Installation Guide

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 oat,
and a few buckets.
SURFACE PREPARATION
Your installation surface or suboor (if using oor-rated
tile) must be sound, at, solid, and clean of all debris.
LAYOUT / DRY LAYING
Plan your layout by measuring carefully to minimize cuts,
and dry lay your tiles for t. Ensure that all of your tiles
are marked as the same dye lot number. Additionally, it is
benecial to mix tiles from dierent cases to prevent any
obvious shade variations.
IMPORTANT TILE CUTTING INSTRUCTIONS
We recommend wet cutting or the score and snap
method during installation process. Improper installation
techniques could expose installer to inhalation of harmful
silica dust.
Do not dry cut product using power tools during the instal -
lation process. Using dry cutting methods could present a
risk of acute lung injury. If adequate ventilation cannot be
achieved, wear a mask or respirator. For more information,
see the SDS at www.merolatile.com
THINSET AND MASTIC
Be sure to select the correct type of adhesive suitable for
your installation. This can vary by tile material and instal-
lation location. There are a variety of adhesives available,
such as mastic, thinset, polymer-modied thinset, and ep-
oxy. 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, depend-
ing 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
nishes, such as metallic pieces or high gloss products, as
the texture of sanded grout can scratch them.
Grout color is a matter of personal taste. Please note that
grout colors have a drastic impact on the look of your
installation. Whether you choose a complementing or
contrasting color, be mindful that any selection may look
dierent after drying.
APPLYING GROUT
The setting material must be fully dry before attempting to
grout. Consult the instructions for your setting material to
nd the recommended drying time. Apply grout in small
sections using a rubber oat. 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 o of the tile. Once
it appears to be clean, wipe it down again with a fresh,
lightly damp sponge to remove any grout lm. After about
15 minutes, bu 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
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 oat,
and a few buckets.
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
necessary, 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 ne sandpaper or a metal le.
TILE INSTALLATION GUIDE
SPECIAL NOTES FOR MOSAIC TILES
INTRODUCTION