sticking tiles on masonite then using grout

daniela74 · Joined: 22 May 2009 Posts: 8 Location: Melbourne

Hi,
I'm doing a piece that will be about 2.5m high and 1m wide. Using over 50 tiles, all restangular. Just wondering if there's anyone who is familiar with making up grout? And how to use it?
Thanks.

Steve Gray · Joined: 17 Aug 2008 Posts: 1569 Location: Geelong

yep, follow the instructions on the pack, make it to the consistency of toothpaste, wear gloves, use a squeegee or similar to work it well into the gaps, then a clean damp cloth to clean off the excess, rinse well each time.

I am concerned however that you are applying the tiles to masonite... will that hold???

daniela74 · Joined: 22 May 2009 Posts: 8 Location: Melbourne

Yeh, you're right Steve, that was my initial idea but after some advice I'm using 18mm thick ply now or fibre cement sheet 13mm thick.
Thanks for your help! Very Happy

Daniela.

Steve Gray · Joined: 17 Aug 2008 Posts: 1569 Location: Geelong

Fibre cement is the go. the ply can de-laminate over time.

greenfrog · Joined: 10 Feb 2006 Posts: 795 Location: Fairfield

Just wanted to say Cement sheeting is a good choice. I made a small piece which hangs outside using coloured glass instead of tiles, and thats grouted etc which has lasted ages.
The table top which I did on form sheet or marine ply or whatever it's called, the tiles are starting to come off...
Probably hasn't helped that we all keep bumping into the corners of it when were mowing the lawn... yes were too lazy to move it.

But the water has gotten into it anyway and it's starting to go yucky.

Also not sure what the instructions say, but I used bondcrete not water, was told it was more flexible (for outside)

miriam ross · Joined: 13 May 2009 Posts: 15 Location: New South Wales

Hello,
Further to the discussion re appropriate board for mosaics murals. My choice is a product called weathertex. It is a building product used to clad the exterior of buildings so it is completely weatherproof. You can also cut it to shape with a jigsaw. use a mask of course. It is only 9mm thick so I cut the board, at appropriate places in the design, and work in sections. It makes for much easier installation. being a building supply it is reasonably cheap compared to other options. I cut boards to shape for people. see my website www.creativitywild.com

greenfrog · Joined: 10 Feb 2006 Posts: 795 Location: Fairfield

Miriam, can you buy weatherex anywere? or is it specially ordered?

I will have a look at bunnings next time I go.
Is it lighter than cement sheeting?

miriam ross · Joined: 13 May 2009 Posts: 15 Location: New South Wales

hello, Weathertex is a building supply so you should be able to get it at hardware stores with a buidling section. Bunnings in my area does not carry it. I used to get it from Mitre 10 in Rosebery but then it burnt down. SO now I get it from Kingsford Mitre 10 (which is in Matraville) but you have to call and order it first. If you are looking for a smaller piece you can buy it from me. I cut boards to shape for my mosaic students. I dont think it is lighter than cement sheet but it is much easier to cut with a jigsaw. It also has a 25 year guarantee. I have had some artwork out in the weather for years with no problems

greenfrog · Joined: 10 Feb 2006 Posts: 795 Location: Fairfield

Thanks

miriam ross · Joined: 13 May 2009 Posts: 15 Location: New South Wales

How did you go with this?

aprillove20 · Joined: 16 Feb 2010 Posts: 34 Location: other

I agree with steve...