Out on the tiles

Mark Rayner uses vitreous mosaic tiles and coloured glass nuggets to create a stunning Arts and Crafts effect house number.

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You will need: 17mm treated plywood measuring 315mm x 365mm, 25mm black vitreous tiles, 10mm dark orange vitreous tiles, 20mm mid orange vitreous tiles, 20mm mixed blue vitreous and iridescent tiles, blue gloss nuggets, enlarged photocopy of house number, carbon paper, pencil, exterior primer, exterior black acrylic paint, paintbrush, exterior PVA glue, tile cutters, black grout and a rubber squeegee. Wear latex gloves when grouting to prevent staining under fingernails.

Step one
Using the carbon paper and a pencil, trace the house number on to the centre of the plywood panel. Prime the back and sides of the panel and allow to dry. Then paint the back and sides of the panel with two coats of black paint. Allow to dry.

Step two
Using the PVA glue, apply a row of black tiles around the outer edge of the panel, ensuring they are evenly spaced.

Step three
Apply a row of the dark orange tiles around the edge of the number, nipping with the tile cutters to get a neat fit.

Step four
Fill in the centre of the number with the mid orange tiles. Again, nip with the tile cutters for a neat fit.

Step five
Apply a row of evenly spaced blue vitreous and iridescent tiles and glass nuggets around the outer edge, as shown.

Step six
Working towards the centre, apply a second row of blue tiles and nuggets.

Step seven
Continue to fill in the area around the number with the blue tiles and nuggets. Nip with the tile cutters to ensure a neat finish. Allow glue to dry overnight.

Step eight
Mix grout according to manufacturer's instructions and work into the joints of the mosaic with the rubber squeegee. Remove excess grout with a damp sponge. Once dry, clean off any remaining residue with a damp cloth.

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Resene Paints Ltd – www.resene.com