| Equipment: |
| With any craft or hobby there are some basic tools
that you need to buy before you can begin. I have compiled a list for you and you
can add to it when you become more proficient. |
| Drawing & Design Tools: |
Geometry Set; invaluable when you want to draw circles and work out angles
Pencils, erasers and permanent markers
T-Square; to draw 90 degree angles in your designs
Carbon Paper; for tracing your pattern onto the surface
Scissors; for cutting mesh and brown paper
Brown Paper; for use when working in the indirect method or on mesh
|
| Surface Preparation Tools: |
PVA / EVA Adhesive and old brush (see surface preparation)
Sandpaper
Hacksaw or craft knife
Denatured alcohol and clean cloth
|
| Cutting Tools: |
Tile cutter: This is my favorite tool. It saves so much time when working with
ceramic tiles. I can cut different sizes quickly and easily.
Tile nipper: Nippers allow you to cut small squares, triangles and specialized
shapes.
Wheel glass cutter: If you want to work with glass tiles, this is one of the tools that will
allow you to cut the glass. The normal tile nipper will just shatter the glass.
Glass cutter: This tool is great when you need to score straight or curved lines in
glass tiles.
Tile scorer / cutter: allows you to score a line on glass or tile and then help you to
“break” it.
Running Pliers: helps you to break glass when the strips are too small to break by
hand.
A chisel and mosaic hammer: The hammer has a sharp end for breaking tessarae and if
you want to work in marble or any other hard medium, you’ll need to learn to work
with this tool.
If you can get a steel ruler with cork laid on the back for traction, you will find
it invaluable. It’s great to use if you want to cut triangles on larger pieces
of tessarae.
Plastic bucket: for cutting glass tiles in.
Dustpan and brush: for the obvious mess that you will make cutting all those tiles! |
| Attachment Tools: |
Disposable brushes for applying glue
Glue (See adhesives above)
Trowel, this is used for mixing adhesive and applying cement adhesive
(thin set mortar).
Carpenter’s (spirit) level; when you need to attach your mural you can ensure
that your mural is straight.
Tape measure; it’s indispensable; you will utilize this tool a lot.
|
| Grouting Tools: |
Plastic containers are great for storing tiles and mixing
your grout in.
Putty Knife or Spatula: Used for mixing your grout and using to put the grout
onto the mosaic piece
Grouting squeegees, these are great for grouting large pieces.
Sponges: It’s vital to have a sponge to work the grout onto the piece.
Soft Cloth or Old Newspapers: I keep on using my old dishcloths to clean off
and buff up my finished pieces, but any cloth (preferably cotton) will work well.
You can also use newspaper. |
| Finishing Tools: |
Acrylic Paints. Used for painting the areas of the piece that
is unmosaiced. I generally match my grout with my paint, but on occasion will paint
the piece another color.
Paintbrush; buy a good brush, this will save a lot of time.
Grout sealant for unglazed tiles and grout.
|
| Safety Tools: |
Eye Goggles: Wear these ESPECIALLY if you cut glass.
Latex Gloves: Latex surgical gloves allow you to work with ease but are thin
enough that you can still “feel” what is happening when you are grouting a piece.
I buy it in boxes of 50 from my hardware store.
Air filter mask; if you are mixing grout and cement it’s wise to invest in
one of these.
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