Stardust Marine Pencil Glass Molding

Stardust Tile Installation & Maintenance Guide

Tile Club’s Stardust Collection features glass mosaic tile designed to bring shimmer, texture, and reflective detail to interior tile installations. With its rich mix of color and surface movement, Stardust creates a distinctive decorative finish for backsplashes, shower walls, accent walls, and other approved spaces.

Because Stardust is a glass mosaic collection with metallic-looking visual effects, slight 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.

When properly installed and maintained, Stardust glass mosaic tile may be suitable for approved interior wall, backsplash, shower wall, and light foot traffic 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 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 color variation, metallic-looking reflection, texture, sheet alignment, and overall appearance.

This step is especially important for reflective glass mosaics because the finished look may change depending on lighting, angle, and surrounding materials.

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

Stardust glass 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

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.

Glass mosaic tile installation requires different methods than ceramic or stone tile installation. Proper substrate preparation, setting material selection, sheet alignment, and grouting technique are essential for a successful finished result.

Surface Preparation

Install glass 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 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 glass mosaic tile. Incorrect setting materials may damage the color, finish, or appearance of the glass mosaic.

White thin-set mortar or white setting material is recommended for glass tile 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 even 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.

Cut slowly and carefully to help reduce chipping and protect the glass surface and metallic-looking finish.

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 glass 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 glass mosaic tile and the approved installation area
  

Recommended Grout

• 
  LATICRETE® PERMACOLOR® Grout
  
• 
  Or equivalent high-performance grout suitable for glass mosaic tile
  

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

5. Care & Maintenance

Glass mosaic tile is durable and stain resistant, but proper care will help preserve the beauty of the 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 the glass surface, metallic-looking finish, texture, and grout.

Avoid Harsh Products

Do not use:

• 
  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

Stardust is a metallic-look glass mosaic tile collection designed to create a reflective, textured, and decorative surface.

Product suitability may vary by specific tile and installation area. Always confirm the approved use before beginning the project.

Material Considerations

• 
  Material Type: Glass
  
• 
  Finish Character: Metallic-looking glass surface with texture and reflective detail
  
• 
  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 to help maintain color consistency
  
• 
  Wet Area Use: Proper waterproofing is required when installed in wet areas
  
• 
  Cleaning: Mild pH-neutral cleaners only
  

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