Product Reviews
SUBSTRATES - MOSAIC BACKING
TILE BACKING BOARD
UNDRANDED OR WEDI BOARD/ MARMOX
This is used behind tiles in bathrooms and wet areas. It has a foam centre and a mesh cement layer on each side. Its very lightweight so great for mosaics. You can cut it with a knife into any shape so great for odd shaped work. Great for external projects. Please note WEDI board is silica free.
Sue Tucker: “The most common thicknesses are 6mm, 10mm and 12.5mm. I found 6mm a bit weak on unusual shapes but 12.5mm good.”
MAN MADE BOARDS
MDF
Medium-density fibreboard (MDF) is a man made product made by breaking down hardwood or softwood residuals into wood fibres, combining it with wax and a resin binder, and forming it into panels. It isn’t waterproof so not suitable for external projects.
Sue Tucker: “It usually comes in 3mm to 32mm thicknesses, I found 6mm to 10mm good.”
PLYWOOD
Plywood is a man made material made from thin layers of wood veneer that are glued together with each layer rotated up to 90 degrees to each other to give it strength. You can buy plywood pre-cut in A4 and A3 for crafts.
Sue Tucker: “The most common thicknesses are 3,2mm to 21mm. I found 6mm and 10mm good”.
CHIPBOARD
Chipboard is a man made material made from gluing together small wood particles. It came come in thicknesses from 1.5mm to 30mm.
HARDBOARD/ TEMPERED HARDBOARD
Hardboard is a man made product made by combining wood chips and fibres with wax and a resin binder, and forming it into panels. It isn’t waterproof so not suitable for external projects.
Tempered hardboard is chemically treated with a thin layer of linseed oil and other agents used as a sealant. This is suitable for external projects.
Sue Tucker: “I haven’t specifically bought hardboard for a project but it’s often used for the backing in picture frames which I often mosaic on once I have removed the glass”.
MOSAIC MESH
FIBERGLASS CLOTH MESH
Sue Tucker: “I use this for projects that are glued straight onto the wall, clear acrylic, wood where you want the mosaic flush to the surface. Its great as you can put your picture on a surface, add a layer of cling film then the mesh and you can see the picture for guidance and the glue doesn’t stick the picture to the back of the mesh as you have the cling film in between. Great product”.
MOSAIC MESH
Sue Tucker: “This mosaic mesh is used by tilers but can be used for mosaics with larger pieces. Its stronger than the fiberglass mesh”.
