Trasparenti FAQs

How big are the trasparenti pieces?
How do I cut trasparenti to the size I need? Any special considerations for cutting square cut?
How much trasparenti will I need?
Can I get trasparenti in other sizes?
How do I fasten trasparenti to my mosaic?
Does trasparenti need to be grouted?
How is trasparenti made?
Isn't the correct spelling "Trasparenti"?

How big are the trasparenti pieces?
Di Mosaico carries 2 sizes of trasparenti: normal cut and square cut. The normal cut of trasparenti is about 3/4" long x 3/8" wide x 1/4" thick, similar to smalti. The square cut trasparenti is 3/4" long x 3/4" wide x 3/8" thick and is much more regular in size than normal cut trasparenti.
Top

How do I cut trasparenti to the size I need? Any special considerations for cutting square cut?
Like smalti, trasparenti can be cut with nippers, hammer and hardie, or chopping machine. The hammer and hardie is the traditional method and will work with both sizes of trasparenti. Nippers work well with the normal cut, but tend to shatter the square cut.
Top

How much trasparenti will I need?
In a half-pound of normal cut trasparenti, there are 90-100 pieces, which will cover about 24 square inches. The rule of thumb is to allow about 3 pounds of normal cut trasparenti per square foot. A half-pound of square cut trasparenti contains 21-23 pieces, which will cover about 12 square inches, so about 6 pounds are needed per square foot.
Top

Can I get trasparenti in other sizes?
Yes, just about any size can be special ordered, from smaller than normal cut to entire pizzas.
Top

How do I fasten trasparenti to my mosaic?
Like smalti, trasparenti can be fastened with thinset mortar, but because the trasparenti are indeed transparent, they will look better with mortar that is either tinted to match or whiter than standard thinset. For adhering trasparenti to glass, your primary options are clear caulk (such as Lexel or GE Silicone II) or clear glue (such as Bond 527 or E6000). These adhesives are readily available--the glues in craft and art stores, the caulks in hardware stores. (Note: if you choose GE Silicone II, choose a tube designated for use on windows and doors, because the ones for kitchen and bath contain a fungicide that will yellow over time.)
Top

Does trasparenti need to be grouted?
You can certainly use grout in conjunction with thinset mortar, but trasparenti presents the same challenge as smalti in cleaning off an uneven surface.
Top

How is trasparenti made?
The process is very similar to smalti, but without the opacifying oxides, so the result is transparent.
Top

Isn't the correct spelling "Trasparenti"?
The correct spelling of the Italian word omits the first "n"
Top