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- 1). Sketch out your tile mosaic design. If it's a simple repeating pattern, determine how many tiles you'll need by dividing the surface area of the counter by the size of the tile. More complicated patterns require a little bit more planning, and a completely random mosaic pattern requires a willingness to take a few risks when it comes to determining how much tile to buy (see Tips).
- 2). Clean the countertop thoroughly. Smooth down rough spots with sandpaper, and use wood filler to fill cracks or knots in the unfinished plywood surface. If you're working with a Formica counter, you needn't remove the Formica. It's not a good idea to lay the new tile mosaic over old tile, so remove the old tile and sand the surface smooth.
- 3). Arrange your tiles on a nearby surface in the pattern you intend to make. A simple repeating pattern with equal-sized tiles doesn't require you to lay them out, unless that will make it easier for you to work with them.
- 4). Mix a batch of mortar. Scoop four or five cups of mortar into a bucket and start drizzling water in. Stir as you go, and stop when you have a peanut butter consistency. If the finished product is too runny, add a little more mortar.
- 5). Use a trowel to spread mortar over a 3-square-foot area of the countertop about ¼-inch thick. Press tiles into the mortar, wiping up any that spreads onto the tile, and place tile spacers between the tiles if you're doing a repeating pattern. Tile spacers aren't necessary for random mosaics. Make sure the mortar doesn't dry out before you've laid the tile. Cover the bucket to slow down the drying process while you work.
- 6). Wipe the tiles with a damp cloth to remove mortar from the surface, and clean up mortar that has squeezed out between tiles. Rinse the cloth frequently, and make sure you've cleaned up all the excess.
- 7). Continue to spread mortar on the countertop;, press tiles into place and clean up excess until you've covered the entire surface. Let the mortar dry for at least one day. If you're using tile spacers, remove them before the mortar dries completely. Don't set things down on the mosaic countertop until you've completed the project.
- 8). Mix a batch of grout. Follow the manufacturer's instructions, but the grout should be slightly wetter than the mortar was. Work in smaller batches than you did with the mortar.
- 9). Use a grout float to spread grout over the tiles. Work in one direction, then come back at an angle in the opposite direction to remove most of the grout from the surface of the tiles. Let the grout set for about 20 minutes, then use a damp cloth to remove grout from the surface. Make sure you get all the grout off the tiles before it dries.
- 10
Seal the grout following the manufacturer's instructions. There are a number of methods for sealing grout, including liquids and sprays. Wait the recommended length of time before using or cleaning the countertop.
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