Installation Guide

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INFORMATION & GUIDELINES FOR THE INSTALLATION OF ALUMINUM MOSAICS

RECOMMENDED INSTALLATION

Installation of Aluminum Mosaic tiles should be done by qualified technicians, especially

when electrical work is being done around the mosaic. Special attention is required for

areas where the mosaic tiles will be subject to high temperatures, such as fireplace

surrounds, behind cook tops and kitchen ranges not equipped with a back guard.

Aluminum Mosaic tiles are not recommended for floors, or any areas that may be subject to

heavy impact, heavy abrasion, and areas where temperatures can exceed 130 degrees

Fahrenheit.

This material is not recommended for exterior applications, as color will fade.

SUBSTRATES

All substrates should be firmly fixed, flat, clean, dry and free of contaminants such as dust, oil,

paint, sealers etc. to ensure proper adhesion. Painted surfaces must be scuffed or sanded for

the product and adhesive to bond correctly. Wet areas need special attention and require

appropriate substrates, e.g. concrete, cement boards (compressed sheet), and/or treated

plywood. The use of reinforced waterproof membranes is suggested.

CUTTING

Cuts can be done with a hand-saw and blade suitable for cutting aluminum. Cutting must

be performed slowly at all times to avoid the buildup of high temperatures, which could

discolor the surface of the tile.

ADHESIVE

Follow the adhesive manufacturer’s instructions carefully. We do not recommend one brand

of adhesive over another. Please check with your local tile supply store for alternative and

comparable products. The manufacturer's literature will explain if the adhesive product is

suitable for interiors and/or exteriors, as well as walls. Most thinset mortars (multi purpose and

polymer modified thinsets) are adequate for installing the Aluminum Mosaic tile.

A cement-based adhesive is generally suitable on masonry substrates where no movement is

anticipated. Where slight movement could occur through thermal loads, a modified

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INFORMATION & GUIDELINES FOR THE INSTALLATION OF ALUMINUM MOSAICS RECOMMENDED INSTALLATION Installation of Aluminum Mosaic tiles should be done by qualified technicians, especially when electrical work is being done around the mosaic. Special attention is required for areas where the mosaic tiles will be subject to high temperatures, such as fireplace surrounds, behind cook tops and kitchen ranges not equipped with a back guard.
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cement adhesive should be used as a minimum. A 1/8” notch trowel is recommended for most applications. To make sure there is 100% coverage you can firmly press the tiles into place, but do not use any hard objects to tap down the center or edges of the tile. GROUTING Important: SOLISTONE recommends non-sanded grout for most installations of the Aluminum tiles. Installation professionals may select non-sanded grouts containing a latex additive.