I was looking for something to do with some of my spare time and also to cover two of my tables that had water stains and other cosmetic problems. I have decided to build two mosaic table covers. This tutorial is for the first cover I made - Super Mario.
You can turn it into a new table or make it the size that fits your table.
Hardware you will need:
-Sealant gun
-Utility knife
-Wood saw
-Small hammer (1-0.5 pound)
-Measuring tape
Materials:
-2 Tubes of white silicone sealant (That's what I've used - you can use the clear type)
-Black spray paint
-20 Small wood nails (1" lenght)
-37" * 37" Plywood (0.5" thick)
-4 x 37" * 1" Plywood for frame (0.5" thick)
-0.8" Glass mosaic stones - ~1498 Black ~153 White ~310 Blue ~340 Red ~8 Yellow - Total of 2209 stones.
** I don't know the prices for these materials in the US but I paid about 70$ for the mosaic stones, 20$ for the plywood and already had the sealant, nails and spray.
** You can use different kinds of materials to glue the stones - plastic glue, mosaic adhesive or other types of glues.
** Yellow and red stones are more expensive than other colors.
** It is not recomended to use MDF instead of plywood because of its weight and poor water resistance.
You can turn it into a new table or make it the size that fits your table.
Hardware you will need:
-Sealant gun
-Utility knife
-Wood saw
-Small hammer (1-0.5 pound)
-Measuring tape
Materials:
-2 Tubes of white silicone sealant (That's what I've used - you can use the clear type)
-Black spray paint
-20 Small wood nails (1" lenght)
-37" * 37" Plywood (0.5" thick)
-4 x 37" * 1" Plywood for frame (0.5" thick)
-0.8" Glass mosaic stones - ~1498 Black ~153 White ~310 Blue ~340 Red ~8 Yellow - Total of 2209 stones.
** I don't know the prices for these materials in the US but I paid about 70$ for the mosaic stones, 20$ for the plywood and already had the sealant, nails and spray.
** You can use different kinds of materials to glue the stones - plastic glue, mosaic adhesive or other types of glues.
** Yellow and red stones are more expensive than other colors.
** It is not recomended to use MDF instead of plywood because of its weight and poor water resistance.
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Signing UpStep 1: Choosing an image
This is the hardest part! (:
I suggest you google images and look for the words "pixel art" combined with a name of a character or an object you would like.
You can also use photoshop to modify an image- I will show you how. It is important not to choose an image with too many of details.
Consider the number of stones that you will need according to the size of the stones and the size of the surface.
For example - to cover a 40" * 60" surface with 0.5" stones you will need 40/0.5 * 60/0.5 = 9600 stones.
REMEMBER - 1 PIXEL = 1 MOSAIC STONE (You can use smaller stones or more pixels but I find 2209 stones is close to my limit of patience)
You don't have to use photoshop, you can draw your own pixel art or look for pixel art tutorials.
http://piq.codeus.net/draw
I suggest you google images and look for the words "pixel art" combined with a name of a character or an object you would like.
You can also use photoshop to modify an image- I will show you how. It is important not to choose an image with too many of details.
Consider the number of stones that you will need according to the size of the stones and the size of the surface.
For example - to cover a 40" * 60" surface with 0.5" stones you will need 40/0.5 * 60/0.5 = 9600 stones.
REMEMBER - 1 PIXEL = 1 MOSAIC STONE (You can use smaller stones or more pixels but I find 2209 stones is close to my limit of patience)
You don't have to use photoshop, you can draw your own pixel art or look for pixel art tutorials.
http://piq.codeus.net/draw
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Did you put any kind of clear coat on top to make it water proof? I understand the tiles are waterproof but water could get to the plywood underneath and cause it to warp.
I'm going to put a coat of mosaic tiles sealer. It's a clear coat used mostly for ceramic mosaic tile for bathroom or kitchen use but I already have it so this is what I'm going to use. You can use all kinds of varnish or a special glass varnish. I have also seen people who have used Enamel paint or Epoxy coating which are more expensive. Good Luck with your project!
Thanks to my wife for letting me hijack her account to comment on this. We may have to do one with Link. :)
It looks like a great free alternative for photoshop!
I googled GIMP Pixel Art and there are lots of tutorials.
I also found this-
http://karnakgames.com/wp/2010/10/gimp-for-pixel-art-shortcuts-setup-and-tips/
Thank you for your comment!
A question... I tried to convert but I want to make sure... the glass mosaic has size of 2cm X 2cm? We use centimeters here in Brazil. :) Just want to make sure and buy correctly!
Thanks mate!