How To Make A Mosaic Table Top With Broken China

Do you have a collection of broken china or old plates that you can't bear to throw away? If so, you can give them a new lease on life by creating a gorgeous mosaic table top. This is a great way to recycle and up-cycle, and it's also a fun and creative project. Here are the essential steps on how to make a mosaic table top with broken china:

Materials:

Table top (wood, metal, or glass)
Broken china or plates
Thin-set mortar
Grout
Grout float
Sponge
Bucket
Trowel
Tile nippers
Safety glasses
Gloves

Instructions:

Prepare the table top:
Clean the table top to remove any dirt or debris. If the table top is made of wood, you may need to sand it to smooth out any rough edges. If the table top is made of metal, you may need to apply a primer to help the mortar adhere.
Prepare the broken china:
Break the china into small pieces using tile nippers. The pieces should be about the same size, but you can also vary the sizes to create a more interesting design. Wear safety glasses and gloves when breaking the china.
Apply the thin-set mortar:
Spread a thin layer of thin-set mortar onto the table top using a trowel. Be sure to cover the entire surface evenly.
Lay the broken china:
Start laying the broken china pieces onto the mortar. Press the pieces firmly into the mortar, but be careful not to press too hard or you may break them. You can arrange the pieces in any design you like.
Allow the mortar to dry:
Allow the mortar to dry completely for 24 hours.
Grout the mosaic:
Once the mortar is dry, you can grout the mosaic. Mix the grout according to the manufacturer's instructions. Spread the grout over the mosaic using a grout float. Be sure to fill in all of the spaces between the pieces of china.
Clean the mosaic:
Once the grout has dried, you can clean the mosaic using a sponge and water. Be sure to rinse the sponge frequently to avoid transferring dirt or debris to the mosaic.

Your mosaic table top is now complete! Enjoy your new piece of art and furniture.

Tips:

Use a variety of colors and patterns of china to create a more interesting design.
You can also use other materials in your mosaic, such as glass, beads, or tiles.
If you are using a large table top, you may want to work in sections to make it easier to manage.
Be patient and take your time. Creating a mosaic table top is a labor of love, but it is well worth the effort.