Wood - Although wood is readily available one must proceed with caution when selecting this as a base material. Wood is vulnerable to changes in humidity or temperature and can warp or crack, thus popping tiles and cracking grout. if you are going to tile a wood piece such as a dresser or table. Make sure that it is properly sealed, free of loose or peeling paint, and sanded to aid in bonding. Wood can be used safely provided it is properly prepared and used in the correct applications.
Wood elements from craft stores (frames, shelves, birdhouses, boxes, etc.) are ready for mosaics but are NOT suitable for outdoor use. Even in the best conditions wood will deteriorate over time. When preparing raw wood for mosaic applications we recommend Kilz. It not only seals the wood but also acts as a bonding agent for your adhesive. Do not use sealers like Thompson's water seal, as they leave a waxy finish that prevents adhesives from sticking and may contain chemicals that will react with your adhesive.
You may feel treated and exterior grade lumber is prepared for exterior purposes it is also not a good choice. The treatment that it receives is to prevent rot and does not prevent warping. * Best advice - If you are using wood. Keep it indoors where the humidity is stable, and your piece will not get wet. SEAL IT! Use a high-quality bonding primer such as Kilz.
|
|
Plywood – Plywood is a material manufactured from thin layers or "plies" of wood veneer that are glued together with adjacent layers having their wood grain rotated up to 90 degrees to one another. It is what is termed an “engineered” wood. It is readily available and easy to cut. Plywood can make a great choice but even plywood is vulnerable to changes in humidity or temperature and can warp, thus popping tiles and cracking grout joints. This is particularly true of construction-grade plywood. When choosing plywood, multi-layer birch cabinet plywood is the best choice for interior artwork. It is purposefully engineered to prevent warping. Sealing the wood before beginning is always the best practice. The use of plywood should be limited to interior works only. |
Birch Plywood |
MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard) – MDF falls into the category of engineered wood. good mosaic substrate because it provides a flat, stable surface and is fairly easy to cut with a saw. It is easily obtained from lumber suppliers and home-improvement stores. However, MDF is not waterproof, and will readily absorb moisture and warp out of shape. Therefore you should never use it for projects that you want to place outdoors, or for pieces that will be positioned in a damp environment, such as a bathroom. MDF varies in thickness from approximately 1⁄8 to 1in (4 to 25mm). Always wear a mask when you cut MDF, because although it has not been determined if harmful carcinogens are offput during cutting, the cutting process generates a good deal of dust. |
 |
Driftwood and Found Wood Found driftwood and other types of wood can be used and make an artful statement as seen in this piece by Artist Anne Marie Price. Make sure it is dry and stable and is kept in a stable environment without dramatic temperature or humidity changes to ensure its longevity. |
Watch and learn more about wood substrates for mosaics here:
