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Studio Tips and Tricks

My Favorite Studio Tips

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.

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. 


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