Directions for Mosaic Garden Benches

Supplies

• Draw the mosaic design on paper. Keep it simple. Think about the size of the tiles in relation to the size of the picture. It will be difficult to make changes once you have started to lay the stones, so plan out the design carefully and stick to it.
  To create your first mosaic garden bench, start with a plain concrete bench and add a mosaic to it. Clean the bench thoroughly.
  Gather your supplies together. You will need mosaic glue, wood glue diluted with water or flour paste, a flat paintbrush for applying glue, a toothed spatula for laying tiles and spreading glue. Purchase mosaic nippers to make small cuts on tile pieces.
  The tesserae are the materials used to make up the mosaic. Use natural stone tile pieces for the bench. The natural variation in the stone complements a garden setting. On the finished bench, the stone will deliver a smooth and level place to sit. Avoid any materials that will not lay perfectly flat, such as shells, marbles or glass fragments.
  Choose grout and adhesive that are able to withstand hot, cold and wet conditions. Try a tile adhesive rated for outdoor use. Choose a shade of adhesive that complements the design, and the color of the grout.

Procedure

• Use the indirect method to create the mosaic. Lay out the mosaic and attach it to a temporary paper backing. Flip this over and glue it onto the bench. The indirect method lets you create the piece in sections or for more than one person to work on the piece at the same time.
  Copy the design onto a sheet of paper that is the same size as the finished project.
  Apply the tiles to the design using water-soluble adhesive. Use a paintbrush and paint the adhesive on the flat upper portion of the tile or onto the corresponding area of the design. Press the tile down. Continue until the picture is complete. If all went well, this is the inverse of the final design.
  Apply the adhesive to the bench. Spread the adhesive onto the bench with a trowel. Take care to make an even layer.
  Apply the grout to the tiles. Press the grout into the gaps with a trowel. Remove any excess.
  Place the mosaic on the base with the adhesive. Work the tiles into the base until everything is flat. Pull off the paper and remove the glue that held the tile to the paper. Grout from the front to cover any spaces missed during the initial grouting process. Wipe clean.
  Let the bench dry for a few days. Sit on the bench and enjoy the mosaic in your garden.