Double indirect method of a motif: applying the motif to the substrate

This is the second part of how I'm using a double indirect method using Frosty contact paper to transfer a part of a mosaic (I'm calling it a motif) to my table top substrate. I'll be switching back and forth between photos of a red and a green mosaic, sorry!

The green motif is complete and laid out on its Frosty. Cut a second piece of Frosty about the same size as the first and laid it sticky side down on the motif, then rub it onto each piece of glass for extra adhesion. After that, flip the piece so you're looking at the backside, and carefully peel off the Frosty; if you press down on the pieces and roll the Frosty back on itself, you have a better change of the pieces staying in place. 

Apply thinset thinly to the area on the substrate where the motif is going; use a notched trowel to thin it down a little more. Note that if you're using transparent glass, you may need to back butter the glass pieces so you don't seen the scratch lines through the tessera.

I used a piece of cardboard like a pizza peel (thank you Emily for the idea!) to slowly set the motif onto the thinset, adjusting position as needed. Don't drag it around too much but you can adjust it a little.  Press all of the pieces lightly into the thinset. Give it a little time to dry, then peel off the frosty very carefully, doubling it back over itself and pulling slowly. The thinset should be goopy enough for you to reposition tesserae if they're not where you want them.


Wait a bit longer until it's stiff but not set, and check all the grout joints to make sure you don't need to do any cleanup. You don't want the thinset to come up further than 1/2 up the tesserae. Also clean up around the edges of the motif if your thinset goes beyond the edges of your motif.

I did all 4 of the larger motifs this way with a minimum of fuss. The red and green motifs were applied to the substrate in less than 15 minutes! The smaller ones didn't need it. Three more motifs and I'm ready to fill in the background.