Play Dough.- Yep!
the children's modeling clay. I use it to mask off parts of my mosaic when using different grout colors. Bonus!
It's inexpensive and fun to play with too.
Studio Tips and Tricks
My Favorite Studio Tips
Rubbing Alcohol ~ Get those Sharpie marker lines off your glass. It's easy with a bit of rubbing alcohol.
Pool Noodles - A slice of pool noodle is perfect as a grout float/ spreader. Protect your fingers from any sharp cut glass. Plus, just trash it when you're finished grouting.
Chapstick~ Not just for your lips. Coat your glass or tile marker guide lines with Chapstick to keep your guide lines from disappearing when using a wet saw.
Spatulas ~ The really cheap rubber ones from The Dollar Store, or the like. Can never have enough. Mix your grout or thinset. Spread grout or thinset.
Freezer Paper-
I use it as an underlayer for working on mesh. So mush easier than plastic wrap. No adhesive will stick to its slippery smooth side.
Cotton Swabs ~ Indispensable !
Cotton swabs will spread out too much adhesive, shove grout into those hard to reach places and come to the rescue in so many mosaic studio “pickles”.
Coffee or Tea ~ Get just the right hint of tan or ivory in your white thinset mortar or grout. Just add a bit of your coffee or tea into the mix. No need to purchase an almond color grout.
Lestoil Cleaner ~ Lestoil is an old fashioned petroleum based cleaner. Kinda smelly, but it’s perfect for removing the gooey sticker stuff off glass or tiles.
White Vinegar~ Get that haze off your “tess” after your grout cures. One part white household vinegar with four parts water in a spray bottle will do the trick. Spray and buff.