Installation Guide

Brushing During Grouting
For the best results during grouting, a medium bristle brush may be required to expose the edge of the pebbles or high relief modules to a desired level and expose any that may have been
buried using a standard rubber float.
Forceful Grouting and Sanded Grout
Forceful grouting with sanded and non-sanded grout may scratch the surface of metal, glass, resin, and polished finishes. It is important to be careful when grouting decorative mosaics, tiles
with glossy glazes and unglazed polished products. A new rubber float is recommended for these types of finishes to ensure abrasives have not dried onto the float from any previous work.
CARE:
Removing Nano Coatings
Nano coatings are buffed into the surface of polished products to increase luster and protect the tiles during shipping, handling and installation. This finish should not be removed unless it
has been compromised during installation. A nano cleaning agent is necessary to evenly remove the coating. Other types of chemicals and detergents may not work if they are not
specifically designed to be a nano scrub. A sealer should be applied to the surface after the nano coating is properly removed to aid in day to day cleaning.
Grout Release and Sealing Porcelain, Ceramic, Glass and Metal
When installing matte glazed, unglazed, metallic, textured, crackled, or high DCOF products (>0.50 DCOF wet), the use of a grout release is recommended prior to grouting. This includes frosted
and matte finished glass tiles as well. Grout particles may become trapped in the surface pores on a microscopic level, or in the textured grooves of a product and inadvertently create a grout
haze. Sometimes this haze can be invisible until it is exposed to dirt. Although glazed and high-density products are generally considered impervious, sealing these types of products after
install will aid in day to day cleaning and help eliminate the appearance of fingerprints and other marks only seen under certain angles of light. Using in appropriate sealers and/or not
following the sealing manufacturer’s instructions may result in undesirable effects on the tile such as yellowing or creating a gummy film. All guidelines must be followed prior to application.
OTHER:
Wall Wash Lighting
If wall wash lighting that is installed under cabinets, or on a range hood, is positioned closer than the recommended 24” from a wall, specifier and owner must approve a mock-up as well as
any lippage effects. The nature of wall wash lighting that is installed too close to a wall surface is such that it may create undesirable and exaggerated shadowing on the tiled surface, making
the appearance of tile that is otherwise produced and installed according to industry standards unattractive.
Shadow Effect in Glass Tile
When using back painted glass tile and mosaic products, a shadowing effect may be inherent in the finished application, at the grout joints, when viewed at certain angles. This effect is due to
a number of factors including mortar ridges showing through, inherent presence of glue on the edges of any mosaic modules, or grout not being forced into the joint properly. It is most
noticeable when the mortar is a contrasting color to the grout as well as when light colored grouts are used. In order to blend the appearance of shadows between adjacent tile modules, it is
best to tint the mortar to match the grout color, make sure edges of tiles are clean, knock down any trowel ridges, ensure the mortar is not coming up between the tiles and ensure grout joints
are properly filled.
Mounting Shower Doors/Hardware to Glass Tiles
Glass tiles breaking after being drilled for fixtures is a very common issue, even when the installer does everything correctly, due to a number of factors such as: tension in the glass from
drilling, over-tightening screws, not using rubber washers etc. Glass tiles are generally not recommended behind any type of grab bars, shower doors or any fixtures that need to be drilled
into. Where tile is used in this type of application cracks may not be evident immediately during, or after install and may appear at a later time. If a glass tile is used in this type of application,
rubber washers, soft joints, drilling into the joint, hand tightening screws, and water jetting holes whenever possible are recommended for optimal results.
General Installation Liability
Emser Tile will not be responsible for any materials damaged due to improper installation, installation defects or errors, misuse including negligence, and physical or chemical abuse to the
surface of the tile. It is imperative that industry standards and guidelines for installations are followed. Refer to the TCNA Handbook, NTCA Handbook, ANSI, NSI and any
other reputable industry sources for guidelines on proper installation as needed.