand or by adding color pigments. Adding glitter powder can also add a fun element to the appearance of your mosaic work. You can also grout your work with multiple colors, although this is more challenging and time-consuming. Grout dark areas first and cover areas that you want to remain lighter with cardboard and painter's tape.

Can I use mosaic for bathroom tiling? 

Most tiles are suitable for bathrooms. Always read the product details for the mosaic you're interested in. Ensure that the adhesive and grout you use are suitable for wet areas.

Can I use mosaic in the kitchen backsplash? 

Yes, for backsplashes, we recommend glass mosaics as they are easy to clean from potential dirt and grease stains. We do not recommend untreated porous materials. Ensure that the adhesive and grout you use are suitable for wet areas, especially if placed near a sink.

Why are some colors more expensive? 

The cost of raw materials and other materials used in the manufacturing process varies. For example, the production of red, orange, and yellow glass involves the use of cadmium, a very expensive and toxic mineral. The production of pink color can involve the use of 24-karat gold, making it the most expensive color to produce.

Is mosaic heat resistant? 

Glass tiles are very heat resistant, but ensure that the adhesive, grout, and base you use are as well. Acrylic mosaic is not heat-resistant, so do not use it for items like pot stands, trivets or candle holders that come into contact with open flame.