Mosaic for beginners – easy guide to getting started
You can start mosaic crafting without cutting pieces or grouting. Often, it is enough to glue ready-made mosaic pieces directly onto the base, working on a small area at a time. This makes mosaic easy, creative and rewarding from the very first project.
How to get started:
Choose an easy DIY mosaic kit if you want a ready-made project with materials and instructions. Difficulty levels 1–2/4 are best for first projects.
Start with a small, flat project such as a trivet, photo frame or serving tray.
Use ready-made small mosaic pieces that often do not need to be cut, such as Ottoman 8 mm, glass mosaic 10 mm, Soft Glass pieces and Lilliput gems.
When you want to develop your skills, you can cut pieces with mosaic wheeled nippers and finish your work with grout for a smooth and durable surface.
Want to get started right away? Explore easy DIY mosaic kits.
Mosaic basics – tutorial video
Explore the world of mosaic and learn about common materials, tools and techniques.
Note: The videos are in Finnish, but the working steps are shown clearly step by step. Use them as visual support together with the instructions in English.
First mosaic project – tutorial video
Learn how to make your first mosaic project as a trivet. The video shows the basic steps, and you can use the same technique later in many other mosaic projects.
Mosaic step by step – how to make mosaics
Watch our tutorial videos to learn the basic techniques and find ideas for different projects and seasons. You can create mosaics on many different bases, including glass, metal, Styrofoam, ceramic and MDF. Upcycle items from home or choose ready-made mosaic bases from us, including animals, symbols and other shapes. See different mosaic bases here.
1. Plan your project and choose the right materials
Good planning makes your mosaic project easier, faster and more enjoyable. Choose the base, materials, adhesive and tools according to the size, shape and placement of your project.
Start by planning:
What size, motif and colour palette do you want? Sketch your design on paper and draw light outlines with a pencil directly onto the base.
Where will the mosaic be used? Choose the base, materials, adhesive and grout according to whether the piece will be used indoors, outdoors, in a humid area or exposed to frost and sunlight.
Will you use ready-made pieces or cut them yourself? Small ready-made pieces are easiest in the beginning. Later, you can cut pieces yourself with mosaic wheeled nippers.
Do you want a smooth surface or a more textured finish? Remember that different mosaic materials may have different thicknesses.
Does the project need grouting? Not every mosaic needs grout, but grouting gives a smoother, more finished and easier-to-clean surface.
Estimate the material amount in advance. It is easier to order enough materials at once than to pause the project because something is missing. Use the mosaic calculator to estimate the amount you need.
2. Glue and cut the pieces if needed
You can use ready-made small mosaic pieces or cut and shape them yourself. Smaller pieces work especially well on small, curved or detailed bases. In the “Mosaic basics” video above, you can see how mosaic wheeled nippers are used. We offer several different tools for shaping mosaic.
Always wear safety glasses when cutting mosaic. Hold the tool close to its lower end – this makes cutting easier and requires less force. We do not recommend breaking glazed pieces with an ordinary hammer, as it can damage the glaze, create uneven edges and cause unnecessary waste.
Watch the video to choose the right adhesive for mosaic work
Note: The video is in Finnish, but the working steps are shown clearly. Use it as visual support together with the instructions in English.
How to glue:
Apply adhesive to a small area of the base at a time. Press the pieces lightly into place. This is cleaner and easier than adding glue to the back of each individual piece.
Use enough adhesive so that each piece attaches properly across the underside.
Leave about 2–4 mm between pieces if you plan to grout. If the project will not be grouted, the pieces can be placed closer together.
Let the adhesive cure completely before moving, using or grouting the mosaic.
If a piece comes loose later, it can be glued again. Clean both the piece and the base from old adhesive or grout residue, glue again and let it dry properly.
Useful tools for gluing:
Glue spreader – for even glue application
Glue syringe – useful for small and hard-to-reach areas
StickyStick pen and tweezers – great for precise placement of small details
3. Grouting – optional step
Grouting makes a mosaic smoother, more durable and more finished in appearance. It is not always necessary. If the pieces are placed closely together, or if you want a light and translucent look, for example on lanterns or glass surfaces, the mosaic can be left ungrouted.
Only mix as much grout as you can use within the working time stated on the package. The surface becomes harder to clean if the grout dries too much. For larger projects, work in sections or ask another person to help. Always follow the instructions for the grout you are using, as directions may vary by brand.
Grouting is not technically difficult, but it requires care and protective equipment. Grout can irritate the skin and respiratory system and may stain surfaces. Therefore, grouting should always be done by an adult.
The colour of the grout strongly affects the final look. Choose whether you want a strong contrast between the pieces and the grout, or a softer and more harmonious result. Grey grout is often a neutral and safe choice that works with many colours. Outdoor mosaics are often best grouted with dark or grey grout, as dirt is less visible.
Grouting is recommended when:
• you use sharp-edged or nipped pieces
• the gaps between pieces are over 2 mm
• you want a smooth and easy-to-clean surface, for example on a tray or tabletop
Tools for grouting:
• Mixing container – for example a plastic jar, bucket or other suitable container
• Measuring jug or cup – for the correct amount of water
• Mixing tool – grout spreader, palette knife or old spoon
• Grout spreader or rubber spatula – helps spread the grout across the surface
• Grout sponge – for removing excess grout and smoothing the joints
• Dry lint-free cloths – for final cleaning and polishing
• Respirator or dust mask – protects from grout dust when mixing
• Protective gloves – protect the skin
• Safety glasses – protect from dust and splashes
• Surface protection – for example cardboard, plastic or newspaper
• Apron or protective clothing – wear clothes that can get dirty
How to grout:
Before grouting – protect and prepare:
• wear protective gloves, a respirator or dust mask and safety glasses
• wear durable clothes or an apron
• protect the work surface with plastic or paper
During grouting:
Always follow the instructions for the grout you are using.
Wipe grout splashes from skin or surfaces immediately and rinse with water.
Mix the grout according to the product instructions. Pour the powder into a large enough container and add the correct amount of water gradually. Stir to a porridge-like consistency, let it rest as instructed and stir again.
If you use absorbent mosaic pieces, such as unglazed, porous or rough pieces, lightly dampen the surface with a cloth before grouting.
Apply the grout across the surface in different directions with gloved hands or a grout spreader until all gaps are filled.
Let the grout set according to the instructions. Then gently remove the excess with a slightly damp grout sponge or lint-free cloth using circular movements.
Let the mosaic dry until a light powdery haze appears. Finally, polish the surface with a soft lint-free cloth and allow the project to dry thoroughly.
For larger mosaic projects, cleaning and polishing may need to be repeated several times. Rinse the sponge in a separate container with a small amount of water. Grout residue will settle at the bottom over time. Pour off the clean water the next day and let the sediment dry before disposal. Always check local waste guidelines.
Explore beginner-friendly mosaic products.
Get inspired and find your own way to make mosaics – joy is built from small pieces.
