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Three techniques

These are the hammer and hardie, mosaic tools used for cutting stone by Italian mosaic artists

There are three main methods: the direct method, the indirect method and the double indirect

method.

Direct method

A 'Direct Method' mosaic courtyard made from irregular pebbles and stone strips, Li Jiang, Yunnan, PRC

(China)

The direct method of mosaic construction involves directly placing (gluing) the individual tesserae onto

the supporting surface. This method is well suited to surfaces that have a three-dimensional quality, such as

vases. This was used for the historic European wall and ceiling mosaics, following underdrawings of the main

outlines on the wall below, which are often revealed again when the mosaic falls away.

The direct method suits small projects that are transportable. Another advantage of the direct method is that

the resulting mosaic is progressively visible, allowing for any adjustments to tile color or placement.

The disadvantage of the direct method is that the artist must work directly at the chosen surface, which is

often not practical for long periods of time, especially for large-scale projects. Also, it is difficult to control the

evenness of the finished surface. This is of particular importance when creating a functional surface such as

a floor or a table top.

A modern version of the direct method, sometimes called "double direct," is to work directly onto fiberglass

mesh. The mosaic can then be constructed with the design visible on the surface and transported to its

final location. Large work can be done in this way, with the mosaic being cut up for shipping and then

reassembled for installation. It enables the artist to work in comfort in a studio rather than at the site of

installation.

Indirect method

The indirect method of applying tesserae is often used for very large projects, projects with repetitive

elements or for areas needing site specific shapes. Tiles are applied face-down to a backing paper using an

adhesive, and later transferred onto walls, floors or craft projects. This method is most useful for extremely

large projects as it gives the maker time to rework areas, allows the cementing of the tiles to the backing

panel to be carried out quickly in one operation and helps ensure that the front surfaces of the mosaic tiles

and mosaic pieces are flat and in the same plane on the front, even when using tiles and pieces of differing

thicknesses. Mosaic murals, benches and tabletops are some of the items usually made using the indirect

method, as it results in a smoother and more even surface.

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Double indirect method

The double indirect method can be used when it is important to see the work during the creation process

as it will appear when completed. The tesserae are placed face-up on a medium (often adhesive-backed

paper, sticky plastic or soft lime or putty) as it will appear when installed. When the mosaic is complete, a

similar medium is placed atop it. The piece is then turned over, the original underlying material is carefully

removed, and the piece is installed as in the indirect method described above. In comparison to the indirect

method, this is a complex system to use and requires great skill on the part of the operator, to avoid damaging

the work. Its greatest advantage lies in the possibility of the operator directly controlling the final result of

the work, which is important e.g. when the human figure is involved. This method was created in 1989 by

Maurizio Placuzzi and registered for industrial use (patent n. 0000222556) under the name of his company,

Sicis International Srl, now Sicis The Art Mosaic Factory Srl.