| -- End Ad Box ---> | | | | cover the entire signature. (White Elmer's Glue-All |
| Making wonderful glass mosaic tile art is easy! Let | | | | is the stuff we all went to school with. I can |
| me show you how. | | | | usually buy a big 7.625-oz bottle at Walmart for |
| Ever wonder how to sign your indoor glass | | | | about $1.50.) |
| mosaic art so the signature won't rub or wear | | | | Allow the glue to thoroughly dry overnight. White |
| off? Nothing seems to stick permanently to glass. | | | | Elmer’s Glue-All dries clear. When wet, the |
| Permanent marker isn't permanent. Acrylic and | | | | glue doesn't absorb or blur the ink. Instead, the ink |
| enamel paint rub, chip, or flake off. Nothing works! | | | | stays intact and the signature looks good after |
| Until recently, I signed my indoor glass mosaics | | | | the glue is dry and clear. The glass color also |
| with enamel paint. I covered the entire mosaic | | | | shows through so the glue doesn't affect the |
| (except the signature) with old rags and towels, | | | | mosaic's appearance. The ink is entombed in the |
| and then lightly sprayed on two light coats of | | | | glue and the glue provides strong, permanent |
| clear acrylic sealer to protect the paint. That | | | | protection for my signature on my indoor |
| method works okay, but it doesn't seem to be | | | | mosaics. |
| as permanent as my new idea. | | | | Don’t try to get cute by using a cotton |
| I had an epiphany a while ago and I've been | | | | swab or other tool to spread out the glue evenly. |
| signing all my indoor glass mosaics with this | | | | While trying to spread out the wet glue, if you |
| method ever since. Try it and see how it works | | | | press just a hair too hard and touch the ink, it will |
| for you. Use this method only for indoor mosaics. | | | | smudge. If you leave the ink alone, it |
| Do not use this method for outdoor mosaics or | | | | won’t smudge or blur, but it will with the |
| mosaics that will be displayed in a wet | | | | slightest touch. Therefore, I suggest that you |
| environment (e.g., a sauna or shower area). | | | | don't try to even out the glue lines. Instead, hold |
| CAUTION: Try this method on a piece of scrap | | | | the tip of the glue bottle close to the glass and |
| glass before trying it on your mosaic art. Trying it | | | | carefully squeeze out the glue. The edges will look |
| on scrap glass first will let you know if this is how | | | | a bit ragged (i.e., not perfectly straight and square |
| you actually want to sign your mosaic art. It will | | | | with each other). In my opinion, that’s |
| also give you practice before doing it on your | | | | okay, they don't need to be perfectly smooth, |
| mosaic art. | | | | straight, and at perfect angles with each other. |
| Using a fine-tip permanent marker, sign your | | | | When the glue is dry and clear, I don't notice the |
| name on the glass. I usually put my signature on | | | | raggedness unless my nose is right up to the |
| the bottom-right corner of my indoor mosaics. | | | | mosaic. |
| Put yours where you like it best. I find a piece of | | | | As noted, don't use this method for outdoor |
| tessera big enough to hold my entire signature so | | | | mosaics or for mosaics that will be displayed in a |
| I don't have to write on any grout lines. If I have | | | | wet environment (e.g., a sauna or shower area). |
| to write small to fit it on a single piece of tessera | | | | This process is explained on my website for free |
| so I don't cross any grout lines, then I write small. | | | | with lots of pictures, so if you don’t quite |
| Lay your indoor mosaic art on a flat surface. Do | | | | understand it, go to my website and look at the |
| this so the wet glue won't run or drip. If your | | | | pictures. Try this method on a piece of scrap |
| mosaic is flat, the glue is thick enough so it stays | | | | glass and see if you like it. If you do, then you'll |
| where you apply it (i.e., it won't run or drip). With | | | | know a neat trick that allows you to sign your |
| your indoor mosaic lying flat, carefully apply plain | | | | indoor mosaic art masterpieces and be |
| white Elmer's Glue-All over your entire signature. | | | | comfortable that your signature won't rub or |
| Don't touch the tip of the glue bottle to the | | | | wear off over time. |
| signature or the ink might smudge. Slowly | | | | Remember, making mosaic art is easy. You can |
| squeeze out enough white Elmer's Glue-All to | | | | do it. Yes, you can! |