Paving tiles
I have struggled this past several days with the paving tiles. I had no issues gluing them to the base of the project but then I struggled with how to add a combination of sand and "grass" to give a look of growth between the tiles. I also wanted some of the sand showing on the edge of the tiles blending into the grass sheeting. I've had a terrible time getting it to adhere firmly to the base.
I used the same sand that is used in model railroad displays, but it doesn't seem to want to glue firmly to the base. As a final effort I tried spraying the finished area with a matt sealer to see if that would add to the adhesion, but it doesn't appear to have helped. The actual spraying of the sealer just caused some of the loose sand to blow on to the tiles. I don't know if anyone has had experience using this sand, if so I would really appreciate a few hints to help me with the project. Maybe it isn't meant to be glued in place, and is suppose to just lay there, my old fear of that is portability, if I ever had to move the project.
At any rate, here are some of the shots I took of the job so far. Before gluing the tiles I did "age" them a little with some white and dirty colors because they looked too new. I was pleased with the results of this. I also had to add the molding around the edge of the base to keep the sand in at the front edge.
I would love to have your suggestions and feedback on how I can better adhere the sand.
On a more postive note, I would like to welcome Carol from Wee Cute Treasures. I've followed Carol's blog for a while now and I am so impressed with her dolls. Her latest venture at flower making has been extremely impressive, and I am so envious of her lovely garden. Thanks for following along with my blog Carol.
Until the next time...........
Wanda
I used the same sand that is used in model railroad displays, but it doesn't seem to want to glue firmly to the base. As a final effort I tried spraying the finished area with a matt sealer to see if that would add to the adhesion, but it doesn't appear to have helped. The actual spraying of the sealer just caused some of the loose sand to blow on to the tiles. I don't know if anyone has had experience using this sand, if so I would really appreciate a few hints to help me with the project. Maybe it isn't meant to be glued in place, and is suppose to just lay there, my old fear of that is portability, if I ever had to move the project.
At any rate, here are some of the shots I took of the job so far. Before gluing the tiles I did "age" them a little with some white and dirty colors because they looked too new. I was pleased with the results of this. I also had to add the molding around the edge of the base to keep the sand in at the front edge.
I would love to have your suggestions and feedback on how I can better adhere the sand.
On a more postive note, I would like to welcome Carol from Wee Cute Treasures. I've followed Carol's blog for a while now and I am so impressed with her dolls. Her latest venture at flower making has been extremely impressive, and I am so envious of her lovely garden. Thanks for following along with my blog Carol.
Until the next time...........
Wanda
I really love your little shed, it looks wonderful! The tiles are aged beautifully.
ReplyDeleteCan't help you on the sand, no experience with that.
Marit
your garden shed it really realy nice the paving tiles what did you use for them looks awesome!! i love it!
ReplyDeleteIt is possible to adhere sand (and moss) around and inbetween your bricks but, I have found, it does take a lot of patience.
ReplyDeletePVA glue works just fine. Lay a bead of it between the tiles, sprinkle on the sand (or moss) and use much more than you ever think you will need. Then, very gently and lightly, pat the top...don't smoosh it. Just touch lightly with your finger or even a brush to gently force the grains into contact with the glue. Then wait until the glue is totally dry before tipping off the excess...or brushing it off. Reclaim all of the material for later use. If it is small project, I just tip it on it's side and gently tap the bottom. Lots will come off but if you've pressed the grains into the glue and it is all dry, enough will stay. The key is to press the sand into the glue...it will not just stick by laying it on top..and then to wait until the glue has completely dried. This technique has worked for me on several projects. Good luck!
I have also seen a product in the craft store which is a sand already mixed with glue. Haven't tried it.
The paving looks very effective and I was going to suggest pva but Tabitha Corsica beat me to it although it's not something I've tried myself. Someone else I know used the pva method to secure mini gravel on a walkway and it worked very well with that.
ReplyDeleteThis looks great. I love the moss between the pavers! Of course I have no input on the sand but I'm glad you asked the question because I'm getting ready to landscape my daydream cottage and will need all the help I can get!
ReplyDeleteWow Wanda- the tiles look incredible! Looks like you received some great advice on the sand too.
ReplyDeleteHi Ladies,
ReplyDeleteThanks for the advise and the kind comments. I'll try again with the PVA glue this weekend. I took pictures of the work in progress, so I'll post how I made the tiles in the next posting.
Thanks again!
Wanda