A Complete Guide to Finding the Right Materials with Confidence

How to Source Mosaic Materials: Tiles, Bases & Adhesives

Before a single tile is placed, before a design comes to life — there is a quieter, often overlooked skill that shapes every mosaic you will ever create: knowing how to source your materials.

This lesson will teach you how to confidently find tiles, bases, and adhesives that suit your project, your environment, and your artistic vision. Whether you're a complete beginner wondering where to start, or an experienced artist looking to refine your material choices, this guide will remove uncertainty and replace it with clarity.

Because when you understand your materials… everything else becomes easier.

Video

Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, you will be able to:

  • Identify and source a wide variety of mosaic tiles (new, reclaimed, and specialty)
  • Choose appropriate bases for different mosaic applications
  • Select the correct adhesive based on materials and environment
  • Recognise quality materials and avoid common purchasing mistakes
  • Build a flexible, cost-effective material sourcing system

Materials & Preparation

This lesson is about sourcing, so instead of gathering materials, you’ll begin building your material awareness toolkit.

What You’ll Need:

  • Notebook or digital notes (for tracking suppliers and ideas)
  • Access to local shops or online marketplaces
  • Optional: sample tiles or materials for testing

Preparation Tip:

Start thinking of yourself not just as an artist — but as a collector of possibilities.

Step-by-Step Guide to Sourcing Materials

Step 1: Understanding Tile Types (Your Creative Palette)


Tiles are not just materials — they are your colour, texture, and emotion.

Common Tile Types:

  • Glass tiles: Vibrant, reflective, ideal for colour intensity
  • Ceramic/porcelain: Durable, consistent, beginner-friendly
  • Stone: Natural, earthy, organic textures
  • Reclaimed materials: Broken plates, old tiles, found objects

Where to Source Tiles:

  • Tile supply stores (best for bulk and consistency)
  • Craft stores (good for beginners)
  • Second-hand shops & op shops (hidden treasures)
  • Renovation sites (with permission)
  • Online marketplaces

Common Mistake to Avoid:

Buying tiles purely for colour without considering:

  • Thickness consistency
  • Cutting difficulty
  • Suitability for indoor/outdoor use

💡 Artist Insight:

The most interesting mosaics rarely come from perfect materials — they come from unexpected combinations.

Step 2: Sourcing Bases (Your Foundation)


Your base determines whether your mosaic lasts months… or decades.

Common Base Options:

  • Wood (sealed): Indoor use only
  • Tile backer board (cement board): Water-resistant, highly durable
  • Concrete surfaces: Permanent installations
  • Pre-made blanks (coasters, pavers, plaques)

Where to Source Bases:

  • Hardware stores
  • Art supply shops
  • Online craft suppliers
  • Repurposed household materials

What to Look For:

  • Strength and rigidity
  • Resistance to moisture
  • Surface texture (for adhesion)

Common Mistake:

Using the wrong base for the environment (e.g., untreated wood outdoors)

💡 Rule to Remember: The base should always outlast the design.

Step 3: Choosing the Right Adhesive

Main Adhesive Types:

  • PVA Glue:

    Best for small, indoor projects

    Easy to use, beginner-friendly


  • Thin-set Mortar:

    Strong, water-resistant

    Ideal for outdoor and permanent work


  • Epoxy Adhesive:

    Extremely strong

    Used for difficult surfaces or specialty applications


How to Choose:

Ask yourself:

  • Will this be indoors or outdoors?
  • Will it be exposed to water or heat?
  • What material am I attaching?

Common Mistakes:

  • Using PVA for outdoor projects
  • Applying adhesive too thickly
  • Not allowing proper curing time

💡 Artist Insight: A great mosaic isn’t just placed — it’s anchored with intention.

Skill Deep Dive: How Materials Affect Your Art

Your material choices influence more than durability — they shape:

  • Colour perception (glass reflects, stone absorbs)
  • Texture and depth
  • Movement and flow (andamento)
  • Emotional tone of the piece

Think of materials as part of your storytelling language.

Practical Exercises

Exercise 1: Tile Scouting

  • Visit 2–3 different sources (shop, online, second-hand)
  • Compare tile types, prices, and textures
  • Document what stands out and why

Exercise 2: Adhesive Matching

  • Choose 3 project ideas (e.g., coaster, wall art, outdoor piece)
  • Decide which adhesive you would use for each
  • Justify your choices

Exercise 3: Material Mapping

  • Create a simple chart:

    Tile type → Best base → Best adhesive


From Practice to Permanent

Understanding sourcing is what allows you to confidently move into:

  • Garden pavers
  • Bird baths
  • Architectural inlays
  • Outdoor installations

Without this knowledge, long-term work becomes guesswork.

With it — you build mosaics that last.

Mindful Practice

This section is optional — return to it whenever you want to slow down and reconnect.

As you explore materials, pause and notice:

  • The weight of a tile in your hand
  • The texture under your fingertips
  • The subtle differences in colour

Ask yourself gently: “What am I drawn to today — and why?”

There is no right answer here.

Sourcing materials can become a quiet, grounding ritual — one that connects you to your creativity before the work even begins.

Reflection / Assessment

  • Do I understand which materials suit indoor vs outdoor work?
  • Can I confidently choose an adhesive for a given project?
  • Am I selecting materials intentionally, or just by appearance?

Optional: What materials felt most inspiring to me today?

Next Steps / Progression

Now that you understand how to source your materials, the next step is learning how to prepare and work with them effectively.

➡️ Next Lesson: Recommended beginner-friendly suppliers