Installation Guide
Before you start
Inspect Your product
Prepare the substrate
Tools and materials
Tiling
Layout Tiles
Mix Mortar
Apply Mortar
Lay Tiles
Apply Grout
Caulking
Cleaning
Inspect Your product.
Make sure your product is the correct quantity and product ordered. Make sure your tile has arrived safely and without damage. Open the boxes and inspect each sheet for cracked glass.
Damage during shipment is not a common experience. We pack our tiles very carefully and safely to avoid any unwanted situation. However accidents do happen, and if there is damage please contact us immediatly to remedy the situation before starting your project.
Prepare the Substrate
Prior to installation please inspect the substrate to insure the surface is smooth and flat. The substrate refers to the surface you will be applying the mosaic tiles to. If you are planning on tiling in a wet area such as a shower or tub surround it is important to insure a water proof membrane has been installed before tiling. We suggest hiring a professional tile setter for this kind of project.
Tools and Materials
3/16" V notch trowel
Grout float
Bucket + water
Tile saw with glass cutting Blade
Sponge
Cheese cloth (for cleaning)
Caulking gun and waterproof caulking
Measuring tape
Modified polymer thinset mortar or Tile Glue
Non sanded grout
STEP 1 - layout tiles
Layout your tiles and plan how they will go on the wall. You should have a good idea of where your cuts will be before you start laying tile. If there is any pattern or special layout requirments, they should be determined now.
STEP 2 - mix your mortar
When mixing thin set mortar make sure you follow the manufacturer's recommendations. Your thin set should be a nice pasty mix and not runny. Remember to let it settle for the suggested time period before applying it to the substrate.
Always follow the directions on the package!
If you are using tile glue, proceed to step 3
STEP 3 - apply mortar/Tile GLue
Using your V-notched trowel coat the area to be tiled with a uniform coating. We recommend only coating enough area to cover 3 or 4 sheets at a time. You don't want the product to set up on you before you apply the tile.
STEP 4 - lay tiles
Apply the tile with enough force that the tile is secured to the wall, but not so much that the mortar squishes through the grout lines. We recommend using a grout float to apply even pressure to the tiles. The broad flat surface really helps give it a consistent bond with the substrate.
STEP 4b - align tiles
Make sure to maintain even spacing between each sheet of tile. You can use spacers for consistent spacing. Spacers are small plastic pieces that make sure the grout lines will be even between mosaic sheets, or large subway tile. They come in a variety of dimensions, make sure to get the correct width for the grout line that you want.
STEP 5 - Apply grout
Using a rubber grout float force the grout into the joints on a 45 degree angle. Make sure the grout is really getting in there! You can wipe away the excess grout with the edge of the float. Gaps in the grout will let water through so make sure to be thorough.
TIP: When mixing the grout remember to follow the manufacturer's instructions, and remember to let it settle for the suggested time frame. We recommend unsanded grout, as this will avoid any scratching of the glass.
STEP 6 - Caulking
After the grout has fully cured, we recommend applying a bead of waterproof caulking between the tile and counter edge.
TIP: For a nice even caulking line we suggest running a line of tape along the mosaic tile and counter. After applying the caulking remove the tape and you should have a nice straight line.
STEP 7 - Cleaning
After the grout has become firm you are going to want to remove the excess grout with a slightly damp sponge or a cheese cloth. Don't be afraid if you see a haze form over the tile. Once the grout is completely cured you can clean off the haze using a dry cheese cloth. Once the grout has completely set, you will want to clean off the haze of thoroughly.