Specifications

Introduction
The following information is intended as an overview of the tile installation process. It is not meant as a step
by-step instruction manual, but rather as a way to familiarize yourself with the basic process. Carefully follow all
instructions provided by the manufacturers of your setting materials to ensure success.
Tools
Have the right tools and installation products before you
begin your tile installation. Some of the supplies you may
need are a wet saw, tile nippers, safety glasses, trowels,
sponges, grout, tile spacers, thinset, gloves, a grout float
and a few buckets
.
Surface Preparation
Your installation surface or subfloor (if using floor-rated
tile) must be sound, flat, solid, and clean of all debris.
Layout/Dry Laying
Plan your layout by measuring carefully to minimize cuts
and dry lay your tiles for fit. Ensure that all of your tiles
are marked as the same dye lot number. Additionally, it is
beneficial to mix tiles from different cases to prevent any
obvious shade variations.
Cutting Tile
If you need to cut the tile, use tile nippers, a tile cutter,
or a diamond-tipped wet saw to cut it to a desired size.
Follow safety precautions and wear protective glasses.
Thinset and Mastic
Be sure to select the correct type of adhesive suitable for
your installation. This can vary by tile material and
installation location. There are a variety of adhesives
available, such as mastic, thinset, polymer-modified
thinset and epoxy. Follow the instructions provided by the
manufacturer of your chosen adhesive.
Laying the Tiles
Apply the thinset with an appropriately-sized notched
trowel, then lay and press the tiles in place, using a
rubber mallet if needed. Use spacers to create uniform
grout lines.
Grout Selection
Sanded or non-sanded grout should be used, depending on
the product you are installing. Floor tiles must be
grouted. For grout lines of 1/8” and larger, sanded grout
is more suitable. The sand in the grout mixture decreases
the shrinkage as it cures, making it ideal for wider grout
lines. Non-sanded grout is used for grout lines 1/8” and
smaller. It’s also best for mosaics and decorative tiles
with delicate finishes, such as metallic pieces or high
gloss products, as the texture of sanded grout can scratch
them.
Applying Grout
The setting material must be fully dry before attempting
to grout. Consult the instructions for your setting materi-
al to find the recommended drying time. Apply grout in
small sections using a rubber float. Pull the grout across
the surface, pushing it fully into the grout lines and
keeping excess from building up on the tile surface. Keep
the grout level, without any pits or low spots.
Grout Cleanup
With a dry, lint-free cloth, remove excess grout from the
surface of the tile. Lightly dampen a sponge with warm
water and continue to clean grout off of the tile. Once it
appears to be clean, wipe it down again with a fresh,
lightly damp sponge to remove any grout film. After
about 15 minutes, buff the tile with a soft cloth. Finished
grout should be smooth, uniform in color, and have no
visible holes, pits, or uneven height issues.
Mesh Backing
Our mosaic tiles have a mesh backing that ensures
appropriate bonding during installation. For optimal
performance, avoid exposing the mesh to excessive
moisture before installation, which could result in the
tiles falling off the mesh backing. For this reason, it may
be beneficial to remove the tiles from the mesh and cut
them individually with tile cutters or nippers rather than
with a wet saw.
Stainless Steel and Aluminum Mosaics
You can prevent scratches on these surfaces by using a
clean sponge, keeping the protective cover on and
applying non-sanded grout during installation. If neces-
sary, cut this tile from the rear with a diamond-tipped
wet saw to prevent uneven edges. Cut edges can then be
treated and smoothed with fine sandpaper or a metal file.
Tile Installation Guide