Installation Guide

TILE
INSTALLATION GUIDE
TILE
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.
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 o the mesh backing. For
this reason, it may be benecial 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 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.
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.
Your installation surface or suboor (if using oor-rated tile) must be
sound, at, solid, and clean of all debris.
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.
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.
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-modied thinset, and epoxy. Follow the instructions
provided by the manufacturer of your chosen adhesive.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
INTRODUCTION
SPECIAL NOTES FOR MOSAIC TILES
TOOLS
SURFACE PREPARATION
LAYOUT / DRY LAYING
CUTTING TILE
THINSET AND MASTIC
LAYING THE TILES
GROUT SELECTION
APPLYING GROUT
GROUT CLEANUP