INSPECTION

Always inspect your tiles before they are installed, as installation of material constitutes acceptance. Any questions as to acceptability must be resolved before installation. Always layout your material prior to installation to ensure the appearance meets desired results.

Glass tiles may be susceptible to scratching in handling, installation and use. Expect a slight color variation from production run to production run.


INSTALLLATION

To prolong the life and beauty of your installation, it is best to secure a licensed installer familiar with the industry standards established in the NTCA, ASTM and ANSI handbooks for tile and trade installation.

Glass tiles larger than 6” in one direction are recognized as large format. Installation guidelines for large format glass should be followed when using the 3x12” and 8x16” field tiles as well as the ½ x 12” liners.

Installing glass tile involves some basic procedures that differ from installing ceramic tile or stone tile.  Use a high quality wet saw with a diamond blade for glass tiles to cut the mosaic. Make sure that glass tile is installed over the proper substrate.  This is one of the most important factors in ensuring a good installation. The surface you are tiling must be clean, sound surface and free of dirt, oils, including curing compounds, and sealers.  Substrate should be free of cracks and if in water should be waterproof. If necessary, use the installation material manufacturer’s membrane for cracks and water protection.

Particular care should be taken to use the correct adhesive, grout and sealants. Using the wrong setting material can cause damage to the color and beauty of glass mosaic. The installer is responsible for choosing and using the correct installation practices to achieve an acceptable finished product.

We recommend using a white thin-set mortar or setting material for glass materials to keep color consistent with the samples. Do not spread the adhesive over large surfaces; otherwise it will dry before laying the mosaics. Once the sheet has been fitted in place, press down with a rubber tile float, making sure that the distance between the mosaic sheets is the same as the distance between each of the mosaic chips to ensure a uniform layout and equal joint widths. All installation materials should be used according to the manufacturer’s instructions.  

Grout joints should be packed full and free of all voids and pits.  Excess grout should be cleaned from the surface as the work progresses, while grout is fresh and before it hardens.  Prior to grouting, test in a small area to make sure that the right color grout is chosen and that the surface does not scratch during grouting.  

Grouting may be done after tile is firmly set – approximately 24 hours after installation. Clean the surface with a clean, damp sponge. Allow grout to set firm or until haze forms on the tile and the grout in the joints sets firm.  Use a soft, clean, dry cloth to polish off haze and remaining grout residue. Final cleaning of grout haze and tile polishing should be done with clean, dry cheesecloth within 24 hours of grouting.


CARE AND MAINTENANCE

Glass mosaic is durable and stain resistant, but care should be taken to prolong the beauty of the mosaic. To maximize the life of your mosaic and retain its artistic integrity, please consider the following:

  • Use only a mild, pH-neutral detergent cleaner and damp sponge or rag to clean your mosaic.
  • Do not use acid, alkaline, and solvent-based cleaners. They can damage and/or discolor the tiles and the grout.
  • Do not wax any part of your mosaic.
  • Do not let stains sit on your mosaic’s surface for extended periods. Clean promptly.
  •       Always test cleaner in a small inconspicuous area prior to use throughout the installation to determine suitability and use of care and maintenance products.