Salma Tile Installation & Maintenance Guide
Tile Club’s Salma Collection is crafted from a refined blend of natural marble and stained glass, cut with precision waterjet technology. This material combination creates decorative mosaic patterns with depth, contrast, and artisanal character.
Because Salma includes both marble and stained glass, natural variation should be expected. Marble may show color shifts, veining, and texture variation, while stained glass may include minor surface characteristics created during manufacturing and cutting.
Stained glass pieces may show thin, superficial hairline cracks on the surface. These characteristics are inherent to stained glass and are not considered defects. They do not affect product performance or durability.
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 mosaic sheets before installation. Installing the material confirms acceptance of the product’s appearance, color variation, finish, layout, 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 all mosaic sheets before installation to verify color, finish, pattern flow, sheet alignment, and overall visual balance.
This step is especially important for Salma because the collection combines natural marble and stained glass, both of which may vary in color, texture, and surface character.
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.
Variations in marble color, veining, and minor stained glass imperfections are normal. Slight color variation between production batches should be expected.
2. Recommended Applications
Salma natural marble and stained glass mosaic tile may be suitable for approved applications only when confirmed for the specific product.
Application suitability may vary by design, material combination, surface finish, and installation area.
Important Usage Notes
Do not assume suitability for floors, exterior areas, showers, shower pans, steam showers, swimming pools, submerged areas, or high-traffic spaces unless the specific Tile Club product page confirms that use.
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.
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 Salma includes natural marble and stained glass, proper installation methods are essential. For specific questions or accepted industry standards related to natural stone, refer to the Natural Stone Institute.
Important Product Characteristics
Stained glass used in the Salma Collection may show thin, superficial hairline cracks on the surface of the glass pieces.
These are inherent to the nature of stained glass and may result from the manufacturing and cutting process. They are not considered defects and do not affect product performance or durability.
Pre-Sealing Recommendations
Natural stone may vary in absorption.
Pre-sealing the marble before installation is recommended to help prevent setting materials and grout from staining the stone surface.
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 Sealer’s Choice Gold
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 Salma mosaic 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.
Cutting Recommendations
Use a high-quality, well-maintained wet saw with a diamond blade designed for cutting stone materials.
Because Salma combines marble and stained glass, cut slowly and carefully to help protect the stone edges, glass pieces, and waterjet pattern detail.
A poorly maintained tile saw or improper blade may cause chipping during cutting.
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 marble or stained glass surface does not scratch during grouting.
4. Recommended Setting Materials
Use setting materials appropriate for natural stone and stained glass mosaic tile and the specific installation area.
Recommended Mortars
LATICRETE® Tile Adhesive Mortar
LATICRETE® 220 Marble & Granite Mortar
Or equivalent setting materials suitable for natural marble and stained glass mosaic tile
Recommended Grout
LATICRETE® PERMACOLOR® Grout
Or equivalent high-performance grout suitable for natural stone and stained glass 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 natural marble, stained glass, and overall mosaic appearance.
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 the marble, stained glass, 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 marble, stained glass, 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 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 surfaces may be available through Tile Club or other tile dealers.
6. Product Performance & Technical Information
Salma is a decorative mosaic tile collection made from natural marble and stained glass. The collection is cut with precision waterjet technology to create detailed decorative patterns.
Product suitability may vary by item, finish, and installation area. Always confirm approved use before beginning the project.
Material Considerations
Material Type: Natural marble and stained glass
Materials: Natural marble and stained glass
Cutting Method: Precision waterjet technology
Format: Mosaic sheets
Surface Character: Decorative patterned surface with depth and contrast
Natural Variation: Marble color, veining, and texture may vary from piece to piece
Stained Glass Characteristics: Thin superficial hairline cracks may appear and are not considered defects
Sealing: Pre-sealing natural marble is recommended before installation
Cutting: Use a wet saw with a diamond blade designed for stone materials
Grout Testing: Test grout before full application to confirm color and surface compatibility
Cleaning: Mild pH-neutral cleaners only
For product-specific suitability, technical details, or installation questions, contact Tile Club Support before beginning the project.