The Mosaic Mall Glossary

  MOSAIC FIBREGLASS MESH

Non-alkaline sticky mosaic fibreglass mesh is a commonly used material in the creation of mosaics. It is a thin, flexible mesh sheet that has adhesive on one side and is used to hold small mosaic tiles or tesserae in place during the creation process. The benefits of using sticky mesh in mosaics are numerous, including:

Fibreglass sticky mesh is a non-alkaline product that is commonly used in the creation of mosaics. It is a type of mesh that is coated with a sticky adhesive on one side, which allows it to securely hold individual tiles or tesserae in place while the mosaic is being created. Here are some key features of fibreglass sticky mesh:

1. Non-alkaline: Unlike some other types of mesh, fibreglass sticky mesh is non-alkaline, which means it is less likely to cause damage to the tiles or tesserae being used in the mosaic.  Take care to only use non-alkaline mosaic mesh for mosaic projects.

2. Durable: Fibreglass is a strong and resilient material that is resistant to both moisture and temperature changes, making it ideal for use in mosaics that will be exposed to the elements. The mesh provides a strong foundation for the tiles, which can help prevent cracking or breaking over time.

3. Easy to work with: Sticky mesh is easy to work with and allows for greater precision in the placement of tiles. The adhesive backing on the mesh holds the tiles securely in place, allowing the artist to focus on the design without worrying about tiles shifting or falling off until they are ready to glue down each piece of tesserae to the mesh. The sticky adhesive on the mesh makes it easy to attach individual tiles or tesserae to the substrate, while the flexibility of the fibreglass mesh allows it to be easily cut and shaped to fit the contours of the design. 
   
   Some splicing may be necessary for curved or undulating shape such as pots or mosaic balls etc.  A mix of the MOM and direct method is recommended in some mosaic projects.  Workshops are a good idea to learn the process at OzMosaics or the MOS.

4. Compatible with a variety of adhesives: Fibreglass mosaic sticky mesh is compatible with a wide range of adhesive types, including thinset mortars, epoxy, Weldbond, Prep Glue Adhesive and other types of mosaic adhesives.  The Mosaic Mall stocks adhesives to use with mosaic sticky mesh.
   
   

5. Time savings: Using sticky mesh can save time during the mosaic creation process. Instead of placing each tile individually, an entire section of the design can be laid out on the mesh at once, making the process faster and more efficient.  We recommend to glue down sections to the sticky mesh as you go.  It's great for a placement mat.  OzMosaics and the MOS Mosaic Online School provide workshops and tutorials to create mosaics on mesh, called the MOM Method. 
   
   The MOM method allows the mosaic maker to place a pattern on workbench, cover in plastic, place sticky mesh over plastic, secure in place and start placing tesserae to sticky mesh. Once happy with the layout in progress, glue down each piece of tesserae with suitable glue for the project (select from Weldbond, Prep Adhesive and a range of Laticrete Australia thinsets (cement based adhesives).  
   
   
6. There are many other amazing applications using fibreglass mosaic standard mesh and sticky mesh.  Do a workshop with OzMosaics or enrol in the MOS to learn more!
   
   Overall, fiberglass (fibreglass) sticky mesh is an excellent choice for use in mosaics and other tile installations, providing a durable, easy-to-use, and non-alkaline substrate that will securely hold tiles or tesserae in place.