If you Want To Apply Mosaic Pieces
To A Custom Made Concrete Item,
Then This Recipe Is For You

Many people write and ask me whether they should do their mosaics garden art project with a concrete or hypertufa recipe.

Though using a hypertufa recipe will certainly work with mosaics application, quite honestly, why use 'tufa?

You will have to contend with not only a more "rough" surface (due to the ingredients in a 'tufa recipe), but over time, the peat moss in hypertufa decomposes, leaving pits and crevices. I don't think that is something you necessarily want for a mosaics garden art item.

So, here is a simple concrete recipe that ought to serve you well for most mosaics projects. Let me add that as I always say throughout The-Artistic-Garden ... practice makes perfect.

Whether you are making a garden sphere that you will imbed with mosaics pieces, a birdbath ... whatever ... be advised that you may have to experiment with the proportions for this recipe to come out successfully. Experimentation is often part of the process. (I'd hate to not warn you first, and have your mosaics project be a disappointment.)

Concrete Recipe Ingredients

1 part portland cement, white or grey
2 parts fine sand
Enough water to make a peanut butter consistency

**Want to add color to your recipe?
Refer to these informative Stain & Colorant Guides**

•  Mix the dry ingredients well. Slowly add the water until the mixture becomes workable. Add LESS water than you think you will need!

•  Wait 10 minutes! Walk away and take a break. This "10 minute rest" is allowing the portland cement to start the chemical reaction. This "rest" will help you have better results.

After 10 minutes, if needed, add a little bit more water until you get the right consistency.

•  Now you can start applying the mixture to your form.

•  Add your mosaics. Make sure to imbed the mosaics firmly.

•  Cure properly.

I highly suggest you read through my curing and mixing articles before you proceed to help minimize errors in the whole process :-)   The steps to follow stay the same as those for a hypertufa recipe, so I will refer you to these 'tufa pages:
Mixing Instructions and Curing Instructions

That's about it! It's not rocket science in order to have your project come out successfully. It really boils down to learning the "basics", and maybe experimenting with a smaller project or two to get the hang of the correct consistency of the concrete recipe.

Good Luck With Your Mosaics Projects!

Please visit these pages for concrete and hypertufa information and tips for your next garden art project:

• All About Forms: Which Ones Work the Best?
• Forms & Molds: Preparation Tips
• Extra Strength Recipe for Faux Rocks & Stepping Stones
• Garden Spheres: How to Make Hollow Spheres
• Garden Spheres: Tips When Working with Concrete
• Leaf Casting: Stronger Castings with Finer Vein Details