INSTALLATION
OF CRYSTAL STONE SERIES
Browse Crystal
Stone Series >>  With
a 1/4”x1/4” square-notched trowel, firmly apply a liberal
amount of setting material to the substrate. Using the flat side
of the trowel, flatten the notches in the setting material to create
a smooth, consistent setting bed approximately 1/8” thick.
With a firm, even pressure, apply sheets, mesh side down, firmly
into the setting material. Using a wooden beating block or grouting
float, lightly tap on the tile to create a flat surface. Apply only
as much setting material as can be covered within 10 to 20 minutes
or until surface is still wet and tacky.
Carefully align each sheet as it is installed to create uniform
grout joints from sheet to sheet. Allow tile to set until firm.
Clean excess setting material from the surface of the tile with
wet cloth or sponge while the setting material is fresh.
Grouting - Special Instructions for Crystal
Stone Series
Crystal Stone grout joint widths average 1/16” between the
flat sides of the tiles. When joints are filled with grout and the
surface cleaned with a sponge, the grout joint (amount of visible
grout) becomes considerably wider than 1/16”. The amount of
grout in the joint can be set to the desired width by running a
piece of damp cheese cloth, rolled into a “cigar” shape
through the joint while the grout is still fresh.
Types of Setting Materials to Use
For interior, dry, non-high traffic areas, Mirage Glass Tile products
should be installed using a polymer modified thin-set mortar mixed
with a liquid latex or acrylic additive.
An epoxy adhesive is recommended for mesh-backed tiles installed
in continuous wet areas (e.g. swimming pools), high traffic floor
areas, and exterior applications.
Setting material products are available through tile dealers and
home centers.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Normal cleaning of glass mosaic tile can be done with room temperature
water and a rag. For a more thorough cleaning and to remove stubborn
dirt and stains, use any of the many tile and grout cleaners available
through grocery stores, tile dealers or home centers. The Tile Council
of America website www.tileusa.com,
under “Technical Questions”, “frequently asked
questions and answers” offers a detailed section on “Cleaning
Grout”.
Cutting Glass Tile
All Mirage glass mosaic tile can be cut with specialty glass mosaic
tile cutter but the thicker Crystal Stone Series are best cut with
a wet saw. Cut edges are very sharp and should be smoothed with
carbide paper or a “white stone” available at tile dealers.
Grout Color
Grout color plays a major role in the final appearance of any glass
mosaic tile job and selection should be carefully made.
Grouts that contrast in color with the tile tend to create a “frame”
around each tile. These frames are most evident with the Crystal
Stone Series due to its larger and relatively numerous grout joints.
Grout colors that match or coordinate with the tile tend to blend
in with them, providing a “smoother”, overall visual
appearance.
|
