I found an old outdoor glass and metal frame table on the side of the road that was destined for landfill. I loved the contemporary, clean shape of the table and thought it would be perfect for a tiled tabletop makeover. Using white grid tiles and spray paint, the table now has a modern look and is ready for outdoor entertaining!
Steps
Step 1
Start by giving your old table a thorough clean. For rust and hard-to-reach spots on the metal frame, spray WD-40 EZ-Reach, wait 5 minutes, then scrub with a metal bristle brush. This removes grime and protects against future rust.
Step 2
Once clean, spray paint the frame with two coats of all-in-one spray paint. This instantly refreshes the look and protects the metal from weather damage.
Step 3
Before tiling, apply Eco Prim Grip to the glass top. This gives the surface a gritty texture so the tile glue can adhere properly. Let it dry completely before laying your tiles.
Step 4
Spread a layer of tile glue using a notched trowel, then press the mosaic tile sheets into place. If you don’t have tile spacers, you can improvise — I used paddle pop sticks and they worked fine!
Tip: If your table is an odd size, you might need to cut tiles. I avoided this by allowing a 3–5mm overhang, which achieved a neat look and saved so much time.
Step 5
After the glue dries (24 hours), mix your white grout according to the instructions — it’s important to follow the exact water ratio to avoid cracks later. Work quickly to press grout into the joints, then wipe away the excess with a damp sponge before it sets.
Tip: It’s best to use 2 buckets when wiping away grout — use one with clean water to refresh your sponge and use the second bucket to squeeze out the dirty water. This will save you so much time and minimise grout haze.
Step 6
For a clean edge, apply white silicone around the perimeter of the table. This seals any gaps and gives the table a polished finish.
