Pearl Sail Waterjet Mosaic Tile

Thassos and Mother of Pearl Mosaic Tile Installation and Maintenance Guide

Tile Club’s Thassos + Mother of Pearl mosaic tiles combine luminous white materials, natural texture, and reflective detail for elegant wall and floor installations. Featuring a mix of natural stone and shell materials, these mosaics bring a bright, polished look to backsplashes, showers, feature walls, and other approved spaces.

Because natural stone and shell are formed organically, variation is part of the character of the material. Color variation, size differences, surface markings, small blemishes, and occasional chipped edges may be present, and no two pieces will be exactly alike.

When installed and maintained properly, these mosaic tiles can provide long-lasting beauty in a range of residential and commercial light-use applications.

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, shade variation, texture, sizing, finish, 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 the overall blend, material variation, sheet alignment, and finished appearance.

This is especially important for mosaics that include natural stone or shell, since variation is expected and contributes to the final look.

Installation Responsibility

Tile Club is not responsible for improper installation, installation workmanship, or issues caused by unsuitable jobsite conditions.

Final responsibility for proper installation rests with the installer and end user. Slight differences in color, shade, texture, and production runs are normal and should be expected.

2. Recommended Applications

Thassos + Mother of Pearl mosaic tiles may be suitable for the following applications when confirmed on the individual product page:

• 
  Interior walls
  
• 
  Exterior walls
  
• 
  Interior floors
  
• 
  Exterior floors
  
• 
  Kitchen backsplashes
  
• 
  Bathroom backsplashes
  
• 
  Shower walls
  
• 
  Shower floors
  
• 
  Light foot traffic floors
  

Important Usage Notes

Natural stone and shell materials are not recommended for swimming pools or areas that will be submerged in water.

Always confirm that the specific mosaic tile is suitable for your desired installation before beginning the project. Some products may not be appropriate for every application listed above.

For areas exposed to extreme temperatures, including fireplace hearths or areas behind cooktops, contact Tile Club 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.

Pre-Sealing Recommendations

Natural stone may vary in absorption.

Pre-sealing this material before installation is recommended to help protect the surface from staining caused by setting materials or grout.

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
  
• 
  Aqua Mix
  

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.

For additional guidance on sealers, contact Tile Club Support.

Surface Preparation

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

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

Cutting Recommendations

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

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

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.

4. Recommended Setting Materials

Use setting materials appropriate for mosaic installations that may include natural stone and shell materials.

Recommended Mortars

• 
  LATICRETE® Glass Tile Adhesive Mortar
  
• 
  LATICRETE® 220 Marble & Granite Mortar
  
• 
  Or equivalent setting materials suitable for the specific tile materials and installation conditions
  

Recommended Grout

• 
  LATICRETE® PERMACOLOR® Grout
  
• 
  Or equivalent high-performance grout suitable for the material and installation area
  

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

5. Care & Maintenance

Proper care will help protect the appearance and integrity of your mosaic installation over time.

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 natural stone and shell surfaces.

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 mosaic surface for extended periods.

Clean spills and residue promptly to help preserve the surface 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 and glass surfaces may be available through Tile Club or other tile dealers.

6. Product Performance & Technical Information

Thassos + Mother of Pearl and Glass mosaic tiles may include a combination of glass, natural stone and shell materials.

Material Considerations

• 
  Natural stone and shell materials are organic in formation and will vary from piece to piece.
  
• 
  Natural stone may vary in absorption.
  
• 
  Some surfaces may be susceptible to scratching during handling, installation, grouting, or use.
  
• 
  Pre-sealing is recommended for natural stone before installation.
  
• 
  Natural stone and shell are not recommended for swimming pools or submerged areas.
  

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