How to make a water fountain mosaic with a bathroom basin?

[A1821801]

Hello very helpful Bunnings experts, 

I have a second hand bathroom basin, which I would like to use to make a mosaic outdoor fountain. 

A) Can I use little mosaic tiles on porcelain?

B) Can a basin be turned into an outdoor fountain?

C) if yes, what type of adhesive do I use to stick the tiles to the basin?

D) Do I need to cover the porcelain in a ? membrane, prior adhering tiles?

E) Do you have suitable SOLAR pumps for a small basin/ fountain/ pond?  
F) Which grout would you recommend? 
Thank you. 

[EricL · Accepted solution]

Hello @A1821801 

That is an excellent project to be undertaking. Please allow me to try and answer your questions.

• Yes, you can use mosaic tiles on a porcelain basin. The surface of the basin must be sanded down to remove the ceramic gloss coating that protects the surface of the basin. I suggest using a 40 grit to 60 grit sandpaper to rough up the surface of the basin.
   
• Yes, a basin can be turned into an outdoor fountain. The basin will need a pedestal or a permanent spot where it will be positioned. The outlet and overflow must be permanently covered to prevent water leaking out. 
   
• Once the basin has been roughed up and all the shiny coating has been removed you can use Dunlop 310ml Tile-All Plus Premixed Tile Adhesive to stick the mosaic tiles to the basin surface.
   
• The basin does not have to covered in any membrane.
   
• I propose looking at the Aquapro AP960SP Solar Pump And Panel Kit. My best advice is to clean the pump often to prevent sediment from clogging the pump.
   
• I recommend using Dunlop 1.5kg Flexible Coloured Grout - White
   
• Please note - to seal the mosaic and grout for permanent immersion, I suggest using Crommelin 1L Clear Pond Sealer. 

Let me call on our experienced member @Adam_W for his recommendation.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[A1821801]

Thank you so much Eric and for such a speedy response. 

How do I fill in the overflow and outlet? 

Warm regards, Audrey 

[EricL]

Hello @A1821801 

One way to do it is to permanently glue the old plug and waste together which will prevent water from flowing out. The overflow can be filled with Parfix 340g Expanding Foam Filler and its surface covered with the Tile All adhesive. The expanding foam can be trimmed with a Stanley knife or similar.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[A1821801]

Excellent.

How important is the removal of the basin’s gloss? I have sanded it with my electric sander with 40 grit, without much change.

Thanks again 

[EricL]

Hello @A1821801 

You'll need to keep at it until the gloss is fairly diminished. The surface must be rough in order for the adhesive to grip the surface. If it is still too glossy the adhesive will simply peel right off. I propose staying in one spot to make the surface dull and fully roughed up.

Eric

[A1821801]

Shall do - thanks Eric