daltile Perfect Fit Mosaics Instruction Manual

daltile Perfect Fit Mosaics

Photo Features Xpress Mosaix Coastal Marble
Diamond Geometric Mosaic Tile

Installation of PERFECT-FIT

STEP 1: SURFACE PREPARATION

• Tile may be installed over most structurally sound substrates.
• Make sure surface is clean, smooth, dry and free of wax, soap scum and grease.
• Any damaged, loose or uneven areas must be repaired, patched and leveled.
• Remove any moldings, trim, appliances or anything that could interfere with installation.

STEP 2: MEASURE

•  The Perfect-Fit mosaics are designed to a standard 18″ height to fit perfectly between the countertop and kitchen cabinets, eliminating the need for measuring and cutting.
• If the area you desire to tile is larger than an 18″ height, start by measuring the square footage of the wall you are planning to tile, making sure to take into account any switches and outlets.
• Find the center point of the wall, using a level to draw a plumb line in the wall’s center.
• Lay out a row of loose tiles across the bottom of the wall from the center line leaving uniform joints between tiles.
• Once you have this initial row of loose tiles laid out, measure to determine what cuts need to be made so that all tiles fit into the working area. NOTE: Tiles can be butted together leaving a consistent 1/16 in. joint automatically.

STEP 3: CUTTING

•  While cutting is not required when installing on a standard 18″ backsplash, a ceramic tile cutter is not recommended if any cutting is necessary. It is recommended to use a diamond blade. It is important to use the proper blades because blades designed for ceramic tile will chip the stone.
• Wet cutting methods are recommended to avoid inhalation of silica dust.
  NOTE: Cut edges should be placed in corners where they can be hidden.

STEP 4: DRILLING

• If drilling a hole in the tile is necessary, it is recommended to use a drill bit that is specially designed for glass, metal and stone.
  NOTE: The tile must be securely clamped into place to prevent movement of the tile during the drilling process.

• When drilling the hole, keep the bit and hole lubricated to prevent chipping.

• Drill from both sides of the tile, starting with the back and drilling half of the depth of the tile.

• Turn the tile over and complete the hole. This will prevent the glass, metal and stone from chipping as the drill bit exits the tile.

STEP 5: INSTALLATION

• It is recommended to use a white thin-set mortar with a flexible acrylic additive or a white polymer fortified thin-set mortar.

• Apply this mixture with the manufacturer’s recommendations of a notch trowel (typically 3/16″ x 3/16″ V- notch).

• Knock down the trowel ridges to produce an even layer of the thin-set mortar.

• Spread only enough thin-set to install a few sheets at a time. Back-butter each sheet with the flat edge of the trowel. Be sure to achieve full coverage on the back of the tile.

• Press your mosaic into the thin nset, leaving even spaces in between tiles. A grout float can be used to tap the tiles into place.
  Allow for movement joints where the tiles abut restraining surfaces and around the perimeter of the installation.
  NOTE: We recommend allowing a 1/8″ joint between tiles.

• Seal the mosaic prior to grouting. Grout with an un-sanded grout, to prevent scratching, after the adhesive has had proper time to cure according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Seal the mosaic again after grouting. NOTE: For more information on proper sealants, please reference Step 8.

STEP 6: GROUTING

•  To prevent scratching, grout with an unsanded grout after the adhesive has had proper time to cure.

STEP 7: CLEANING

• It is recommended to use a non-abrasive cleaner to prevent scratching of the tile.
  NOTE: Tiles that have been scratched prior to or during installation are the customer’s responsibility.
  NOTE: Natural stones may darken when wet or when in contact with humidity.

STEP 8: SEALING (STONE TILE ONLY)

• Penetrating/impregnating stone sealers are a no-sheen, natural-look sealer that can be water-based or solvent-based.
• A premium, natural-look, penetrating/impregnating sealer is the best choice when you are wanting to maintain the natural color of the stone. A stone-enhancer sealer is often used when a darker, enriched, or highlighted character is desired.
• Make sure the brand you have chosen is formulated to provide maximum stain protection for stone products.
• Stone products should be tested periodically to ensure that the sealer is working effectively.

GLOSSARY OF TERMS

Back-butter is the spreading of a bond coat to the back of a tile before
placing the tile to ensure a strong bond with the thin-set mortar.
Balanced cuts are perimeter tile cuts of equal size that are installed on opposite sides of the working area or on either side of a miter.
A butt joint is the thin joint created when tiles are installed side by side without the use of spacers or gout.
The grout is a mix used for filling tile joints-most commonly created from a cement base.
The mortar is a mixture of cement paste and fine aggregate used to bond masonry together.
Plumb means perpendicular to true level.
The substrate is the underlying support or base of the tile installation.

LEGAL

ATTENTION
Do not dry cut using motorized equipment due to the potential for exposure to harmful silica dust. Use a wet saw or a score and snap tool when cutting is necessary during the installation process.

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