Installation Instructions

Finishing Cut Edges for Borders and Insets
• When installing tile with a diagonal layout and a square border, it will
be necessary to prepare the cut edge of the diagonally cut tile. First cut
the tile to the desired size. Then heat the cut edge and back of the tile
with a heat gun to soften it. Place the tile on a flat surface and roll the
edge with a steel hand roller to turn the edge downward, forming a slight
radius (Fig. 20). Allow the tile to cool before installing it.
GROUT AND JOINT SEALER APPLICATION
Grouting Floors
• DuraCeramic, DuraCeramic Dimensions and Ovations can be grouted
immediately or within 24 hours after setting the tiles.
• Tiles must be grouted using DuraCeramic Premix Grout. This exclusive
premixed acrylic grout is designed for high flexural strength and
adhesion to the edge of the tile. This feature provides durability to
resist cracking from thermal dimensional changes and normal subfloor
deflection. Traditional cement grouts are not recommended and will
not perform properly.
Grout Application
Tools and Equipment
• Hard, green, rubber epoxy oat
• Firm, square-edge sponge
• 3M
®
white nylon scrubbing pad
• Spray bottle of water
• Water buckets
• Rubber gloves
• Safety glasses
Soft grout floats and soft sponges are not recommended because
they tend to pull the grout out of the joint, leaving it shallow.
Surface Preparation
• Re-roll the oor just before grouting and check to make sure all edges
are tightly seated in the setting adhesive. The joints must be clean and
dry. Remove any adhesive smears from the surface and edges of the
tile with mineral spirits before grouting.
Application
• Always wear rubber gloves when working with grout.
• Start grouting oors at the far end of the room and work toward
the entrance.
• Apply grout in small sections, up to 20 sq. ft. and cleanup immediately
or before grout lms over (approximately 5 minutes).
• Use the tip of a hard rubber oat and fully pack the grout into the
joints (Fig. 21). Hold the oat in a low angle and press rmly with short
strokes at a right angle to the joint.
• Extend the grout a few inches in to the next row of tile so water does
not run into the unnished joints during cleanup (Fig. 22).
• Remove excess grout from the surface of the tile by holding the oat at
a 45° angle to the oor surface and moving diagonally across the joints.
Initial Cleanup
Initial cleanup should be done immediately after nishing each section.
The faster the grout is removed from the tile, the easier it is to clean up.
The DuraCeramic installation accessory kit contains the recommended
pads and sponge to make clean-up easier.
• Apply a light mist of water with the spray bottle over the grouted tiles
and allow it to remain on the surface for at least 30 seconds.
• Use a slightly wet 3M white nylon pad to loosen the grout residue.
Apply light pressure while moving the pad in a circular motion (Fig. 23).
Fig. 20 - Roll the cut edge to form a slight radius.
11
Fig. 21 - Pack the grout into the joints.
Fig. 22 - Extend grout a few inches into the next row.
Fig. 23 - Use a 3M white, nylon pad to
loosen grout residue.
May 2015