Bluma Gingko Taupe Etched Marble Mosaic

Bluma Tile Installation & Maintenance Guide

Tile Club’s Bluma Collection features decorative etched stone tile treated with a colorful painted coating to create a soft floral pattern and distinctive focal-point surface. Designed for interior walls, backsplashes, shower walls, and feature areas, Bluma brings natural stone character together with a more artistic decorative finish.

Because Bluma is made with natural stone, variation should be expected from piece to piece. Color shifts, size differences, surface markings, blemishes, and chipped edges may be present. No two pieces are exactly identical, which adds to the character and individuality of the finished installation.

Bluma’s painted and etched surface requires careful handling, proper installation materials, and gentle maintenance.

Before beginning your project, please review the following recommendations and confirm the most current specifications, approved applications, and installation guidance.

1. Pre-Installation Inspection

Inspect Before Installation

Inspect all tile before installation. Installing the material confirms acceptance of the product’s appearance, color variation, etched surface, painted coating, sizing, finish, edge condition, and overall quality.

Please contact Tile Club with any questions about product acceptability, visual variation, or suitability before installation begins.

Dry Layout Recommended

Lay out the tile before installation to review pattern placement, color movement, surface variation, and overall finished appearance.

This step is especially important for decorative etched stone because the pattern, coating, and natural stone variation affect the final look.

Installation Responsibility

Tile Club is not responsible for improper installation, installation workmanship, or issues that occur after the material has been installed.

Final responsibility for proper installation rests with the installer and end user.

2. Recommended Applications

Bluma decorative etched stone tile may be suitable for the following applications when confirmed for the specific product:

• 
  Interior walls
  
• 
  Kitchen backsplashes
  
• 
  Bathroom backsplashes
  
• 
  Shower walls
  
• 
  Feature walls
  

Important Usage Notes

Bluma tile is not recommended for:

• 
  Swimming pools
  
• 
  Areas submerged in water
  
• 
  Direct sunlight, as fading may occur
  
• 
  Floors with light or heavy traffic
  

Do not use adhesive tapes such as masking tape, painter’s tape, or duct tape during or after installation unless specifically required by the installer for a controlled cutting step. These adhesives may damage or alter the appearance of the Bluma surface.

Always refer to the applicable Tile Club product page and Product Specifications section to determine suitability for your desired installation. Some products may not be suitable for every application listed above.

For areas exposed to extreme temperatures, including fireplace hearths or areas behind cooktops, confirm suitability before installation.

For additional product or installation guidance, contact Tile Club Support at support@tileclub.com or 1-833-TILE-CLB (845-3252).

3. Installation Recommendations

Tile Club strongly recommends using a licensed tile professional familiar with current NTCA, ASTM, M.I.A., and ANSI installation standards.

Because Bluma includes etched natural stone with a painted coating, extra care must be taken when selecting adhesives, grout, sealants, cutting methods, and cleaning products.

Setting Material Considerations

Use the correct adhesive, grout, and sealants for decorative etched stone tile.

Using the wrong setting material may damage the color, coating, or finished appearance of the installation. The installer is responsible for selecting appropriate materials and installation methods.

Use only non-sanded grout for Bluma tile.

Grout Joint Sealing

For areas exposed to food contamination, such as kitchen backsplashes or bathroom vanity areas, sealing the grout joints is recommended.

Use a penetrating-type sealer designed to leave the material looking natural. Suggested sealer brands include, but are not limited to:

• 
  Dupont™ Stonetech® Professional Sealer
  

Always follow the sealer manufacturer’s instructions. Test the sealer in a small area before applying it to the full installation to confirm suitability and appearance.

Surface Preparation

Install Bluma tile over a clean, sound, flat concrete or mortar substrate.

The installation surface must be free of contaminants or any condition that could compromise the bond of the tile.

White thin-set mortar or white setting material is recommended to help maintain color consistency with the approved sample.

Cutting Recommendations

Use a high-quality, well-maintained wet saw with a diamond blade designed for cutting stone materials.

A poorly maintained tile saw or improper blade may cause chipping during cutting. Cut slowly and carefully to help protect the stone edges, etched detail, and painted surface.

Blue painter’s tape may be necessary to stabilize the material in the cutting area. Because adhesive tapes may affect the surface appearance, test first, use only as needed, and remove carefully.

Grouting Considerations

Grout joints should be fully packed and free of voids and pits.

Clean excess grout from the surface while the grout is still fresh and before it hardens.

For dimensional, etched, or textured surfaces, a grout bagging application process may provide better results than traditional grouting methods.

Before grouting the full installation, test in a small area to confirm that the selected grout color is suitable and that the tile surface does not scratch or discolor during grouting.

4. Recommended Setting Materials

Use setting materials appropriate for decorative etched stone tile and the specific installation area.

Recommended Mortar

• 
  LATICRETE® 254 Platinum White
  
• 
  Or equivalent white setting material suitable for decorative natural stone tile
  

Recommended Grout

• 
  LATICRETE® Unsanded Grout #1600
  
• 
  LATICRETE® PERMACOLOR® Non-Sanded Grout Base
  
• 
  Or equivalent non-sanded grout suitable for decorative etched stone tile
  

Always follow the setting material manufacturer’s instructions, coverage rates, cure times, and substrate requirements.

5. Care & Maintenance

Proper care will help preserve the painted coating, etched surface, and decorative character of your Bluma tile installation.

Routine Cleaning

Clean the tile surface with:

• 
  Mild pH-neutral detergent cleaner
  
• 
  Damp sponge
  
• 
  Soft rag or cloth
  

Use gentle cleaning methods to help protect the decorative surface and grout.

Avoid Harsh Products

Do not use:

• 
  Acidic cleaners
  
• 
  Alkaline cleaners
  
• 
  Solvent-based cleaners
  
• 
  Abrasive cleaning products
  
• 
  Wax treatments
  
• 
  Bleach or cleaning solutions left sitting on the surface
  

These products may damage or discolor the tile and grout.

Prompt Stain Removal

Do not allow stains, soap residue, or cleaning solutions to remain on the tile surface for extended periods.

Clean spills and residue promptly to help maintain the tile’s appearance.

Test Cleaners First

Always test any cleaning product in a small, inconspicuous area before using it across the full installation.

Acceptable cleaners for natural stone, glass, and metal surfaces may be available through Tile Club or other tile dealers.

6. Product Performance & Technical Information

Bluma is a decorative etched stone tile treated with a colorful painted coating. The floral pattern, natural stone variation, and surface finish require careful installation and maintenance.

Material Considerations

• 
  Material Type: Decorative etched natural stone
  
• 
  Surface Finish: Painted coating with floral pattern
  
• 
  Natural Variation: Color, size, texture, blemishes, and chipped edges may vary from piece to piece
  
• 
  Direct Sunlight: Not recommended, as fading may occur
  
• 
  Floor Use: Not recommended for light or heavy traffic floors
  
• 
  Pool/Submerged Use: Not recommended for swimming pools or submerged areas
  
• 
  Grout Requirement: Non-sanded grout only
  
• 
  Setting Material: White thin-set mortar or white setting material is recommended
  
• 
  Tape Sensitivity: Adhesive tapes may damage or affect the surface appearance
  
• 
  Cleaning: Mild pH-neutral cleaners only
  

For product-specific suitability, technical details, or installation questions, contact Tile Club Support before beginning the project.