Different Tesserae – Glass Mosaic Tiles, Ceramic Tiles, Natural Stone And More

By Henry Strueneu - Info Resourse from TheMosaicStore Australia

When it comes to creating a mosaic, there are actually 2 methods – direct and indirect. The direct method makes use of some pieces of materials known as tesserae which are directly fixed top side up, on the base or substrate, and then grouted. However, the indirect method makes use of pieces which are temporarily fixed top side down on a removable base material. This is then cast in the final form and the temporary base material will be removed in order to reveal the mosaic, top side up. The indirect method is usually used if the finished surface must be very smooth.

Tesserae are individual pieces of material that you will arrange in order to form a beautiful and unique mosaic. These days, this term refers to anything pieced together so as to form a design. And in terms of choosing tesserae, know that you’ve got a lot of choices. Be sure to know each so you would get the best material for your mosaic project.

Different Tesserae You Can Use For Your Mosaic Project

1. Ceramic Tile

a. glazed – This will include wall and floor tiles, tableware, pottery, crockery, and more. The color is a fired surface layer over a clay base. They are considered a rich source for pattern, texture, and color.

b. unglazed – They are commonly found as ¾” or 1” squares which are stuck to a plastic or paper mesh. The color is uniform throughout the whole tile.

2. Natural Stone – This will include everything from river or beach pebbles to granite, slate, marble, and modern day stone tiles. It also includes semiprecious stones like alabaster, quartz, agate, and turquoise. They actually are accessible in plenty of colors, surfaces, and textures.

3. Glass Mosaic Tiles – These will include sea glass, colored glass, glass nuggets, pressed glass jewels, and marbles.

4. Shells & Mother of Pearl – Mother of pearl is the radiant inner surface of shells such as abalone and oyster. Some of the commonly used shell forms will include scallops, snails, and spirals. Also, it covers a wide range of luster, size and color.

5. Traditional Tile Tesserae

a. Smalti – This is a handmade irregular rectangle of opaque glass.

b. Vitreous Glass – This is also known as Venetian glass. It is stain resistant, frost proof, and non-porous.

c. Gold and Silver Leafed – This is usually made by sandwiching silver, gold, copper or gold-alloy leaf between a clear top layer and a colored base. Know that they have rippled or flat surfaces.

Other tesserae will include metals, buttons and bones.

Indeed, there are a couple of things you can use to create an elegant and one-of-a-kind mosaic art. It is very important for you to be knowledgeable of your choices so you will know the best material for your mosaic project. Experts from The Mosaic Store can actually help you in creating your project. In fact, they might even have the mosaic materials you need.