Smalti Sample Board

Smalti Sample Board contains all the colors of Mud Turtle Mosaic™ brand smalti that we currently carry. The factory makes some intermediate tints in addition to the tints shown on the board, but we don’t carry those simply because they are hard to distinguish from the tints we already have. We carry all the factory’s hues. The rest of the information below describes the smalti: Smalti is traditional hand-cut mosaic glass that has a different look and feel from molded tile. It is the glass to use for reproducing religious icons, antique mosaic art, or making modern interpretations of classical designs. It is sold by the 1/4 pound, which is 40+ pieces on average. Mud Turtle Mosaic™ brand smalti is a next-generation smalti. It looks like ordinary smalti (non-molded hand-cut rectangles), but it can be cut more predictably and cleanly with less waste and fewer shards, which often an issue with smalti. Avoid having to discard a significant percentage of your expensive materials as cutting scrap. This brand cuts more efficiently because of how it is poured and cooled. With Mud Turtle Mosaic™ smalti, extra care is taken to ensure that the mixture is more homogeneous and that little or no cold seams are formed during the pouring of the molten material out on the slab. The result is that are fewer blobs and swirls and fault plains inside the glass. These artificial internal structures are what causes regular smalti to break in such odd ways and form such vicious finger-poking shards. With this brand, there are also fewer surface pits and crevices for grouts and mortars to contaminate.

Product Coverage

One sales unit (1/4-pound) covers a little over 9 square inches uncut with no grout spacing. Depending on how you cut the smalti, you could get about 12 to 14 square inches of coverage per 1/4 pound. A good rule of thumb is 2.5 to 3 pounds per square foot. Traditionally mosaics made from smalti were not grouted. However, if your mosaic will be outdoors or in a wet location, then you need to leave a gap between the tiles so that if can be filled with grout to seal out moisture. Having a grout gap means that you will need about 10 to 15% less smalti than otherwise.

Piece Count

One sales unit (1/4-pound) USUALLY contains 40+ pieces, with 42 being the average for the material we sampled. However, the smalti is sold by weight, and if the factory cuts a batch with slightly larger pieces, then that batch will have fewer pieces per 1/4 pound.

Compatibility

Smalti is hand cut when it is made at the factory, and so it had a different look and feel from regular molded glass mosaic tile that is pressed into a uniform shape. Smalti is also significantly thicker than most of the glass tile we sell. For these reasons, mosaics look best when they are made from one type material or the other but not both.

Cutting Smalti

Mud Turtle Mosaic™ Smalti cuts extremely well with the mosaic glass cutters that we sell.

Smalti Mosaic Glass

  • Price is per 1/4 pound, which is USUALLY 40+ pieces.
  • The factory could potentially cut the pieces slightly larger, which would reduce the piece count per 1/4 pound.
  • hand-cut non-molded rectangular pieces.
  • variable dimensions: ~1/4 inch x ~5/8 inch x ~1/4 inch thick.
  • coverage: about 2.5 to 3 pounds per square foot with coverage being affected by how the smalti is cut by the artist.
  • Pigments: colorfast metal oxide.
  • Solid color throughout.
  • Opaque.
  • Cut surface is glossy.
  • Cuts relatively easily with mosaic glass cutters.
  • Heat, frost and chemical resistant.
  • Suitable for both commercial and residential installation, indoors and out.

Use in Mosaic Art

This smalti is probably the best you can find is you need to render small details in smalti because it can be cut smaller with less waste than other brands. It also has little or no surface pitting, so you can grout a mosaic made from this material without having specks of grout remaining all over the face of the mosaic in pits. The product is highly recommended.

How To Make Mosaic Art

For more advice on designing your mosaic project or mounting, cutting, and grouting tile, please see our page of Mosaic Frequently Asked Questions or our Mosaic Information Guide, which lists instructional pages described by topic. We also post new articles about making mosaics at our How to Mosaic Blog.

Mosaic Tiles Sample 10-COLORS

Free 10 Colour Tile Sample

How To Order Samples

  1. Click the “Add to Cart” button on this page.
  2. Make a list of the 10 colors you’d like in the set. Please use the product numbers, such as: E070IRI or MV20-A016
  3. When you check out and pay for your order, include the list of colors in the ORDER NOTES, which is on page 2 of the checkout.

NOTE: Please include the color list in your order notes during check-out, otherwise we’ll contact you via email for details and it may delay your order.

Each sample is individually labeled for easy look up. You’ll get one or two tiles, depending on the product.

We cannot send samples of Stained Glass or Large Glass Beads or Marbles.

If you leave the “Order Notes” blank and you do not e-mail us a list of samples we will mail you 10 completely random tile samples.

In A Mood – Muted Tones – 3/4-Inch Glass Mosaic Tile Mix 1-lb

In A Mood is a pastel glass tile assortment with grays, tans, blues, teals, greens, and some pinks. This mix includes a combination of Morjo Vitreous and low-grain Lojee-Nojee tile, which adds textural variety and makes it a great way to sample both brands. These tiles are hard and durable enough for outdoor installation, yet they can quickly be cut into halves, quarters and triangles with little force using a pair of mosaic glass cutters. The grooved side bonds adhesive more securely and also makes for easier cutting. To plan your design, use a mounting grid.

In A Mood Glass Mosaic Tile Assortment 3/4-Inch

  • Price is per 1 pound (roughly 145+ tiles).
  • Tile dimensions: 3/4 inch x 3/4 inch (20mm x 20mm).
  • Tile thickness: 4mm (1/8 inch nominal).
  • Material: glass
  • Coverage: each pound covers 0.69 square feet.
  • Coverage: 218 loose tiles cover 1 sq ft. with grout spacing of 1/16 inch.
  • Frost-proof, impervious to liquid.
  • Suitable for indoor/outdoor use.

Product Coverage

Each pound covers 0.69 square feet assuming a standard grout spacing of 1/16 inch. Coverage for 1 square foot requires 218 tiles. Note that cutting tiles generates some scrap, so you may want to budget 5% extra.

Compatibility

Because the 3/4 inch size (20mm) and 1/8 inch nominal thickness (4mm) is industry standard, you can combine these tiles with a wide variety of brands.

Cutting Glass Tile

We recommend the Mosaic Glass Cutter for cutting all types of glass mosaic tile including these. Note, however, that there is a limit to how small they can be cut. Due to their tapered edges, small pieces will tend to tip over. We advise cutting halves and quarters and diagonal triangles, and not much smaller than that. For creating outlines and other details, check out our Rectangle Border Tiles or our Outliners Mosaic Sticks.

Mounting Tile

Weldbond adhesive works well for mounting dry indoor mosaics. However, to permanently set outdoor and wet mosaics, use thinset mortar.

Use in Mosaic Art

The affordability, ease of use and durability of these tiles makes them suitable for outdoor projects such as garden décor. The pigment quality also lends itself equally well to photorealistic mosaic images and fine art.

How To Make Mosaics

For more advice on designing your mosaic project or cutting and grouting tile, please see our Mosaic Frequently Asked Questions page. You can also visit our How To Mosaic blog or our Mosaic Information Guide.

San Diego Assortment 3/4-Inch Glass Mosaic Tile Mix 1-lb

20mm San Diego AssortmentOur San Diego Glass Mosaic Tile Mix is a desert city-themed glass tile assortment with most color families represented, but a heavier balance of tans, browns, grays, and greens. This mix includes a combination of Morjo Vitreous and low-grain Lojee-Nojee tile, which adds textural variety and a great way to sample both brands. There are also some tan iridescent tiles scattered throughout. These tiles are hard and durable enough for outdoor installation, yet they can quickly be cut into halves, quarters and triangles with little force using a pair of mosaic glass cutters. The grooved side bonds adhesive more securely and also makes for easier cutting. To plan your design, use a mounting grid.

San Diego Glass Mosaic Tile Assortment 3/4-Inch

  • Price is per 1 pound (roughly 145+ tiles).
  • Tile dimensions: 3/4 inch x 3/4 inch (20mm x 20mm).
  • Tile thickness: 4mm (1/8 inch nominal).
  • Material: glass
  • Coverage: each pound covers 0.69 square feet.
  • Coverage: 218 loose tiles cover 1 sq ft. with grout spacing of 1/16 inch.
  • Frost-proof, impervious to liquid.
  • Suitable for indoor/outdoor use.

Product Coverage

Each pound covers 0.69 square feet assuming a standard grout spacing of 1/16 inch. Coverage for 1 square foot requires 218 tiles. Note that cutting tiles generates some scrap, so you may want to budget 5% extra.

Compatibility

Because the 3/4 inch size (20mm) and 1/8 inch nominal thickness (4mm) is industry standard, you can combine these tiles with a wide variety of brands.

Cutting Glass Tile

We recommend the Mosaic Glass Cutter for cutting all types of glass mosaic tile including these. Note, however, that there is a limit to how small they can be cut. Due to their tapered edges, small pieces will tend to tip over. We advise cutting halves and quarters and diagonal triangles, and not much smaller than that. For creating outlines and other details, check out our Rectangle Border Tiles or our Outliners Mosaic Sticks.

Mounting Tile

Weldbond adhesive works well for mounting dry indoor mosaics. However, to permanently set outdoor and wet mosaics, use thinset mortar.

Use in Mosaic Art

The affordability, ease of use and durability of these tiles makes them suitable for outdoor projects such as garden décor. The pigment quality also lends itself equally well to photorealistic mosaic images and fine art.

How To Make Mosaics

For more advice on designing your mosaic project or cutting and grouting tile, please see our Mosaic Frequently Asked Questions page. You can also visit our How To Mosaic blog or our Mosaic Information Guide.

Imitation Gold Mosaic Tile BULK SALVAGE Mix 1 Pound

Imitation Gold Bulk Salvage Glass Tile Mix

Imitation Gold Tile Bulk Salvage Mix 1 Pound

This salvage assortment includes 1 pound of imitation gold tile strips and loose pieces. As a salvage product, incidental damage such as chipped corners and scratches may be present. You can sample a variety of all our imitation gold tile products with this versatile mix. Limited quantity!

Salvaged Material Included:

  • Imitation Gold Mosaic Tile WAVY 10mm
  • Imitation Gold Mosaic Tile WAVY 20mm
  • Imitation Gold Mosaic Tile SMOOTH 10mm
  • Imitation Gold Mosaic Tile SMOOTH 20mm

CAUTION: Sharp Edges and Slivers May Be Present

Imitation Gold Mosaic Glass tile is SILVER (Ag) alloy leaf fused under hand-cut glass mounted on removable clear film. These are what some competitors are selling as real gold mosaic (shame, shame), but they are great for what they are: a beautiful and economical alternative to real gold mosaic.

These are hand-cut tiles, but they are fairly square and uniform for the most part, although some are slightly irregular in shape. Note that the backs are coated with a yellow epoxy to inhibit oxidation from tarnishing the silver foil.

Imitation Gold Tile Bulk Salvage Mix

  • tile size: 3/8 inch (10mm) and 3/4 inch (20mm)
  • thickness: 1/8 nominal (4mm)
  • sales unit: 1 lb mix of strips and loose tiles
  • material: glass fused over SILVER alloy leaf
  • variety: molded tile
  • colorfast, UV resistant
  • durability: frost-proof, impervious to liquid
  • usage: suitable for indoor and outdoor use

Compatibility

These tiles mix well with most brands of 3/8 inch mosaic tile because their thickness is 1/8 inch nominal (4mm), which is a common industry standard. BUT, keep in mind that these hand-cut tiles do not have beveled edges like molded tile, which means they will not fit into mounting grids as deeply as the molded tile.

Cutting Imitation Gold Mosaic Glass

Cut Imitation Gold Mosaic Glass into halves, quarters, triangles and irregular shapes using our Mosaic Glass Cutter.

Use in Mosaic Art

These make an attractive and affordable alternative to real gold.

How To Make Mosaics

For more advice on designing your mosaic project or cutting and grouting tile, please see our Mosaic Frequently Asked Questions page, our How To Mosaic blog, or our Mosaic Information Guide.

Mosaic Starter Kit with Compound Nipper (6 Item Kit)

Compound Mosaic Starter Kit No Grout

Our Mosaic Starter Kit with Compound Nipper is the same as our regular Mosaic Starter Kit, but it includes the Compound Tile Nipper for hard porcelain and stone instead of the regular Mosaic Tile Nipper. The Compound Tile Nipper has a force multiplier which allows you to cut hard ceramics and stone with much less effort. The kit includes these professional grade tools: compound tile nipper, mosaic glass cutter, safety glasses, Weldbond glue, and two 1-pound bags of vitreous glass mosaic tiles. It does NOT include grout.

Although the kit was designed with beginners in mind, it includes the same tools and materials used by full-time mosaic artists and professional architectural installers. Notice that we didn’t include ordinary household items like plastic trays for mixing like most craft kits do. Our kit is made of only essential items like tile, glue, and hand tools. Also note that we didn’t include small sample-sized amounts. The mosaic tile grout and glue in this kit are the standard size we sell, and the tools are the same as those used by professionals when installing murals. The kit was designed by our resident mosaic artist and are packed right in our shop. Don’t expect a lot of shrink-wrapping and labels and custom packaging -just value!

Compound Nipper Mosaic Art Starter Kit Components

Our Compound Nipper Mosaic Art Starter Kit includes:

Why No Grout In Kit?

Shipping cement products is not good value for your money. Buy grout at a local building material or hardware store. We use traditional sanded portland-cement grouts such as made by Mapei and Custom Building Products. These products are dry and only require water and mixing. We have no experience with the epoxy and urethane products that come pre-mixed and have fumes.

How To Make Mosaic Art

For more advice on designing your mosaic project or mounting, cutting, and grouting tile, please see our page of Mosaic Frequently Asked Questions or our Mosaic Information Guide, which lists instructional pages described by topic. We also post new articles about making mosaics at our How to Mosaic Blog.

Mosaic Starter Kit (6 Item Kit)

Mosaic Starter Kit No Grout

Our Mosaic Starter Kit Without Grout includes professional-grade tools: tile nipper, mosaic glass cutter, safety glasses, Weldbond glue, and two 1-pound bags of vitreous glass mosaic tiles. It does NOT include grout, which should be purchased at a local building material or hardware store (if grout is desired). The kit is not for making a canned project designed by us. Rather, it is what you need to start working on your own designs and projects. Our mosaic instructions for basic mosaic tasks are free and posted online.

The kit is the perfect way to get everything you need to get started now, and it is priced at a discount. Although the kit was designed with beginners in mind, it includes the same tools and materials used by full-time mosaic artists. Notice that we didn’t include silly cheap stuff like wooden sticks for mixing like most craft kits do. Our kit is made of only essential items like tile, glue, and tools. Also note that we didn’t use tiny sample-sized amounts. The mosaic tile grout and glue are the standard size we sell, and the tools are the same as those used by professional installers. The kit was designed by our resident mosaic artist and are packed right in our shop. Don’t expect a lot of shrink-wrapping and labels -just value!

Mosaic Art Starter Kit Components

Our Mosaic Starter Kit includes:

Why No Grout In Kit?

Shipping cement products is not good value for your money. Buy grout at a local building material or hardware store. We use traditional sanded portland-cement grouts such as made by Mapei and Custom Building Products. These products are dry and only require water and mixing. We have no experience with the epoxy and urethane products that come pre-mixed and have fumes.

How To Make Mosaic Art

For more advice on designing your mosaic project or mounting, cutting, and grouting tile, please see our page of Mosaic Frequently Asked Questions or our Mosaic Information Guide, which lists instructional pages described by topic. We also post new articles about making mosaics at our How to Mosaic Blog.

Vision Quest Assortment 3/4-Inch Glass Mosaic Tile Mix 1-lb

Vision Quest 20mm Assortment-NEWESTOur Vision Quest Glass Mosaic Tile Mix is a 1-lb assortment of vitreous glass tile in a kaleidoscopic mix of amplified landscape colors. Referencing the desert landscape, this assortment includes sage, sky blue, sienna, orange, pink, and purple. This assortment combines Morjo Vitreous with our new low-grain Lojee-Nojee tiles. As a result, this mix offers a vivid range of color and texture. The addition of Lojee-Nojee contributes a high percentage of tile with little-to-no grain. It also offers a great way to sample a mix of regular vitreous and low-grain tile. Compare to our Green, Pink Purple, or Brown Morjo Vitreous assortments. Combine Vision Quest with these assortments or add bags of individual colors to enhance the color range for your project. These tiles are hard and durable enough for outdoor installation, yet they can quickly be cut into halves, quarters and triangles with little force using a pair of mosaic glass cutters. The grooved side bonds adhesive more securely and also makes for easier cutting. To plan your design, use a mounting grid. For similar mini and 12mm versions of this mix, check out our Plein Air and Desert Bloom assortments.

Vision Quest Glass Mosaic Tile Mix 3/4-Inch

  • Price is per 1 pound (roughly 145+ tiles).
  • Tile dimensions: 3/4 inch x 3/4 inch (20mm x 20mm).
  • Tile thickness: 4mm (1/8 inch nominal).
  • Material: glass
  • Coverage: each pound covers 0.69 square feet.
  • Coverage: 218 loose tiles cover 1 sq ft. with grout spacing of 1/16 inch.
  • Frost-proof, impervious to liquid.
  • Suitable for indoor or outdoor use.

Product Coverage

Each pound covers 0.69 square feet assuming a standard grout spacing of 1/16 inch. To cover 1 square foot, 218 tiles are required. Note that cutting tiles generates some scrap, so you may want to budget 5% extra.

Compatibility

Because the 3/4 inch size (20mm) and 1/8 inch nominal thickness (4mm) is industry standard, you can combine these tiles with a wide variety of brands.

Cutting Glass Tile

We recommend the Mosaic Glass Cutter for cutting all types of glass mosaic tile including these. Note, however, that there is a limit to how small they can be cut. Due to their tapered edges, small pieces will tend to tip over. We advise cutting halves and quarters and diagonal triangles, and not much smaller than that. For creating outlines and other details, check out our Rectangle Border Tiles or our Outliners Mosaic Sticks.

Mounting Tile

Weldbond adhesive works well for mounting dry indoor mosaics. However, to permanently set outdoor and wet mosaics, use thinset mortar.

Use in Mosaic Art

The affordability, ease of use and durability of these tiles makes them suitable for outdoor projects such as garden décor. The pigment quality also lends itself equally well to photorealistic mosaic images and fine art.

How To Make Mosaics

For more advice on designing your mosaic project or cutting and grouting tile, please see our Mosaic Frequently Asked Questions page. You can also visit our How To Mosaic blog or our Mosaic Information Guide.

Lagoon Assortment 3/4-Inch Glass Mosaic Tile Mix 1-lb

Our Lagoon Glass Mosaic Tile Mix is a 1-lb assortment of 3/4-inch venetian tile in shades of aquatic blues and greens. Create waterscapes, dreamy mandalas, or vibrant abstract art with this versatile mix. It combines regular Morjo Vitreous and low-grain Lojee-Nojee tile. As such it offers a range of texture and a great way to sample both regular vitreous and smooth, low-grain tile. It also includes a variety of cyan, green, teal, and ultramarine in one cool-toned assortment. For comparison, see our Cyan or Teal Morjo Vitreous assortments as examples. Combine Lagoon with these assortments or add individual colors to expand the color range for your project. While these tiles are hard and durable enough for outdoor installation, they can quickly be cut into halves, quarters and triangles with little force using a pair of mosaic glass cutters. The grooved side bonds adhesive more securely and also makes for easier cutting. To plan your design, use a mounting grid. For a mini version of this mix, check out our Emerald Cove assortment.

Lagoon Glass Mosaic Tile Mix 3/4-Inch

  • Price is per 1 pound (roughly 145+ tiles).
  • Tile dimensions: 3/4 inch x 3/4 inch (20mm x 20mm).
  • Tile thickness: 4mm (1/8 inch nominal).
  • Material: glass
  • Coverage: each pound covers 0.69 square feet.
  • Coverage: 218 loose tiles cover 1 sq ft. with grout spacing of 1/16 inch.
  • Frost-proof, impervious to liquid.
  • Suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.

Product Coverage

Each pound covers 0.69 square feet assuming a standard grout spacing of 1/16 inch. To cover 1 square foot, 218 tiles are required. Note that cutting tiles generates some scrap, so you may want to budget 5% extra.

Compatibility

Because the 3/4 inch size (20mm) and 1/8 inch nominal thickness (4mm) is industry standard, you can combine these tiles with a wide variety of brands.

Cutting Glass Tile

We recommend the Mosaic Glass Cutter for cutting all types of glass mosaic tile including these. Note, however, that there is a limit to how small they can be cut. Due to their tapered edges, small pieces will tend to tip over. We advise cutting halves and quarters and diagonal triangles, and not much smaller than that. For creating outlines and other details, check out our Rectangle Border Tiles or our Outliners Mosaic Sticks.

Mounting Tile

Weldbond adhesive works well for mounting dry indoor mosaics. However, to permanently set outdoor and wet mosaics, use thinset mortar.

Use in Mosaic Art

The affordability, ease of use and durability of these tiles makes them suitable for outdoor projects such as garden décor. The pigment quality also lends itself equally well to photorealistic mosaic images and fine art.

How To Make Mosaics

For more advice on designing your mosaic project or cutting and grouting tile, please see our Mosaic Frequently Asked Questions page. You can also visit our How To Mosaic blog or our Mosaic Information Guide.

Sunset Assortment 3/4-Inch Glass Mosaic Tile Mix 1-lb

Our Sunset Glass Mosaic Tile Mix is a bright assortment of vitreous glass tile in shades of red, orange, yellow, pink, and purple. Add vibrant warmth to your mosaic with neon yellow, papaya orange, and pastel pink. Burnt peach, violets and primary red add depth and dimension. This 1-lb mix combines Morjo Vitreous with our new low-grain Lojee-Nojee tiles. As a result, this mix offers a vivid range of color and texture. The addition of Lojee-Nojee contributes a high percentage of tile with little-to-no grain. It also offers a great way to sample a mix of regular vitreous and low-grain tile. Compare to our Red Orange Yellow and Pink Purple Morjo Vitreous assortments. Combine Sunset with these assortments or add bags of individual colors to enhance the color range for your project. These tiles are hard and durable enough for outdoor installation, yet they can quickly be cut into halves, quarters and triangles with little force using a pair of mosaic glass cutters. The grooved side bonds adhesive more securely and also makes for easier cutting. To plan your design, use a mounting grid. For a mini version of this mix, check out our Juicebox assortment.

Sunset Glass Mosaic Tile Mix 3/4-Inch

  • Price is per 1 pound (roughly 145+ tiles).
  • Tile dimensions: 3/4 inch x 3/4 inch (20mm x 20mm).
  • Tile thickness: 4mm (1/8 inch nominal).
  • Material: glass
  • Coverage: each pound covers 0.69 square feet.
  • Coverage: 218 loose tiles cover 1 sq ft. with grout spacing of 1/16 inch.
  • Frost-proof, impervious to liquid.
  • Suitable for indoor or outdoor use.

Product Coverage

Each pound covers 0.69 square feet assuming a standard grout spacing of 1/16 inch. To cover 1 square foot, 218 tiles are required. Note that cutting tiles generates some scrap, so you may want to budget 5% extra.

Compatibility

Because the 3/4 inch size (20mm) and 1/8 inch nominal thickness (4mm) is industry standard, you can combine these tiles with a wide variety of brands.

Cutting Glass Tile

We recommend the Mosaic Glass Cutter for cutting all types of glass mosaic tile including these. Note, however, that there is a limit to how small they can be cut. Due to their tapered edges, small pieces will tend to tip over. We advise cutting halves and quarters and diagonal triangles, and not much smaller than that. For creating outlines and other details, check out our Rectangle Border Tiles or our Outliners Mosaic Sticks.

Mounting Tile

Weldbond adhesive works well for mounting dry indoor mosaics. However, to permanently set outdoor and wet mosaics, use thinset mortar.

Use in Mosaic Art

The affordability, ease of use and durability of these tiles makes them suitable for outdoor projects such as garden décor. The pigment quality also lends itself equally well to photorealistic mosaic images and fine art.

How To Make Mosaics

For more advice on designing your mosaic project or cutting and grouting tile, please see our Mosaic Frequently Asked Questions page. You can also visit our How To Mosaic blog or our Mosaic Information Guide.