Dry Grout Method

From Mosaic And Stained Glass

By Helen Griffin

This method is for sanded grout only. The consistency of unsanded does not work. This is a simple wooden over the sink shelf that I've mosaiced with tiles. The adhesive used here is plain tile mastic.

Here are all the supplies you will need from left to right: pool noodle broken into chunks, sanded grout, container for mixing grout, spatula for spreading grout, rubber gloves

Mix your grout to the consistency of peanut butter, and place on your mosaic. Spread with a spatula, hand or plastic knife to get even coverage on your tiles/tesserae. Working in cirlces is a good way to get coverage. First working in clockwise, then counter clockwise motion.

Once covered well with no empty spots or air holes, sprinkle some loose dry grout on top of the wet grout. It does not need to be an excessive amount. Use image for ratio reference.

Using a broken piece of pool noodle start to work in circles. Again clockwise, then counter clockwise motions.

This will give your mosaic an even coat of grout. It will eliminate any missed pockets around your tesserae, and clean. All this will take you to your first haze stage.

This is the whole piece once dry grouting has been completed overall.

Let the mosaic sit to dry overnight, then with a damp sponge or rag clean the residue off your tesserae. Let dry completly (About 24 hours).

I like to have my pieces finished, so I've painted the edge of the shelf black to match my kitchen more. Then I complete the look and protect it by putting on 2 coats of Polycrylic in a matte finish.

Painted the legs, and shortened them to suit my sink location. Here is the mosaic shelf complete, and in place.