Start mosaic projects with ease – no prior experience needed
Did you know you can begin mosaic crafting without cutting tiles or doing any grouting? Often it is enough to glue the mosaic pieces directly onto the base, working on a small area at a time. This makes the hobby simple and rewarding right from the start.
Our recommendations for beginners:
- Watch the tutorial videos below and get inspired to make mosaics.
- Start conveniently with DIY mosaic kits – difficulty levels 1–2/4 are perfect for first projects.
- Design and make a small flat piece yourself, for example a trivet, photo frame or serving tray. See the most popular beginner basics.
- Ready-made small and varied mosaic pieces make it easy to get started. Because of their size, you often do not need to cut them. For example Ottoman 8 mm, Glass mosaic 10 mm, Soft Glass pieces and Lilliput gems.
- When you are ready to progress, the next step is using mosaic wheeled nippers. They let you cut pieces to the exact size you want and make it easier to cover three-dimensional, curved bases. A mosaic can be finished with grouting, which creates a clean, even and durable surface.
Mosaic basics – tutorial video
Explore the world of mosaics and learn about common materials, tools and techniques.
First mosaic project – tutorial video
Learn to make your first mosaic project as a trivet. The video walks through all the steps, and you can apply the same technique later to other mosaic projects as well.
Mosaic steps 1–3 – how to make mosaics step by step
Watch our tutorial videos to learn the basic techniques and gather plenty of ideas and instructions for every season. Did you know you can create mosaics on almost any base, for example glass, metal, Styrofoam, ceramic and MDF? Upcycle items from home or order great mosaic bases from us, including shapes of animals and symbols. See different options for mosaic bases here.
1. Plan your project and choose the right materials
Good planning is the key to a successful mosaic project. It makes the process easier and faster. It is important to use materials, adhesives and tools that are suitable for your specific project.
Start by planning:
- What are the size, theme and colour palette? Sketch the design on paper and draw light outlines with a pencil directly onto the base – this helps with placement and gluing.
- Choose the base, materials, adhesive and grout according to where the mosaic will be placed and the conditions. For example, consider whether the base can support the weight and whether an outdoor piece will face weather changes, frost, moisture or sunlight.
- Will you use ready-made mosaic pieces or cut the tesserae yourself?
- Do you want a smooth, even surface or a more textured, lively finish? Consider differences in material thickness.
- Does the piece need grouting or is adhesive alone enough? Not all mosaics need grout, but grouting gives a finished, clean and even surface.
- Estimate usage in advance and order enough materials. It is easier to buy sufficient quantities at once than to pause the project for missing supplies. Coverage for each piece type is shown on the product page. Use the mosaic calculator to estimate the amount you need.
2. Glue (and cut) the pieces
You can use ready-made small mosaic pieces or cut and shape them yourself. This allows more precise and individual patterns and gives more creative freedom than using only pre-cut pieces. As a rule of thumb, the smaller and more curved the base is, or the more detailed the motif is, the smaller the tesserae you use.
You will find guidance on cutting with mosaic wheeled nippers in the Mosaic basics video above. We offer several different tools for shaping mosaic. Always wear safety glasses when cutting. Use proper technique: hold the tool near the lower end – it makes cutting easier and requires less force. We do not recommend using an ordinary hammer to break glazed tiles, because it can damage the glaze, create uneven edges and cause excessive waste.
Watch the video to see which adhesive suits mosaic work
How to glue:
- Spread adhesive onto a small area of the base at a time and press the pieces lightly into place. This method is cleaner and easier than applying glue to the backs of individual tiles – the glue will not stick to your fingers or smear the surface.
- Use enough adhesive so each piece bonds across its entire underside.
- Leave about a 2–4 mm gap between pieces for grouting – or place them closer together if you do not plan to grout.
- Let the adhesive cure fully before moving, using or grouting the piece so the tiles do not come loose.
- If a piece detaches later, you can re-glue it. First ensure both the tile and the base are clean – remove residual glue or grout with a toothpick, cotton swab or carefully with a knife tip. Re-glue and allow it to dry thoroughly before use or grouting.
If you like, you can use handy aids for gluing:
- Glue spreader – for precise, even application
- Glue syringe – convenient for small or hard-to-reach areas
- StickyStick pen and tweezers – excellent for precise placement in small details, for example jewellery projects
3. Grouting (optional)
Grouting finishes a mosaic, making the surface smoother, more durable and polished. It is not mandatory – if the pieces are placed tightly edge to edge, or if you want to keep an airy, translucent look, such as in lanterns or on glass surfaces, you can leave the mosaic ungrouted.
Only prepare as much grout as you can use within the working and drying times stated on the package. Cleaning becomes harder if grout dries too much on the surface and you may need to scrub. For a large piece, ask for an extra pair of hands or grout in smaller sections. Always follow the specific instructions of the grout you use, as directions can vary slightly by manufacturer.
Grouting is not technically difficult, but it does require care and protective equipment, because grout can irritate the skin and respiratory tract and stain surfaces. Therefore, grouting must be carried out by an adult. Small amounts of leftover cured grout can usually be disposed of in mixed waste, but always check your local guidelines.
The colour of the grout greatly affects the final look. Decide the effect you want: strong contrast between tiles and grout, or a more harmonious and subtle difference. You can test grout colours by making a small sample with your chosen colours and grouting them with different shades.
Grey grout is a neutral and safe choice that suits many colour palettes. Outdoor mosaics are usually best grouted with dark or grey grout so dirt is less visible. If you cannot find the exact shade you want, you can mix it yourself by combining different colours from the same brand or by adding pigments. A touch of glitter powder can also add a playful sparkle. You can also grout with several colours, but it is more challenging and time-consuming. Grout the dark areas first and cover the areas you want lighter with cardboard and masking tape.
Grouting is recommended when:
- you use sharp-edged or nipped pieces
- joint gaps are over 2 mm
- you want a smooth, easy-to-clean surface, for example on a tabletop or tray
Tools for grouting:
- Mixing container – for example a plastic jar, bucket or any container big enough for mixing grout
- Measuring jug or cup – for measuring the correct amount of water
- Mixing tool – a grout spreader, mixing stick or an old spoon
- Grout spatula – helps spread grout across the surface in different directions
- Grout sponge – for removing excess grout and finishing the joints; a piece of foam also works
- Dry, lint-free cloths – for final cleaning and polishing. Use cloths similar in colour to the grout to avoid possible staining
- Respirator – protects from grout dust during mixing
- Protective gloves – protect the skin
- Safety glasses – protect from dust while mixing and from splashes while grouting
- Surface protection + tape – for example cardboard, plastic or newspaper to protect the worktop
- Apron or protective clothing – wear clothes that can get messy
How to grout:
Before grouting – protect and prepare:
- wear protective gloves, a respirator and safety glasses
- wear sturdy, dirt-resistant clothing and an apron
- protect the work surface with plastic or paper and tape it down
During grouting:
- always follow the specific instructions of the grout you use
- wipe grout splashes off skin or surfaces immediately and rinse with water
- Prepare the grout according to the product instructions. Pour grout powder into a sufficiently large container and add water gradually in the correct ratio, mixing thoroughly to a porridge-like consistency. Let it slake for the instructed time, usually about 5 minutes, and mix again.
- If you have used absorbent tiles, for example unglazed, porous or textured pieces, lightly dampen their surfaces with a cloth before applying grout.
- Apply the grout by rubbing it across the surface in different directions by hand with gloves or with a grout float until all joints are filled. A thin translucent film may remain on top of the tiles.
- Let the grout set for the time specified, usually about 5–10 minutes, until it no longer sticks to your finger. Wipe off the excess gently with a slightly damp grout sponge or lint-free cloth in circular motions. A light haze may remain on the tiles.
- Allow the piece to dry for a moment, usually about 5 minutes, so a light dry powder film forms. Finally, polish the surface with a soft lint-free cloth. Use a cloth similar in shade to the grout. Let it dry well.
If you have leftover grout, let it cure in the mixing container. Small amounts of cured grout can usually be disposed of in mixed waste. Check local waste-management guidance, as it may vary.
For a large mosaic, you can repeat the cleaning and drying steps several times. You can squeeze the sponge clean in a container with a small amount of water. Residual grout will settle to the bottom over time. The next day, pour off the clean water, using a filter cloth if you wish, and let the sediment dry in the container before disposing of it.
Click to see all the most popular products for beginners.
Get inspired and find your own way to make mosaics – joy is built from small pieces.
