Oh, CAIT: You did a fabulous job. I see a little texture in there, so hope you don't have a problem w/that. I have a concrete sanding thingy I got at Lowes for smoothing out the bumps. You might try that first. I don't use the smooshing method on thinsetting tesserae. All of my mosaics are quite texture - different levels etc. On yours, I assume you want as little texture as possible, so here's what I w/do. On the pieces that are thinner than some, just put a little extra thinset and don't smoosh the tile down into it - let it sit on top. There are other ways too - put another piece of tile or whatever you find appropriate under it to bring it to the level of the one next to it. Then when it's all covered, I always use the thinset for the grout, but I think I'm the only one I know who does that. It is just my opinion that it confirms adhesion on all sides, and because it's so tough, I like to use it as grout. You can just use exterior grout on your bench. I'm so anxious to see you start tiling. WONDERFUL project.

you could color the thinset and let it be your grout too

Its amazing Cait!

I've never used thinset for grout but think I'm going to try soon,I butter the back of my plate pieces that way you as Slow said add a little thicker where you need it to be and push them down level with the next piece,I can run my hand over them and all is level and smooth.

I'd slap-er on and moosh the pcs in, then go over later and fill in any more gaps with the mortar/grout, that's what I did with my Squirrell, since it was pebbles, all uneven. THIS IS AWESOME GIRL!!!! I'm freakin' out over it!!!

CAIT,

that is one BIG project. I LOVE it and hope some day I can build a bench for our yard. Right now I am just learning how to do stepping stones, mosaic birdbaths etc. so i have a LONG way to go.

I am really new but did use Slow's idea of thinset to adhere my tiles and as a grout for my bb. I also used concrete coloring . Its a powder and added it to the thinset for the grout.

I do like how you can build it up for various levels and that it has NO SMELL!!
Please show us pix as you start to design and put on the tiles That is going to be awesome!!!

.

Cait!! It's looking wonderful. I sent an email to Virginia asking her advice. I'll let you know if she replies.

Cait, I just got a reply from Virginia. She said she used thinset for her adhesive, but used regular grout for her finish. Hope that helps!

Oh you are all so KIND!!!
SLOW - a little texture?? Lumpy Bumpy is more like it!! HA! Gonna use my wire brush over the whole thing.

Nice - I'm thinking about it. Saw a gorgeous blue colorant that I can't stop thinking about.

CALAM - I love the idea of smooshing but probably gonna go with buttering the back like crackpot and slow suggested cuz I have some smaller pieces happening that would probably get lost otherwise.

BAMA - Thanks so much for contacting Virginia for me. Why I didn't think of that myself is... well, guess you were supposed to help me there! 'cept I think I'm going with Slow's thinset grout. This will be out in the elements and, to me, thinset seems to be a more durable than regular grout.

You're all so wonderful!!!

Good luck Cait, remember lots of pics!!!! lol