Installation Guide 3 3/4” x 3/4” shell mosaics Mesh-backed sheets |  | Download PDF |
General Note about Installation Guide:
The following general installation and grouting guidelines pertain to most applications. The technical service departments of major setting material companies should be consulted regarding specific installation questions.
INSPECTION
The end user is responsible for determining the acceptability of the product. Installation constitutes acceptance of tile order.
The shell mosaic tiles are made from actual freshwater shells. Any surface imperfections or variances are to be considered part of the tiles’ inherent character and natural beauty. There will be a degree of variation in shade, color, tone, and size within each sheet of tile. Open and inspect each carton of tile to confirm shading consistency. Randomly select 5 sheets from different cartons to establish color control during installation. Before installing tile, blend sheets from different cartons to assure random placement during installation. As sheets are being installed, check them against control samples prior to placing them in the setting material to assure acceptable shade variations and quality.
INSTALLATION
Expansion Joints
Expansion joints are essential for the success of most tile installations. Follow instructions on expansion joints in the Handbook for Ceramic Tile Installation published by the Tile Council of America. Expansion joint requirements will vary depending on substrate climate and size of installation. An architect should be consulted when specifying the exact number of expansion joints and the location of each.
Cutting seashell mosaic tile
Tools needed:
1. Glass Cutter
2. Splitting Clamp: “mouth” of clamp must be curved. We also suggest wrapping mouth with tape to avoid scratching tile.
3. Ruler
Begin by using the ruler and glass cutter to score the desired line in to cut. Place the scored tile into the curved splitting clamp and snap the tile. This will create an uneven edge that you can smooth down with sand paper. This method is limited to straight lines and will not work for curved lines.
Types of Setting Materials to Use
Setting material products are available through tile dealers, home centers, and major setting material companies.
Mapei: Adesilex P10 (bright white) nonsag mortar for glass tile. Mix with water or Keraply. Specifically designed for glass tile. www.mapei.com
Mapei: Kerabond Premium Dry-Set Mortar (Ker 102) mixed with Keralistic Mortar Admix (Ker 310). www.mapei.com
Custom Building Products: Premium Plus Thin-Set Mortar (white) mixed with Custom Flex Ultra-Strength Thin-Set Additive. www.custombuildingproducts.com
Custom Building Products: MegaFlex Ultimate Thin-Set Mortar (white). No admixture is necessary. www.custombuildingproducts.com
Hydroment: ReFlex Ultra-Premium Latex-Modified Thin-Set Mortar. No admixture is necessary. www.bostik.com
Laticrete: 254 Platinum Multipurpose Thin-Set Mortar. No admixture is necessary. www.laticrete.com
TEC (H.B. Fuller): Super Flex Premium Performance Universal Latex-Modified Thin-Set Mortar. No admixture is necessary. www.tecspecialty.com
CAUTION: When mixing setting and grouting materials with electrical mixing devices, do not exceed 300 rpm or the manufacturer’s recommendations. All adhesives need to slake (i.e. sit) 10-15 minutes after mixing and then be remixed before using. Installation
Shell mosaic tile is suitable for dry, interior wall applications only. Avoid installation in areas exposed to direct rays from the sun. Use enough setting material to assure 100% tile surface coverage but not so much that it will “ooze” above the top of the tile through the grout joints. Use a 3/16” x 5/32” V-notched trowel and do not flatten the “rows” created in the setting material. Apply only as much setting material as can be covered with tile within 10 to 20 minutes or while surface is still wet and tacky.
Further Installation Notes
Some setting materials manufacturers recommend applying setting material to the back side of the sheet of mosaic tile (“back buttering”) with the flat side of the trowel immediately before placement of the sheet into the freshly trowelled setting material on the surface receiving the tile. This extra amount of setting material is recommended to help assure 100% coverage of the tile. It does, however, increase the amount of setting material available to “ooze” up through the grout joints. If too much is applied, the setting material will, particularly on the thinner 3/4" x 3/4” and 5/8” x 5/8” tile, completely fill the grout joints leaving very little or no space for grout.
If 100% tile surface coverage (no voids between the tile and the surface receiving the tile) can be achieved by applying sufficient setting material only to the surface receiving the tile, this “back buttering” step might be unnecessary. We suggest experimenting with a sheet or partial sheet of tile before starting the job to determine the best approach for achieving 100% coverage.
GROUTING:
For shell mosaic tile, unsanded grout is recommended.
Grout Color
Grout color plays a major role in the final appearance of any glass mosaic tile job and should be selected carefully. Grout color that contrasts with the tile color tends to create a “frame” around each tile.
Grouting
Grouting may be done after tile is firmly set — approximately 24 hours after installation. Apply unsanded grout with a rubber float making sure that grout joints are completely full and free of voids and pits. Clean the surface with a clean, damp sponge.
Allow grout to set firm or until haze forms on the tile and the grout in the joints sets firm. Use a soft, clean, dry cloth to polish off haze and remaining grout residue. Final cleaning of grout haze and tile polishing is done with clean, dry cheesecloth within 24 hours of grouting.
CLEANING & MAINTENANCE
Shell mosaics consist primarily of Calcium Carbonate, which reacts with acids including vinegar, acidic foods and carbonated beverages.
We recommend cleaning with a damp cloth or a gentle furniture polish cleaner. |