Eclectic Slate Square Mosaic Tile

Eclectic Tile Installation & Maintenance Guide

Tile Club’s Eclectic Collection combines glass, stone, and manmade elements in a range of colors to create a bold mixed material mosaic surface. This collection is designed for decorative wall applications, backsplashes, shower walls, and other approved areas where color, texture, and material contrast are part of the design.

Because Eclectic includes multiple surface types, slight color variation should be expected from piece to piece and from production run to production run. Some surfaces may also be susceptible to scratching during handling, installation, and use.

Proper substrate preparation, white setting material, and careful grouting are important to help preserve the intended appearance of the installation.

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, texture, sizing, finish, sheet alignment, and overall condition.

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

Dry Layout Recommended

Lay out the mosaic sheets before installation to review color blend, material variation, sheet alignment, spacing, and overall finished appearance.

This step is especially important for mixed material mosaics because glass, stone, and manmade elements may vary in tone, texture, and reflection.

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. Some tile surfaces may be susceptible to scratching during handling, installation, and use.

Slight color variation from one production run to another should be expected.

2. Recommended Applications

Eclectic mixed material mosaic tile may be suitable for the following applications when confirmed for the specific product:

• 
  Interior walls
  
• 
  Kitchen backsplashes
  
• 
  Bathroom backsplashes
  
• 
  Shower walls
  
• 
  Light foot traffic areas
  

Important Usage Notes

Eclectic tile is not recommended for:

• 
  Swimming pools
  
• 
  Shower pans
  
• 
  Steam showers
  

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 and ANSI installation standards.

Eclectic includes glass and mixed material components, so installation methods may differ from standard ceramic or stone tile installation. Proper adhesive selection, substrate preparation, sheet alignment, and grouting technique are essential for a successful finished result.

Surface Preparation

Install Eclectic mosaic tile over a clean, sound, and properly prepared substrate.

The surface must be free of dirt, oils, curing compounds, sealers, cracks, and any condition that could affect bond performance.

For wet wall areas, the substrate should be properly waterproofed. If needed, use the installation material manufacturer’s membrane system for crack isolation and water protection.

Setting Material Considerations

Use the correct adhesive, grout, and sealants for mixed material mosaic tile. Incorrect setting materials may damage the color, finish, or appearance of the tile.

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

Do not spread adhesive over large areas at once. Adhesive may begin to dry before the mosaic sheets are placed.

After positioning each sheet, press it into place with a rubber tile float. Keep the spacing between mosaic sheets consistent with the spacing between individual mosaic pieces to maintain a uniform layout and equal joint widths.

All installation materials must be used according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Cutting Recommendations

Use a high-quality wet saw with a diamond blade designed for glass tile and mixed material mosaics.

Cut slowly and carefully to help reduce chipping and protect the glass, stone, and manmade elements.

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.

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 during grouting.

Grouting may begin after the tile is firmly set, typically approximately 24 hours after installation. Clean the surface with a clean, damp sponge.

Allow the grout to firm or haze to form, then polish the surface with a soft, clean, dry cloth. Final grout haze removal and tile polishing should be completed with clean, dry cheesecloth within 24 hours of grouting.

4. Recommended Setting Materials

Use setting materials appropriate for mixed material mosaic tile and the specific installation area.

Recommended Mortars

• 
  LATICRETE® Glass Tile Adhesive Mortar
  
• 
  LATICRETE® 220 Marble & Granite Mortar
  
• 
  Or equivalent setting materials suitable for mixed material mosaic tile
  

Recommended Grout

• 
  LATICRETE® PERMACOLOR® Grout
  
• 
  Or equivalent high-performance grout suitable for mixed material mosaic 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 color, texture, and mixed material character of your Eclectic mosaic installation.

Routine Cleaning

Clean the mosaic surface with:

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

Use gentle cleaning methods to help protect glass, stone, manmade elements, and grout.

Avoid Harsh Products

Do not use:

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  Acidic cleaners
  
• 
  Alkaline cleaners
  
• 
  Solvent-based cleaners
  
• 
  Abrasive cleaning products
  
• 
  Wax treatments
  

These products may damage or discolor the tile and grout.

Prompt Stain Removal

Do not allow stains or residue to remain on the mosaic surface for extended periods.

Clean spills and surface 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.

6. Product Performance & Technical Information

Eclectic is a mixed material mosaic tile collection that combines glass, stone, and manmade elements in a range of colors.

The collection is intended for approved interior wall, backsplash, shower wall, and light foot traffic applications. It is not recommended for swimming pools, shower pans, or steam showers.

Material Considerations

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  Material Type: Mixed material mosaic tile
  
• 
  Materials: Glass, stone, and manmade elements
  
• 
  Format: Mosaic sheets
  
• 
  Recommended Use: Interior walls, backsplashes, shower walls, and light foot traffic areas
  
• 
  Not Recommended For: Swimming pools, shower pans, or steam showers
  
• 
  Color Variation: Slight variation from piece to piece and production run to production run should be expected
  
• 
  Surface Sensitivity: Some surfaces may be susceptible to scratching during handling, installation, grouting, or use
  
• 
  Setting Material: White thin-set mortar or white setting material is recommended
  
• 
  Wet Area Use: Proper waterproofing is required when installed in wet wall areas
  
• 
  Cleaning: Mild pH-neutral cleaners only
  

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