Revive the Byzantine and Italian art form of mosaic in a faux-finish perfect for outdoor pots and planters. Experiment on pieces of paper before beginning, and remember, perfection is not necessary. Part of the appeal of old mosaics, whether pattern or picture, was that they were unique to each artist. 

Materials (To create above colour pot)

• Plascon Wall & All: Antique Linen (Y3-D2-1); Yellow (Y5-A111 Golden Daffodil); Blue (B5-D1-1 Neptunes Castle); Green (G5-E1-1 Monsoon Lagoon); Red (R6-C1-1 French Kiss); White and Black for shading
• Plascon Waterbased Glazecoat
• Methylated spirits
• An asbestos or clay pot
• A pencil
• A ruler
• Tracing paper
• A muffin tray
• A 10 mm flat nylon brush
• A 20 mm flat nylon brush
• A 50 mm bristle brush

Method

Step 1
Paint the pot with two coats of Wall & All Guadeloupe, allowing two hours of drying time for each coat.

Step 2
Using the brushes, test the size of the desired faux mosaic squares on a piece of paper. The painted square will be a little larger than the brush – a 10 mm brush will make a square of approximately 15 mm in size, and a 20 mm brush will make a square of approximately 25 mm, for example.

Step 3
Your design will be composed of a series of bands, approximately 3 cm apart on the pot – each accommodating a 2.5 cm row of squares, and 0.5 cm for the grouting. Using these as a guide, draw your design onto the tracing paper and transfer it onto the pot. Remember that the pot is rounded, so the design will have to be manipulated slightly to fit the pot. Mosaic tiles are seldom perfectly aligned, so don’t worry too much about accuracy – slight imperfections will add to the authenticity of the look.  

Step 4
Mix the colours into various tints and tones in the muffin pan, and dip the brush into lighter and darker versions of the same colour. The slight colour variation will also add authenticity to the effect.

Step 5
Hold the brush at a 45º angle to the pot. Move the brush evenly across a traced square, creating a sharply defined edge.

Step 6 
Varnish the pot with the water-based Glazecoat, using the 50 mm bristle paint brush. The pot will be dry and weatherproof within 24 hours.

Note: Clean the edges with a piece of mutton cloth dipped in methylated spirits, if necessary. This will also remove unsightly pencil marks. Leave the pot to dry for two hours and et Voila, you’ve created your own outdoor masterpiece.

Inspired by Plascon
via www.plascon.co.za