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Mosaic Display

Can You Hang a Mosaic Like a Painting?

Mosaics can be quite heavy, and you should never create a safety problem by suspending a large mosaic by a small nail or picture hanger.  Mosaic mirror frames and mosaic picture frames should be securely anchored to the wall.  Make sure that your nails or screws go into the studs inside the wall and not just drywall.  Keep in mind that mosaic was used historically as an architectural element, meaning it was built into floors and walls. If you want something portable, you need to keep the size relatively small.

Most of Joe Moorman's mosaics at the gallery sit in small easels with 2 inch legs and high backs. The stands are made from wood and stained, and the mosaic reclines in the easel by its own weight.  (See the photo image to the right and the diagram below.)  The mosaics are displayed where small children cannot reach them to avoid the risk of a toddler pulling the mosaic over.  

 

  

 

 

mosaic easel photo
 

mosaic easel sketch

 

 

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What To Do With the Mosaic Edges?

One approach is to build a custom frame like a picture frame from wood.  It isn't difficult if you have a carpenter friend, and the wood can be stained and finished quite nicely.  However, you may want to consider a more modern look:  Simply sand the edge of the mosaic clean of grout residue with a vibratory sander and paint with a neutral brown or gray acrylic.  That way, nothing distracts from the mosaic image.  Fragments of Roman mosaics are sometimes displayed in museums in a similar fashion with unfinished, exposed edges. 

Never glue mosaic tile all the way to the edge of your mosaic backing.  Glass mosaic tile and ceramics can be sharp, especially when cut, and it is better to not have sharp edges sticking out.  Also remember that tiles that go all the way to the edge can be knocked loose easily before, during and after grouting.  It is best to leave a slight offset of 1/16 inch around the mosaic.

Website, Text and Images Copyright 2003 J.E. Moorman. All rights reserved. Not to be reproduced without express permission.