Usage Guide

Clean the back of the tile and the substrate during the installation process. The
thin-set adhesive must be applied to the cleaned substrate surface to be tiled
and to the back of the tile with the flat side of trowel using a firm scraping motion
to key the thin-set into the surface to be covered. While the thin-set applications
are still tacky, back-butter the tile with more thin-set by troweling so the thin-
set ridges are parallel to the short side of the tile, and parallel to each other, to
ensure substantially 100% thin-set coverage and full contact between the tile and
substrate (no thicker than 1/4” after compressed). Only apply as much thin-set to
the substrate that can be covered with tile without the thin-set skinning over. Set
the tile into the setting bed of thin-set, and beat and slide it into place perpendicular
to the direction of the trowel ridges to ensure full contact. Tiles should be installed
to be in-plane to the surface of adjacent tiles to avoid excessive tile lippage. It
is recommended that grout joint widths are at least 1/8” wide and never butted
together. Tiles should be aligned to achieve uniform grout joints. Thin-set should
be allowed to set until firm before grouting. Excess thin-set must be cleaned from
the tile surface and grout joints while the thin-set is still fresh.
GROUTING:
If necessary, prior to grouting apply an appropriate breathable stone sealer or
grout release to the tile to facilitate cleaning and for protection against staining
from setting materials and contrasting color grouts. Grout joints should be packed
full and free of all voids and pits. Excess grout should be cleaned from the surface
as the work progresses, while grout is fresh and before it hardens. No acids should
be used for cleaning. Prior to grouting, test an area to make sure the surface does
not scratch or stain during grouting. Follow manufacturers’ recommendation for
the use of sanded or unsanded grout, which is determined by the width of the
grout joint. For wider grout joints use a grout bag to fill joints and strike joints after
they have become finger-print hard.
SEALING:
After the stone is installed, grouted, properly cured, and clean, seal
the stone with an appropriate high quality breathable stone sealer to
minimize water absorption, efflorescence, and potential staining. If
necessary, apply an anti-graffiti coating that is compatible with the
stone. Follow sealer manufacturers’ installation instructions and reseal
the tile as necessary to provide adequate protection from staining and
spalling.
PROTECTION:
The tile installer shall take precautions to protect the finished work from
damage by other trades and traffic. Do not allow construction traffic on
fresh tile or grout joints. Allow the grout to cure for a minimum of 7 days
before aggressive use or steam cleaning.
MAINTENANCE:
Regular dust mopping or sweeping to remove grit and dirt from the surface
is recommended, or use an appropriate mechanical method. Keep the tile
surface clean and use walk-off mats at door entrances to minimize wear
on tile and to provide protection against slipping during wet conditions.
For cleaning, as needed, use a neutral cleaner to scrub tile and grout. For
floors it is recommended to use a wet and dry vacuum for picking up dirty
water after cleaning and rinsing. As necessary reseal the tile to maintain
protection against staining and spalling. If drops of water do not bead up
on tile surface and/or if stone absorbs water causing it to darken in those
spots, then it is time to reseal the tile. Proper maintenance of a stone tile
installation will extend the beauty and functional life of the tile, as well
as keep it a safe area for public use. For exterior applications, don’t allow
sprinklers to over spray onto the tile surface.
SPECIAL LIMESTONE INSTALLATION GUIDE CONTINUED
Photo features Center City™ Chadwick Charcoal Limestone 8” x Free Length Pattern on
the floor and Carlton Beige Limestone linear mosaic on the wall.
DALTILE.COM
Page 23 of 23
IMAGINE WHAT’S POSSIBLE
™