The process of producing colorants for tiles and glass mosaics involves several steps, all of which require a high level of expertise. Pigments for tiles and glass mosaics are made of artificial minerals. These minerals are formed by solid state reactions involving metallic oxides, salts, and mineralizers. They have the advantage of having uniform chemical and physical properties, allowing for a large range of colors and shades. Usually, the production volume of pigments starts from a minimum of 500 kg.
Ceramic stains can be made of several crystal structures. Good pigments have high purity and uniformity. They are chemically inert, meaning that they do not decompose in high temperatures or react with glazes. They are also stable enough to be used for decorative purposes. Examples of such pigments are rutile, zircon, corundum, and zeolites. In addition, these pigments can be made of various kinds of ceramic materials, including clays, glass, stone, and stone.
In antiquity, stone dominated and gave glass mosaics their natural colours. They were influenced by the colour schemes of ancient Greek and Roman sculpture. The use of stone continued into Christian monumental decoration, but on a smaller scale and for special effects. Byzantine glass mosaics used pieces of stone for the heads and hands of figures, while marble cubes depicted woollen garments. Other colours were used in a variety of ways to create illusions and backgrounds.
Once the pigments are applied, you must wash your hands thoroughly and wear protective clothing. You should avoid eating while working with pigments, and try to keep your hands and eyes away from them. You should also clean your workspace. Never apply pigments near blowing or cooling air. Always sift before pouring in water. Pigments for tiles and glass mosaics are safe to use indoors, and are readily available in jars.
While painting became more common in the 19th century, glass mosaic still relied on illusion and painting for their creation. Artists who worked with glass mosaics were also highly skilled in their techniques and applied pigments with water in a thin layer of plaster. Pigments for tiles and glass mosaics have a similar history, from the Renaissance to the twentieth century. They have been used to create glass mosaics for centuries and have been found in Roman floors and walls.
Before the invention of ceramic tesserae, glass mosaics were made from uncut pebbles of uniform size. Later on, the Greeks elevated this craft to an art form by inventing tesserae, which are regular shaped pieces. These tesserae can produce pictures that rival contemporary painting in detail. These glass mosaics can be very striking in distance. This makes them a perfect choice for both contemporary and historic interior decor.
