I even use it for grouting to ensure adhesion and toughness. Apply the tile grout in between the spaces on the flower pot. Spray-on sealer cans might recommend applying the product in a well-ventilated area, but take the tip one step further and apply the spray outdoors. We have lots of creative projects for you jewelry tutorials, craft how-tos, and something new, jewelry kits! And that's it! Shown below is our finished mosaic garden pot with ceramic tiles. Nowadays, you can use mosaics to make DIY stepping stones, furniture, or (in this case) terra cotta pots. Ideas for filling outdoor pots with something other than plants. I feel like my pot is destroyed. We promiseit will be an addition tothe. Sometimes having the container garden of your dreams starts with beautiful clay pots. In one of our examples below, we have chosena palette of 5 colours in the 2x2cm tile variety. #lessonlearned. We recommend thinset mortar instead of glue for outdoor projects. From any vantage point, terra-cotta can withstand the scrutiny. 4. Depending on the type of glue you have used, you will generally have to wait at least 30 minutes for the glue to harden. Cant wait to see the feature. Required fields are marked *. However, please be aware that all images and text are the property of firstdayofhome.com and may not be reproduced, edited or altered without express permission. Once your glue has dried and your tiles feel like they are secure, we can start grouting. Wipe off the dried grout sealer on the tiles. Whilethe primer dries is the perfect time to start cutting up your tiles. Homemade Bird Trap - Build Plans & Specs DIY, Homemade Lawn Aerator Using a Garden Rake. I didnt use a sealer for my fingerprint flower pots, and I just keep them in a covered area. Many use it as a craft to repurpose broken china or thrift-store dishes. Putty knife Obviously, as you want more tile colours or grouts there will be extra costs, however, you can use this as a general guide. I look forward to joining again and checking out the other lovely bloggers. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Your email address will not be published. Once you've cut up all of your tiles you can start gluing them down. Can this idea also be used on plastic flower pots? Crissy, I love everything about this project!! I so appreciate you excellent articles and info. Some of your top brush-on choices include: Youre likely to get different advice about whether to seal your terra-cotta pot from the inside, outside or both, but theres no doubt that both is the most conscientious approach. The acidity of the leach water means that flower pots may bea more extreme environment for mosaics than pools and fountains. Forour pot, we have used a darker terracotta coloured grout, but only because our tiles have very light, pastel tones. I would appreciate any advice you can give me because I have already made 6 more rocks and now Im afraid to seal them. Sponge Ill use a concrete base instead. So I seal them (dry lock etc)THEN mosaic?Then seal them for staining AFTER I'm done? How can I prevent this from happening again. Thinset mortar can also be used to grout your mosaic. Required fields are marked *. The first step will be to seal/prime your terracotta pot to ensure moisture doesn't affect the durability of your tiles. Thank you for sharing at Charming Homes and Gardens. Have you ever tried to mosaic a terra cotta pot? 3 person (3 small pots) $125 for 4 colours of tiles. Have a wonderful week! When Can Concrete Sealer Be Used Outside? So sorry you had trouble with the sealer. Spray paint the pot with the primer and let dry. It's important you don't continue cleaninginsistently, because the grout in between your tiles still needs to set. Allow to dry overnight. These are so beautiful, Crissy. Hugs, Crissy. Sealing isn't a real big thing w/me. Simply take yourbrush and apply it across the exterior of your pot. Plan to work quickly, but dont get frantic if you need to slide a tile here and there. Id love to see your walking path. Terracotta pot of your choosing: Just remember a small-medium sized pot (of around 12cm in height), will take about an hour to cut andglue all the mosaics down. Hi Marie! Mosaic arts involve using small pieces of broken glass. Ideally, the grout will remain flush with the tiles or slightly indented. I dont understand the pot filler at all. So perfect for spring! Your email address will not be published. After about 15-30 minutes, youll need to wipe away any excess grout to reveal the tiles underneath. You can also choose grout in other colors, like grey or black, depending on your mosaic tiles art project. It's important you don't continue cleaning. I decided to create a random pattern using two plates I picked up at Goodwill. That said, some glues will have slower set times so be sure to read the instructions. Buff this haze off the tiles with a damp sponge. (The pots, as you know, are porous and so will absorb the sealer quickly.) Glide your stick gently over each of your grout lines afew times to ensure you've removed all air bubbles. The tile grout sealer is liquid and there's nothing to mix. If you would like to feature our content, please contact us here. What about using ge silicone II on a terracotta pot, grouting, & then sealing on the inside and out? Whether youre using a new terra-cotta pot or an old one, its always a good idea to wash it with mild dish soap and water to remove dust and dirt. Thanks, Kim! $2-4 each depending on size Most nurseries Mosaic tiles: For your typical sized pot (~12cm in height), you will require around 200 grams of mosaic tiles. And it creates a moisture barrier between the grout and the watered plant inside. If youre planning to use a broken plate or cut tiles to size, you should use tile nippers*. $8 per 500 grams Online mosaic stores Glass Mosaic Cutter: If you want to use irregular shapes in your patterns (which westrongly suggest for unique and random patterns) you will need a glass cutter. You can definitely use PVA and MDF for dry indoor mosaics. Nothing I plant in the outdoor pots flourish. Alsoterracotta is also easily broken and cracked during normal use. That sounds great, Beth! Thanks for stopping by! For this, you will generally need to purchase 5x100g packs of tiles, which will be enough for at least 2-3 small pots. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. (Privacy Policy) *. Plus the primer creates a better surface for the adhesive to adhere to. My plates and glasses are all white or clear, so I had to go thrifting for these. One trick could be to rough up the surface of the plastic pot with sandpaper before gluing to give the adhesive a little texture to grip onto. Wait a few more minutes to let the grout set more. I hope you try it someday! The ', You'll want to clean your grout off until you can just see your tiles underneath the grout. Let itdry for 30 minutes before you start applying tiles. with it .I grout with grout .I do seal with tile lab. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. Aw, thanks Tiffany! If you wish to paint your terra-cotta pot a single color, you may wish to use spray paint (in several thin coats instead of one heavy coat). Press the space key then arrow keys to make a selection. *Note: Always use safety glasses and gloves when cutting tile. Your grout lines will look best if there is a somewhat consistent gap between all your tiles. Is it weather proof in zone 7b/8a (DFW Texas)?The second tile was made in the same way with porcelain tile and glass beads. If the glue and grout will stick to the plastic, then it should work fine. I choose the one with flower inside. You can always hang something interesting on the plain tile with stick-on hooks. Adult supervision is required. Hi Krista, yes you could use GE Silicone II as the tile adhesive. Let the sealant dry for 48 hours before exposing the pot to weather. Primer: You'll need to pre-prime your terracotta pot so that moisture doesn't seep through and dislodge the tiles over time. I cant wait to see what you do! I will experiment here and there and make many mistakes I'm sure. I know your pots would turn out beautifully. With a damp rag, give the pot one final polish. Buff the flower pot with a damp cloth. Even projects that arent particularly time-consuming have a way of triggering doubts at the outset. Freeze damage can be minimized by sealing the flower pot inside and out with a tile and grout sealer from a local building material store. Id love to see your creations! To glue your mosaic tiles down we recommend applying strips of glue onto the pot with a paddlepop stick. If you happen to break a plate or mug that you love, this is a great way to use the broken bits. Can I mosaic a flower pot that has already been glazed? But this can sometimes cloud the tiles, so be careful which type you use. Love doing pots and thanks I just found your web site. Secondly, it considerably lightened my grout. The 'weldbond'glue we have used has an incredibly quick and strong hold, so 30 minutes should be more than enough. Concrete flower pots and planters are available at most lawn and garden centers, and whatever extra cost is well worth it. Pinning! So you all have experience of having sealers NOT leach into the pots with repeated watering and moist soils bringing out chemicals? We are so happy to welcome you to Running With Sisters, where we share our love of making things. These are so cute, Crissy! Love this fun project! $2-4 each depending on size Most nurseries. However,it is possible to use terracotta as a mosaic base provided the mosaic is mounted correctly and the artist understands the limitations of the material. Learn the pros, cons and costs of glass mosaic tile here, A glass mosaic created by Houzz pros gives a San Diego couple's condo a major design boost, Whether you go for simple stones or imaginative expressions, a mosaic can turn any surface into a work of art, This couple spent two decades covering their home inside and out with brightly colored mosaic tile, vibrant paint, small toys and more, Tile Art Adds Personal Style to a Backsplash, Bathroom, Fireplace or Patio. You are only limited by your imagination when it comes to designing a mosaic. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Its easiest to use nitrile gloves for easy application and smoothing. Hope that helps! 1. Houzz Pro: One simple solution for contractors and design pros. Hugs, Crissy. On the large Mexican clay pots I mosaiced, I didn't pre-seal them, but IF you are uncomfortable about mosaicing the terra cotta w/o a sealer first, I have used Quickcrete brand water-based masonry sealer - don't use oil-based sealers. J&K. This part does get a little messy, so work in an area where you can clean up the dusty particles that flake off. You dont have to be crafty to seal a terra-cotta pot, but theres something about setting up a "paint zone" and gathering brushes that may inspire you to paint your terra-cotta pot before you seal it. Use the putty knife to apply the grout to the mosaic. Does the white primer serve to make the glass pieces sparkle more? Thanks for sharing and congrats on being featured!! Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. There wouldnt be an issue with freeze cracking, but moisture can migrate though the terracotta and weaken the glue. Now that your grout is fully cured, you can use your damp sponge to buff each tile. This would also make a great gift for a friend or relative with a plant or herb in the pot. Once you've mixed your grout start spreading it over the entirety of your pot. However, do shake the tile grout sealer well. Avoid oil based sealears. Pinned so we can try and make our own later! Am I doing something wrong? I live in Texarkana, and I use all types in my outside mosaics. You can generallycutan estimated100 grams worth of tiles in ten minutes, so by the time you've finished cutting your tiles, your sealer will have set. The latter can be found in dozens of colors at craft stores. Be sure to tag @firstdayofhome on Instagram if you share your photos! Thanks so much, Cindy! Officially Planted: Terracotta Pots for Houseplants Pros & Cons, Get Busy Gardening: How to Paint Terracotta Pots Step-By-Step, The Inspired Home and Garden: Save Water, Save Money: Seal Terracotta Pots With A Household Product, How to grow your own herb garden in any indoor or outdoor space. I have a window sill full of them and would like to mosaic them. A single winter of hard freezes can totally destroy a terracotta flower pot left outdoors. Terracotta flower pots are highly susceptible to freeze damage because the material is extremelyporous. Some of your top choices include: Just as you may have to apply at least two coats of spray sealant, prepare to apply multiple coats of brush-on sealant, especially if you didnt paint your terra-cotta pot first, says The Inspired Home and Garden. I've also used Dry Lock. If its your first day to try something, youre in the right place. Sign up for our newsletter to get projects in your inbox! Premixed sanded grout, gray For more information,pleasesee mydisclosures. t: We'll wipe it clean soon. A terracotta pot might be an acceptable base for an abstract mosaic quickly made from random colorful tile, but detailed mosaic designs take more time and effort than that, and they deserve a more durable base. Once you have let the tiles cure, its time to being grouting. Optional: Apply clay pot sealer inside and outside of the terracotta pot. When gluing your tiles down you want to make sure you find shapes that complement each other and leave very little space between them. I haven't sealed it with anything yet. Stay connected with our Projects Newsletter! Many people even apply terra-cotta sealer to the bottom of the pot to protect against scratches. You dont have to seal the grout if the mosaic pot is protected from weather. And will look wonderful in your garden! Your email address will not be published. Hi Mandy, Great question! We recommend the dual disc glass cutters like the following foundhere.$30-$40 Online mosaic or hardware stores Paddle pop sticks$1 Sponges$1 1 Small Brush$1. After all, no one wants a mosaic with only square tiles. Terra cotta pot, 7 Let's be honest - mosaics have the ability to look horrible, especially if you don't know the basics. Let the grout dry for 30 minutes. Cut plate or tile pieces (if needed) using tile nippers. Sign up for our newsletter to get projects delivered to your email. Will this work on a plastic pot terracotta is so expensive in England If you plan on puttingyour pot outside and want it to endure the harsh elements, we'd suggest applying a coat of an external sealer over the tiles. This sealer works well to prepare your clay pots for the elements outdoors. A lady told me that the porous floor tile would accumulate moisture and crack. Thanks for stopping by! Flower pots are containers full of damp soil, and that means the back of the mosaic will be continually subjected to moisture and acids from decaying organic matter. Then well show you how to apply the grout and buff the tiles clean. It's important you don't start grouting too early, as many of your tiles may fall off. Or you could create a dragons lair, a mosaic gallery, a party in a jungle Bring your landscape to life with colorful details such as furniture, pots and plantings, Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers, Outdoor Lighting & Audio/Visual Specialists, Winter Gardening: Ideas for a Dream Potting Room, Bathroom Floor Tile: Glass Mosaic for a Luxurious Look, Inside Houzz: An Art Mosaic Wall Banishes Dining Room Gloom, Mosaic Tile Designs Thatll Thrill You to Bits, Houzz TV: First Comes Love, Then Comes a Wildly Colorful Mosaic Home, 13 Extra-Cool Things to Do With a Backyard, 12 Simple Ways to Add Color to Your Outdoor Space, Looking for a maker and year I cannot find any specific makers mark. $30-$40 Online mosaic or hardware stores, Depending on the type of glue you have used, you will generally have to wait at least 30 minutes for the glue to harden. Or is there other institutions I can possibly see for plastic pot s got all my things just ready to have a go at this they are beautiful thanks so much. You may also use a small paint brush to apply the sealer on the grout. J&K. To prevent pieces from flying, place the plate or tile in a plastic bag or cover it with a towel or drop cloth before cutting. Please note, comments must be approved before they are published. Then paint a thin layer of sealant all over the mosaic using the sponge paintbrush. Promotions, new products and sales. We promiseit will be an addition tothehome you're actually proud of. Ive even seen small colored glass pebbles you can use to form a monogram. You'll want to clean your grout off until you can just see your tiles underneath the grout. The grout is more like a paste, so it wont really change the dishs finish. You Might Also Like: DIY Mosaic Stepping Stone. I watched your You Tube video on mosiac rocks. These are best bought online and generally cost around $6/100 grams. Please let us know if you try it and how it turns out! 2 person (2 small pots) $110 for 4 colours of tiles. When I made my popular decoupage flower pots and painted terracotta pots, I used a sealer to prevent moisture from ruining my design. This is another reason you'll want to do it in a group, as you'll need at least 3-5 colours to get a good mix and generally come in minimum quantities of 100 grams.$6 per colour, per 100 grams Online mosaic stores Glue: We recommend the Weldbond 160ml from Bunnings as it dries quickly and provides wicked strong strength. Yes, the white background behind the glass pieces helps them shine more. The tradition dates back to Mesopotamia, and you get bonus points if you can remember which millennium that was. By continuing to use this site, we'll assume you consent. To create the best mosaic pattern, youll want to use pieces that fit the size of your pot. I LOVE these mosaic flower pots youre so creative when it comes to gardening and garden items (and so much more)! Let us know how it goes! There are many to choose from, but this mosaic grout sealer is intended specifically for this purpose. Simply wipe your sponge over each tile, removing the final remnants of the grout until they are squeaky clean. Let the grout dry for 24 hours. Thanks great info to spare us time on using terracotta. Glass tiles, 1 (aqua, blue, green & turquoise) You can also buy pre-cut tiles to make it safer for kids, but I still recommend using gloves with the glue. A haze will form on the tiles as the grout dries. I would love for you to join me over at the Creative Crafts Linky Party every Wednesday through Sunday. Use another coat of terra-cotta sealer instead of the patio paint if you want to retain the original color to the pots. Finally well show you how to apply grout sealer to protect your mosaic in the garden. Ensureto not use too much lateral force over the tiles, as it's easy for the sponge to become caught on the edges of the sharp tiles, which could dislodge them. Do you varnish the stones to give them the wet and brighter look or is there another product to use for the outdoors? 4 person (4 small pots) $140 for 4 colours of tiles. Wipe any excess grout off of the tiles. You don't want to put too much glue down at any one time, as it will generally dry within 5 minutes of exposure to the air. (Sealant makes the mosaic water resistant, not waterproof.). Thats so sweet, Kim. This means the tile is sealed and is now waterproof. It's ok if you can no longer see your tiles under the grout. This is such a great idea! Where do you find the different tile?. Fortunately, it's easy to remove. Do you apply the "varnish" before setting the stones or do you apply it over everything after the stones are set? My first one is made from indoor stone look-alike floor tile that was Daltile. You can use a damp cloth or sponge to buff away the grout on the tiles. Can I use the tacky PVA I use on my indoor MDF bases if they are not going outside? Sure, you could just plop down on a blanket. We have a video on Curious showing how to mosaic a terra cotta pot. We love it when you pin content from this site or share it on social media! Small flat marbles (aqua, turquoise & cobalt) You can make a mosaic flower pattern or create other geometric designs. Plus, youll have loads of fun making them! It's expensive. This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links. I do hope youll try this once the weather gets warm again. I decided to paint the saucer of my pot as well. Now we have allthe materials you'll need, we can get started! It took me a while to finally try this. Im honored and appreciative! We havent tried mosaic on plastic. Tomake the most out of this we recommend doing it as a group. (Its the 3rd millennium BC. When the tile grout sealer has dried, you'll notice that the tile grout looks a bit glossy as shown below. Today we'll go through our complete step-by-step guide of how to mosaic a terracotta pot. These are best bought online and generally cost around $6/100 grams. Only thing you have to worry about on your outside mosaics is the adhesive. Once it dries, youre ready for the capstone event. Yes, my boys love decorating pots as well. Trust me, its tough to remove grout from tile once its cured. Spray some of the sealer on the mosaic garden pot. This is also an opportunity to polish and buff the entire surface including the sealed grout of the mosaic garden pot. What kind of plates are you planning to use, may I ask? Grout: Select your preferred colour of grout. 3. Will the finish on the dishes affect the way the mortar or kwikset holds the pieces onto the pot? I use tree sealer on the inside of my pots as I was afraid of chemicals killing my plants inside. However, they happen to be highly porous, which means that its a good idea to seal terra-cotta pots to keep moisture from seeping through the walls. Thanks for pinning, too! Applying the paint with a foam brush will help ensure that the paint glides on smoothly. I will be sure to tag you and if I blog about this, I will link back to your post! Pinned several times! I bought a white powdered form of mosaic grout that simply required adding water. I give up. Be sure to only add a few drops of water at a time - you don't need much. Ive also seen them carry bags of mirrored tiles and shells as shown on the picture. Jennifer & Kitty. Sealing the inside will provide a protective barrier where its needed most, but going the extra mile to seal it from the outside will ensure that the terra-cotta finish looks consistent on the inside and outside. Both grout and thinset are powdered portland cement products, but the thinset is stronger and more adhesive. Thanks so much, my dear! Add an art-inspired pattern to your yard through the use of stone or ceramic tile mosaics, Check out potting rooms that get indoor gardening right and learn tips for creating your own, Possibly a gardener's best friend, potting benches have some surprising uses both outdoors and inside the home, It's gorgeous. Simply pour your grout powder into a small container and add a very small amount of water. Was the grout thoroughly dry? The regular tile adhesive won't work outside. Glass shell-shaped table scatters, 2 Thank you! The tiles should be attached with thinset mortar instead of glue. You'll breathe easier. What Should I Use to Paint Outdoor Fiberglass Pots? I see her point but was wondering if my terracotta pots(cheapie ones) don't fail in this weather outside why would floor tile?Thanks, PJ. Any ideas for something colorful to put in the pots that require little to no maintenance, and can survive the dessert heat? Ill stop by! Use thinset (I use Mapei Ultra Flex II - polymer modified). As for waterproofing, the sealer you put on the grout is NOT a waterproofer. So pretty! Note that even if you do seal a terracotta pot very well with multiple applications of sealant, it still wont last as long as a concrete pot would. Not sure why it lightened the grout. You can see it and subscribe with a discount if you click here. Dampen your sponge or chux and start wiping it over your tiles lightly. Now you'll want to let it set for 12-24 hours so the grout cement can fully cure and set. They would make a nice gift. Its an inexpensive way to salvage broken items and make them new again. Their adaptable good looks mean terra-cotta pots can fit in anywhere indoors or outdoors, and theyre easy to find and inexpensive too. Thats wonderful news! Your email address will not be published. It also has some stones stuck in here and there. When setting the stones to form the design do you set each stone deep enough to have it secure or do you grout over the stone design then wipe it? Awesome step-by-step tutorial! I love how they create a stained glass effect on my clay pots. Large flat marbles (green, turquoise, cobalt & clear) Filed Under: Craft How Tos, Crafts, Mosaics. Great question Linda! Before you get started,we've outlined the estimated costs of materials depending on how many people. To create a design or use more than one color, chalk paint or acrylic craft paint will work well. Simply spray the inside and outside of the flower pot. Cant wait for spring, Crissy, 1 person (1 small pot) $90for4 colours of tiles. (Writing it helps me remember). If painting is not your thing and not even a simple stencil, stamp or sponge design can persuade you otherwise, you can leave your terra-cotta pot as it is and skip right to the sealing. $10 Bunnings Grout: Select your preferred colour of grout. Sure you might already have terracotta pots at home that you could use for free, but how much money are you saving if the mosaic doesnt last six months? I believe the size of my pots made it tough to break my plate (tiles) into small enough pieces. Hugs, Crissy. For the rim of my flower pots, I used pre-cut tiles that come in a variety of colors at any hobby store. Then, repeat the process to remove any remaining cloudiness or residue on the tiles. It was sealed with floor sealer. Required fields are marked *. I'm glad to hear that that was OK.