Purchase Guide: Glass & Tile Art
About Glass and Tile Art
Glass and tile art encompasses a vast array of artistic forms and media, including stained glass, mosaics,
etching, interior design, and more. Glass and tile art is unique in that its techniques are simple enough to be
mastered by beginners and children yet versatile enough to create complex, extraordinary works of art. The
possibilities are nearly endless in terms of designs, materials, and uses of glass and tile art, both for
decorative pieces as well as architectural features. More artists every day are being turned on to how
satisfying and expressive glass and tile art can be.
MisterArt.com has everything you need to begin a glass or tile art project! Use this guide as a resource to
familiarize yourself with glass and tile art and then be sure to check out our everyday discounts on top-quality
glass and tile art supplies.
History of Glass and Tile Art
Glass and tile art was a widely popular art form in times of classical antiquity all the way through the Middle
Ages. Especially popular were uses of glass and tile art for domestic design—Brilliant mosaics were
popular decorations in ancient Macedonian palaces and Roman dwellings alike. Although both periods produced
staggering works of glass and tile art, the medium was largely a luxury of the wealthy upper classes. In ancient
times, only those who could afford to commission works in what was an expensive medium were able to enjoy it up
close. During the Middle Ages, great pieces of glass and tile art were typically the domain of the church. The
fact that so many pieces of glass and tile art from these periods in history have survived to the present is a
testament to the durable nature of the medium.
In the 19th century, artists' and consumers' attitudes towards glass and tile art began to change. Improving
means of production made glass and tile art cheaper to make, putting the art form within the grasp of more
artists and buyers. Though previously heavily indebted to the techniques and style of painting, glass and tile
art began to take on a more industrial and commercial appeal. By the middle of the 20th century, mass production
had lowered the cost of materials such that the market was virtually flooded by cheap and uninspired works of
glass and tile art, giving the medium an air of kitschiness. Nevertheless, the possibilities for modern glass
and tile décor and design remain even more limitless today than they were 1,000 years ago.
Getting Started
For artists interested in glass and tile art, there are many techniques and materials from which to choose. In
addition to mosaics, glass and tile art can include stained glass, etching, blown glass, murals, and even
masonry. In order to choose the best medium for your vision, it's a good idea to familiarize yourself with the
tools and techniques you might need.
MisterArt.com offers a large selection of books at discounted prices
that cover a wide range of techniques, materials, and ideas to inspire your glass and tile art.
Etching
Etching is a technique that allows the artist to create designs and
patterns on the surface of glass by applying abrasive, caustic, or acidic materials. Glass etching can be
achieved through the use of rotary tools equipped with diamond-point bits as well as glass etching cream, which
typically consist of compounds such as sodium fluoride and hydrogen fluoride. Etching creates an opaque, frosted
look on glass.
Glass etching is a great glass and tile art technique to add art to
glassware, mirrors, fishbowls, votives, and all manner of glass objects. You can find everyday discount prices
on etching tools and materials at MisterArt.com!
Stained Glass
Stained glass is glass that has been colored by the
addition of metallic salts during its manufacturing process. Stained glass can be cut and arranged into
gorgeous, light-catching mosaics, as seen most famously in the windows of cathedrals and houses of worship the
world over. Painted details and yellow stain are commonly utilized to enhance the colored glass designs, as
well.
Stained glass projects are usually assembled by arranging the cut pieces of glass and wrapping the edges with
special foil or wire to be soldered together. Stained glass projects require a variety of tools, including
colored glass, a glass cutter, soldering iron, solder wire or foil, and other glass and tile art materials. You
can buy stained glass supplies at discounted prices at
MisterArt.com.
Glass Markers
Markers can be a fun, easy way to decorate your glass and tile
art, but not just any markers will do. MisterArt.com carries an array of durable, permanent-ink markers that are
as suitable for use on glass as they are on paper. Oil-based paint
markers are also a good choice to provide glass and tile art with colorful splashes and details. They're
also great for laying out patterns for mosaic tiles.
MisterArt.com also carries some markers intended for use on glass that are erasable and washable, enabling
artists to turn virtually any glass surface into a temporary masterpiece!
Mosaics
Although the results can be spectacular, the process of creating a mosaic is actually surprisingly simple. The technique has remained
virtually unchanged for a millennium and is easily learned. Most mosaics require the use of a few basic accessories and tools, namely:
- Tile Nippers: These are
tile cutters that are especially useful for halving or quartering tiles (or tesserae) or for "nibbling" them
into precise shapes for your mosaic.
- Tile Adhesive: Affix tiles
to wood, cement, metal, or other surfaces in the pattern of your choice to build your mosaic.
- Tile Grout: Grout is the
mortar most often used to set a finished mosaic. Grouts come in a variety of grains and colors—the best
grout for your project depends largely on the color and distance apart of your tiles.
Mosaic tiles themselves, also known as tesserae, also come in a wide variety of
shapes, sizes, and colors. Ceramic, stone, and glass tiles are the most common, and each type of tile lends a
different character to your glass and tile art. Tiles can be purchased from MisterArt.com in sets of both solid
and multicolored tesserae!
Painting
If your tile and glass art isn't complete without a little more color, there are many different kinds of glass
and tile paint available at discount prices from MisterArt.com. Use
glossy paint or glitter to give your mosaic extra shine, or use frosted glass finish to make your glass etching
really stand out!
