Santorini Black & Brass Laurel Marble Mosaic Tile

Marble and Brass Deco Tile Installation & Maintenance Guide

Tile Club’s marble and brass Art Deco tiles feature decorative natural stone mosaics with brass inserts. These designs combine polished and honed stone, geometric patterning, and metal detail for statement walls, backsplashes, fireplace facades, powder rooms, and approved very light foot traffic areas.

Because these products include natural stone and brass, variation should be expected from piece to piece. Stone may show color shifts, veining, size variation, blemishes, and chipped edges. Brass may show surface markings and natural variation.

Brass will patina when exposed to air and moisture. Over time, oxidation may darken the brass or create black or green surface changes. This natural aging process should be considered before installation.

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

Products Covered in This Guide

• 
  Art Deco
  
• 
  Wheel Deco
  
• 
  Geo Deco
  

1. Pre-Installation Inspection

Inspect Before Installation

Inspect all tile before installation. Installing the material confirms acceptance of the product’s appearance, stone variation, brass variation, pattern layout, finish, sizing, 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 mosaic sheets before installation to review stone variation, brass insert placement, pattern alignment, spacing, and overall finished appearance.

This step is especially important for geometric stone and brass mosaics because pattern flow and brass placement affect the final installation.

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.

A few individual brass pieces may loosen during installation. These pieces may be reattached with an adhesive suitable for metal.

2. Recommended Applications

Art Deco, Wheel Deco, and Geo Deco natural stone and brass mosaic tile may be suitable for the following applications when confirmed for the specific product:

• 
  Interior feature walls
  
• 
  Powder room walls
  
• 
  Kitchen backsplashes
  
• 
  Bathroom backsplashes
  
• 
  Fireplace facades
  
• 
  Very light foot traffic areas
  

Important Usage Notes

These products are not recommended for:

• 
  Exterior installations
  
• 
  Swimming pools
  
• 
  Shower walls
  
• 
  Shower pans
  
• 
  Steam showers
  
• 
  Fountains
  
• 
  Areas submerged in water
  

For fireplace facades or areas behind cooktops, installation must be a minimum of 9” from the fireplace opening or stovetop flame. Heated areas may contribute to the brass oxidation process.

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, and ANSI installation standards.

Because Art Deco, Wheel Deco, and Geo Deco include natural stone and brass, installation requires careful planning, cutting, sealing, grouting, and cleaning.

Pre-Sealing Recommendations

A penetrating natural stone sealer may be used before setting or grouting to help reduce grout pigment absorption into the stone.

Always test the sealer in a small area before full application. Confirm that the sealer is suitable for the natural stone and does not negatively affect the brass inserts.

Surface Preparation

Install stone and brass 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

Plan the layout carefully to reduce the need for cuts whenever possible.

Stone and brass mosaic sheets may be cut through the mesh using a knife or scissors. If the stone itself is cut, the beveled edge may be lost.

Individual brass pieces may be cut using a quality diamond blade saw designed for porcelain or metal cutting. Cutting stone and brass with the same wet saw may require periodic blade cleaning with a dressing stone.

It may be necessary to tape brass inserts before cutting. Always test a small piece first to confirm that the saw and blade are appropriate for the material.

Use protective eyewear when cutting.

Grouting Considerations

Use non-sanded grout to help reduce the risk of scratching the stone and brass surfaces.

Grout joints should be fully packed and free of voids and pits. Clean excess grout from the surface while the grout is fresh and before it hardens.

Do not use abrasive cleaners, powders, heavy scouring pads, steel wool, sandpaper, or similar materials to remove grout haze. These products may damage the tile surface.

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

4. Recommended Setting Materials

Use setting materials appropriate for natural stone and brass mosaic tile and the specific installation area.

Recommended Mortar

• 
  LATICRETE® 220 Marble & Granite Mortar
  
• 
  Or equivalent regular or modified thin-set suitable for natural stone wall applications
  

Recommended Grout

• 
  LATICRETE® PERMACOLOR® Grout, where suitable
  
• 
  Non-sanded grout is recommended to help prevent scratching
  
• 
  Or equivalent grout suitable for natural stone and brass mosaic tile
  

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

5. Care & Maintenance

Natural stone and brass mosaic tile must be cleaned and maintained carefully to preserve the surface finish and metal detail.

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 natural stone, brass inserts, and grout.

Avoid Harsh Products

Do not use:

• 
  Acidic cleaners
  
• 
  Alkaline cleaners
  
• 
  Solvent-based cleaners
  
• 
  Abrasive powders
  
• 
  Heavy scouring pads
  
• 
  Steel wool
  
• 
  Sandpaper
  
• 
  Wax treatments
  
• 
  Bleach or cleaning solutions left sitting on the surface
  

These products may damage or discolor the stone, brass, and grout.

Brass Cleaner Caution

Most brass cleaners can harm natural stone and may etch polished surfaces.

If a brass cleaner is needed for the inlay, mask off the stone surface, avoid direct contact with the stone, and test a small area first. Always confirm with the brass cleaner manufacturer that the product is suitable for use near natural stone.

Prompt Stain Removal

Do not allow stains, soap residue, or cleaning solutions to remain on the 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

Art Deco, Wheel Deco, and Geo Deco are decorative natural stone and brass mosaic tiles designed for approved interior feature applications.

The brass inserts are natural metal elements and will develop patina over time when exposed to air, moisture, and heat.

Material Considerations

• 
  Material Type: Natural stone and brass mosaic tile
  
• 
  Materials: Marble, natural stone, and brass inserts
  
• 
  Format: Mosaic sheets
  
• 
  Surface Character: Geometric decorative patterns with brass inlay
  
• 
  Natural Stone Variation: Color, veining, size, texture, blemishes, and chipped edges may vary
  
• 
  Brass Variation: Surface markings and finish variation are inherent to the metal
  
• 
  Brass Patina: Brass may darken or change color through oxidation over time
  
• 
  Recommended Use: Interior feature walls, powder room walls, backsplashes, fireplace facades, and very light foot traffic areas
  
• 
  Exterior Use: Not recommended
  
• 
  Shower Use: Not recommended for shower walls or shower pans
  
• 
  Steam Shower Use: Not recommended
  
• 
  Pool/Submerged Use: Not recommended
  
• 
  Fireplace/Cooktop Clearance: Minimum 9” from fireplace opening or stovetop flame
  
• 
  Grout Requirement: Non-sanded grout recommended to help reduce scratching
  
• 
  Cleaning: Mild pH-neutral cleaners only
  

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