Installation Guide

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INFORMATION & GUIDELINES FOR THE INSTALLATION OF TESSEN PORCELAIN TILES

RECOMMENDED INSTALLATION

SOLI Tessen mosaic tiles are not recommended for areas that may be subject to heavy impact,

heavy abrasion, and areas where temperatures can exceed 130 degrees Fahrenheit. Tessen

Mystic not recommended for wet applications, including showers and pools, as moisture may

penetrate their crackle glaze.

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, and in the case of floors, a

fall to the drainage point of no less than two inches.

WATERPROOF MEMBRANES

Waterproof membranes prevent leakage of water through to the sub-floor framing and/or

habitable spaces below. Particular attention must be paid to: carrying the membrane up the wall,

outside shower boxes, installation of bond breakers, and sealing around penetrations. It is

strongly recommended that membrane systems be used in all wet areas. Some systems may

involve the use of a primer.

CUTTING

Cuts can be done with either a wet saw or the tiles can be scored and snapped. To cut with a wet

saw, tape the area around the desired cut with masking or painter’s tape and run the saw

through the tape. Remove tape after cut is made. This will create a clean, straight edge and

avoid chipping the glaze.

The mesh back can easily be cut with a utility knife. To create a flush edge or corner, pull excess

pieces from the mesh and cut to straight edge. Then, replace in thinset and continue the grouting

process.

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 and floors. Most thinset mortars with a latex additive (multi purpose

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INFORMATION & GUIDELINES FOR THE INSTALLATION OF TESSEN PORCELAIN TILES RECOMMENDED INSTALLATION SOLI Tessen mosaic tiles are not recommended for areas that may be subject to heavy impact, heavy abrasion, and areas where temperatures can exceed 130 degrees Fahrenheit. Tessen Mystic not recommended for wet applications, including showers and pools, as moisture may penetrate their crackle glaze.
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and polymer modified thinsets) are adequate for installing porcelain. A cement-based adhesive is generally suitable on masonry substrates where no movement is anticipated. Where slight movement could occur through thermal or pedestrian loads, a modified cement adhesive should be used as a minimum. A 1/4” – 1/8” notch trowel is recommended for most applications. Set the tile in place gently tapping it in with a grout float to ensure 100% adhesive coverage.