MOSAIC INSTALLATION

Step 1 To initiate the bond coat, use the flat side of a trowel and firmly apply thin-set to the substrate.

Step 2 To establish the proper depth of the setting bed, use a 3/16”x1/4” v-notch trowel to apply additional thin-set and comb full notches in one direction.

Step 3 Use the flat side of the trowel to flatten the notches and achieve a smooth, consistent thin-set setting bed.

Step 4 Apply mosaic sheets to the thin-set setting bed, paper side towards you, with light, even pressure.  Periodically, check thin-set for skinning (slight drying). If skinning occurs, remove thin-set and reapply.

Step 5 To achieve the flattest possible sur­face, lightly tap the sheets with a wooden beat­ing block and a finish hammer. To unify sheet transitions, tap from one sheet to the next.

 Step 6 After 15-30 minutes, (floors can be removed sooner) lightly wet the paper. Keep the paper wet by wiping with a damp sponge several times over a 5-10 minute period. After the paper has absorbed the water, the glue will release.

Step 7 Peel the paper from the tile starting at the corner. Removing the paper while the setting material is still fresh allows for individual tile ad­justment and re-inspection of color consistency.

Step 8 Straighten individual mosaic tiles prior to final set with the goal of creating a consistent overall field of mosaics.  To eliminate the sheet pattern, pay particular attention to the transitions between sheets.

Step 9 After a full 24 hours (some installa­tions may require extended cure times) use wa­ter and a nylon scrub-brush to remove residual glue from the tile. Clean rinse and towel dry.

Step 10 Apply grout with a rubber grout float, forcing grout into joints until full.

 Step 11 Allow grout to set-up (firm) and smooth finish with a damp sponge. After approximately 2 hours remove grout haze with a lightly damp sponge.

Step 12 For final removal of grout haze, polish with a clean, soft cloth.

 

NOTE: Grout application and cleaning process will vary based on the type and brand of grout. Refer to grout manufacturer’s instructions for details.

 

LARGE FORMAT TILE INSTALLATION

Step 1 To initiate the bond coat, use the flat side of a trowel and firmly apply thin-set to the substrate.

Step 2 To establish the proper depth of the setting bed, use a 1/4”x1/4” square-notch trowel to apply additional thin-set and comb full notches in one direction.

Step 3 Use the flat side of the trowel to flatten the notches and achieve a smooth, consistent thin-set setting bed.

Step 4 Thoroughly clean the back of each tile using a clean, dry cloth. Never wet the tile prior to setting.

Step 5 Back-butter each tile using additional thin-set. Prior to setting translucent tile, check the face to verify 100% coverage has been achieved.

Step 6 Press the tile into the fresh setting bed using, firm even pressure. Remove excess setting material from the edges and space a minimum of 1/8” between tiles and all abutting surfaces.

Step 7 After a full 24 hours (some installa­tions may require extended cure times) apply grout with a rubber grout float, forcing grout into joints until full.

Step 8 Allow grout to set-up (firm) and smooth finish with a damp sponge. After approximately 2 hours remove grout haze with a lightly damp sponge.

Step 9 For final removal of grout haze, polish with a clean, soft cloth.

 

NOTE: Grout application and cleaning process will vary based on the type and brand of grout. Refer to grout manufacturer’s instructions for details.