How do I apply mosaic tiles/glass to a mesh table top?

Question

I bought a mesh outdoor table at an auction with the idea to
cover it with mosaic tiles/glass. Now--how do I do that??? I'm sure I will need something to apply the tiles to besides the mesh, but what, and how do I affix that to the mesh??? Thanx for your help!!

It is a round, steel mesh table top, the mesh is not fine. I do have a pattern in mind, and plan to use broken tiles/glass to make either a large sunshine or simple flowers with stems on the table--something spring/summer like. It will be used outdoors, under a covered porch. The top is flush with the edge, and I thought I would tile the edge, also.

Answer 1

Not so much a difficult task as a tedious one.

A few more details might help.

1. Is the mesh fine weave?
2. Is the mest top Flush with the rim around the edge?
3. Is the table round or...?
4. Do you have Tiles/glass/ a pattern in mind?
5. Is the substance of the mesh steel or aluminum?


You can approach this in a couple of ways.

You can cut a piece of concrete backer board to size; attach it to the table from underneath; with stainless fender washers and screws/ OR construction adhesive; then apply the tiles. If you used this method, it would also allow that you could possible work the pattern in your garage, or someplace out of the elements, then with someones aid, place the finished piece and attach still from underneath.

OR you can cover the mesh with something that just allows that the "THIN SET" mortar will not seep through the mesh;;; although for it to end up a stronger bond with the table itself, it might actually help if some mortar pushed into the mesh.

Depending on the pattern/ number of tiles/ placement/ you may not need a Wet saw or diag. grinder at all. That equates to what you do at the perimeter certainly. You might even consider PVC/ Vinyl lattice strip attached to the rim of the table, to border it, allowing a clean edge with the mortar. I'd probably work this job from the inside - out, to the perimeter. Once the edge area has been completed, remove the "Dam" smooth the edge with additional thin set,,, OR perhaps devise a method for applying edging tile all the way around the perimeter.

The Mortar: Any exterior grade Tile mortar will do, perhaps sold in your location in various brand names. Mixed to the consisteny of mashed potato, applied in small areas at a time, with a rectangular "toothed" trowel, or applicator; and tiles set in place. No offense but I can't imagine a mastik, or adhesive for this kind of tile work.

Hopefully you've either laid out a pattern, or have one in mind as you work along.

Interior applications for mosaic were/are, often done in plaster. This is not such a case.

Once set; then you can define the spaces with an appropriate grout, in some color that coordinates, or accents the pattern.

Steven Wolf

ADDITION: Depending on your thoughts, the design, the type of tile, and your feelings about aesthetics, you could apply enough mortar to create the situation where it becomes the "Grout" the seam filler.

Answer 2

Mosaic Tile Table Top

Answer 3

If your mesh is too course to hold a thin set type addhesive,which it sounds like it probably is.Take a finer galvanized screen on top.Space the two apart at least 1/4".Make sure when you apply your thin set, that addhesive is pushed thru all the way to exsisting mesh.Clean off excess addhesive under the table before it dries completly.you might have to sponge underside with a very wet sponge.To make it all even through out.This will have alot of waste.But you will have one tough table.Seal as normal exterior tile after grout.

Answer 4

I love to play with tiles so I've scammed alot of things to tile. I would add a wood top cut to size (seal it well on bottom before you add it on. You could glue it down and also screw it on from underneath or from top of you sink screws-locktite glue or gorilla glue is great. Watch gorilla glue as it does expand-ie;put the wood on the groundd, glue the table upside down to the wood and let it dry. Use sanded adhesive/grout for both things-if its going to be outside make sure there is a latex additive in it but you can get it premixed in you home store. I've used the locktite adhesive too-its great for glass and then grouted it. I alwatys use a good 5 year sealer when I'm done.

Answer 5

You'll need a wet saw to trim the tiles, you'll need flooring cement or caulk to affix the tiles; you'll need to cover the bottom of the table with something -- masking tape? to prevent the grout from leaking through. Once the grout has dried, It should be safe to remove the tape or whatever adhesive from the bottom of the table.

I wish you well.