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Paper/Film Faced Mosaic Installation Guide
PAPER-FACED MOSAIC
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTION
These instructions are provided as a general guideline for the installation of paper-faced mosaic cast glass tile. An
experienced, professional tile installer, who has read and understands these instructions, should perform the work.
Some installations require a more detailed specication. Please refer to the TCNA Handbook for Ceramic, Glass, and
Stone Tile Installation for additional details.
MATERIAL INSPECTION
. ..................................................................................................................................................
These cast glass tile products are handmade.
Variation in color, shade, tone and size is normal. In many cases, there will be folds, wrinkles and bubbles in the glass.
These surface characteristics are inherent to the cast glass manufacturing process and should be expected. Upon
delivery open and inspect each box of tile. The owner or owner’s representative is responsible for determining the
acceptability of the product prior to installation as well as approve the rst ve square feet of installed tile prior to the
tile installer proceeding with the installation.
• Mosaic tile - verify sheet-to-sheet color consistency by rst comparing each sheet, from the backside, to one
another. Next,compare the face of the sheets by laying them adjacent to one another and comparing the visible
portion (edge) of the mosaic tiles.
No adjustments will be made after installation.
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SUBSTRATE PREPARATION
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In general, there are four types of acceptable substrates for Glass Tile products:
• Concrete - Cured a minimum of 28 days, may require additional surface preparation
• Cement Mortar - Cured a minimum of 7 days
Walls: Two-coat cement mortar bed reinforced with 2.5lb galvanized metal lath
Floors: Wire reinforced cement mortar bed over membrane or bonded cement mortar bed
• Cement Backer Board (CBU) - Durrock, Fiberock, Hardibacker, PermaBase, Wonderboard
• Drywall - Dry locations only
The tile installation’s substructure, location and substrate type (i.e. CBU or concrete) will inuence the details of how
the substrate should be prepared. The following substrate preparation methods are detailed in the Tile Council of
North Amerca’s “TCNA Handbook for Ceramic, Glass, and Stone Tile Installation” and are organized by alphanumeric
designation (i.e. W244C). Use the following chart to identify which TCNA method is appropriate for your installation
and refer to the current edition of the TCNA Handbook for details.The TCNA handbook is available for purchase at
www.tcnatile.com.
INTERIOR EXTERIOR
FLOORS
SPECIALITY
Backer Board Mortar Concrete Backer Board Mortar Concrete
Backer Board Mortar
Wood Sub-Floor
Concrete
(Slab on Grade)
Concrete
(Elevated or Post-Tensioned)
F144
N/A
N/A F111 N/A N/A F121
F145
F141
F111
F112
NA N/A N/A N/A
F113 N/A F121
Bathtub Walls
1
F102
1
N/A
Shower Receptor
Floors/Walls
Stream Shower
Receptor Floors/Walls
(Opaque tile only)
2
B412 B411
2
B415 B414
SR614 SR613
INTERIOR EXTERIOR
WALLS
Wood Studs
Metal Studs
Solid Backing
(Masonry)
Backer Board Mortar Concrete Backer Board Mortar Concrete
W244C
W244F
W244C
W244F
N/A W221 N/A N/A W201 N/A
W231 W243 W244E W231 N/A
W241 W243 W244E W241 N/A
Swimming Pools
Counter Tops
1
This method is not recommended for freeze-taw applications.
Proper drainage and a pre-sloped waterproof membrane
(ANSI A1118.10) are required BELOW the mortar bed
2
Wood or Metal
3
Use only comentitious Backer Unit (CBU) or Fiber Cement Board
4
Refer to the “Pool & Water Feature Installation” document
4
N/A N/A
C513
3
C511
UNACCEPTABLE SUBSTRATES
• Single-oat mortar bed walls (cement mortar beds, which do not employ cured scratch coats)
• Cement mortar beds reinforced with metal lath less than 2.5 lb per square yard (i.e. chicken wire)
• Wood Products such as plywood, luan, MDF, pressboard and composites
SUBSTRATE REQUIREMENTS
• Shower receptor oors require the waterproong below the mortar bed be sloped 1/4" per foot toward the drain
and the weep holes be unobstructed per TCNA B414 and B415.
• For unmounted glass tile, install horizontal, solid blocking in the framing at a maximum spacing of 36" on center
and such that all edges of the CBU are continuously supported.
• Solid blocking for the anchoring of xtures, such as shower doors and towel bars, must be installed prior to
installing the tile substrate.
• A vapor barrier membrane (asphalt laminated paper, 4 mil polyethylene, etc.) is required behind CBU and mortar
beds in wet or exterior applications.
• Installing translucent glass tile over crack isolation/waterproof membranes or non-absorptive substrates (e.g.
steam showers, coated glass mat gypsum, coated foam backerboards, etc.) is generally not recommended.
• Cement mortar beds must be cured a minimum of 7 days prior to tile installation.
• Treat CBU joints with mesh-tape and thin-set per the CBU manufacturer’s instructions and allow to cure 48 hours
prior to tile installation.
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SUBSTRATE BUILD-UP (installing glass tile next to thicker tile materials)
When installing Glass Tile products adjacent to thicker materials, with the intention of the two tiles nishing in the
same plane (ush), the substrate must rst be brought up to a level such that the glass tile can be installed with the
appropriate amount of thin-set.
Caution: Installing glass tile over fresh excessively built-up thin-set mortars may result in tile cracking due to mortar
shrinkage.
INSTALLATION MATERIALS
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THIN-SET
The use of specic white thin-sets are recommended for the
installation of Glass Tile products (see list below), however,
these products will vary in their degree of whiteness and
color consistency. Due to the translucent nature of glass
tiles, the color of the thin-set will affect the installed
tile’s appearance.Some of the thin-sets listed below are
specically manufactured for use with translucent glass
tile and are marketed as “bright-white” and controlled for
bag-to-bag color consistency. Conrm the thin-set color
is acceptable prior to installation. For projects that require
multiple bags of thin-set, select a color controlled product
or conrm bag-to-bag color consistency. Carefully follow
manufacturer’s mixing instructions and measure liquid/
powder to achieve maximum performance.
ACCEPTABLE THIN-SETS
The thin-set mortars listed below are recommended for use
in interior, exterior, dry and/or intermittent wet installations.
Refer to a specic “Pool & Water Feature
Installation” guide for the list of products
recommended for use in submerged applications.
• BOSTIK: Glass-Mate mixed with 425 Admixture*
• CUSTOM BUILDING PRODUCTS: Glass Tile Premium
Thin-Set * †
• LATICRETE: Glass Tile Adhesive *
• MAPEI: Adesilex P10 Bright White Thin-Set Mortar
mixed with Keraply Mortar Additive * †
• TEC SPECIALTY PRODUCTS: Super Flex Thin-Set
Mortar
* Bright White
† Color controlled bag-to-bag consistency.
NOTES:
• Organic adhesives (mastic) are not recommended
due to low bond strength and yellowing.
• Epoxy adhesives are generally not recommended,
however, in certain applications they may be
acceptable.
GROUT SELECTION
The type of grout recommended for a Glass Tile
installation will vary by tile product line, opacity and
the installation’s exposure to water. In all applications,
cement-based, sanded grouts are
compatible with our products (will not scratch the
tile). However, in some specic instances, unsanded
grout or urethane-based grout may be an option.
CEMENT-BASED SANDED GROUT
• ARDEX: FL Sanded Grout
• BOSTIK: Ceramic Tile Grout
• BOSTIK: Hydroment Vivid
• CUSTOM BUILDING PRODUCTS: Polyblend
Sanded Grout
• CUSTOM BUILDING PRODUCTS: Prism
SureColor Grout
• LATICRETE: 1500 Sanded Grout
• LATICRETE: PermaColor or Perma Color Select
Grout
• MAPEI: Keracolor S
• MAPEI: Ultracolor Plus FA
• TEC: AccuColor Premium Sanded Grout
• TEC: Power Grout
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CRACKISOLATION/WATERPROOFING MEMBRANES
There are a wide variety of crack isolation and waterproong membranes available for use in tile installations. Each
membrane product will vary in type, application and performance; consult the membrane manufacturer for specic
recommendations and limitations. Some common membrane materials are:
• ARDEX: 8+9
• BOSTIK: GoldPlus
• CUSTOM BUILDING PRODUCTS: RedGard
• LATICRETE: Hydro Ban
• MAPEI: Mapelastic AquaDefense
• TEC SPECIALTY PRODUCTS: HydraFlex
Caution: The use of topical crack isolation/waterproof membranes directly behind the tile bond coat (thin-set) is not
recommended when installing translucent glass tile.
MOVEMENT JOINTS
Movement joints are essential for the success of most tile installations. Follow recommendations on Movement Joints
EJ171 in the current edition of the “TCNA Handbook for Ceramic, Glass and Stone Tile Installation”.
Movement joint requirements will vary based on substrata, climate and size of installation. An architect or design
professional should be consulted when specifying the exact number and location of each movement joint. Not all
sealants are recommended for submerged or heavy water use; consult sealant manufacturer for use recommendations.
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PAPER-FACED MOSAIC INSTALLATION
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For mosaics with a side longer than 2", use a 1/4" x 1/4" square-notch trowel.
For all other mosaic products, use a 3/16" x 1/4" v-notch trowel.
STEP 1
To initiate the bond coat, use the at
side of a trowel and rmly apply thin-set
to the substrate.
STEP 4
Apply mosaic sheets to the thin-set
setting bed, paper side out, with light,
even pressure. Periodically, check
thin-set for skinning (slight drying). If
skinning occurs, remove thin-set and
reapply.
To establish the proper depth of the
setting bed, use a notch trowel to apply
additional thin-set and comb full notches
in one direction.
STEP 5
To achieve the attest possible surface,
lightly tap the sheets with a wooden
beating block and a nish hammer. To
unify sheet transitions, tap from one
sheet to the next.
STEP 3STEP 2
Use the at side of the trowel to atten
the notches and achieve a smooth,
consistent thin-set setting bed.
STEP 6
After 15-30 minutes, (oors can be
removed sooner) lightly wet the paper.
Keep the paper wet by wiping with a
damp sponge several times over a
5-10 minute period. After the paper has
absorbed the water, the glue will release.
STEP 7
Peel the paper from the tile starting at
the corner. Removing the paper while the
setting material is still fresh allows for
individual tile adjustment and
re-inspection of color consistency.
STEP 10
Grout application and cleaning process
will vary based on the type and brand
of grout. Refer to grout manufacturer’s
instructions for details.
STEP 8
Straighten individual tiles and press-in
any pieces that have not achieved 100%
contact. To eliminate the sheet pattern
pay particular attention to sheet
transitions.
STEP 11
Allow grout to set-up (rm) and smooth
nish with a damp sponge. After
approximately 2 hours remove grout
haze with a lightly damp sponge.
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STEP 9
After a full 24 hours (some installations
may require extended cure times)
use water and a nylon scrub-brush to
remove residual glue from the tile. Clean
rinse and towel dry.
STEP 12
For nal removal of grout haze, polish
with a clean, soft cloth.
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PAPER-FACED MOSAIC INSTALLATION (CONTINUED)
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STEP 13
Seal cement-based grout with High
Performance Penetrating Sealer.
STEP 14
Apply sealer with spray bottle, paint
brush or sponge applicator.
STEP 15
Allow sealer to penetrate for 1-3
minutes. Buff unabsorbed sealer from
the surface with a clean cloth.
MESH-MOUNTED MOSAICS
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Glass Tile mesh-mounted products should be installed using a 1/4" x 1/4" square-notch trowel and standard thinbed tile installation practices (ANSI A108.5) in conjunction with the Material Inspection, Substrate Preparation,
Installation Materials and Sealing & Maintenance specications found within this document.
SEALING & MAINTENANCE
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Glass Tile installations should be sealed, protected and maintained.
WARNING: Certain acids will damage glass tile. DO NOT allow products that contain hydrofluoric, hydrochloric,
muriatic or phosphoric acid to come in direct contact with the tile.
SEALING
Glass tile is impervious and does not need to be sealed. However, cement-based grout and natural stone should be
sealed to protect against staining. Seal all installations that include cement-based grout with either a High Performance
Penetrating Sealer (natural look) or a High Performance Enhancing Sealer (color enriching).
RESEALING
To maintain optimal performance, sealers should be periodically reapplied. The recommended period for reapplication
will vary by installation location, environmental exposure and maintenance. As a general guideline, tile and/or grout
installed in any exterior, wet or high trafc installations should be resealed every 12-24 months. All other installations
should be resealed every 36-48 months.
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WET CUTTING MOUNTED MOSAIC TILE
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Glass Tile products can be cut to meet jobsite dimensions with the use of a high-quality wet tile saw equipped with a
continuous, smooth-rim, diamond glass tile blade. The cutting process detailed below can be used with face-mounted
mosaics to fully support the tile, reduce chipping and protect the mounting system from saw overspray.
STEP 1
Cover the saw tray with a piece of
cement board. This provides continuous
support for the sheet and prevents
pieces from falling into the tray’s cutting
channel.
STEP 4
With the saw turned off, place the
mosaic sheet, paper side up, on the
cement board covered saw tray and
align the cut.
STEP 2
Adjust the blade height so the blade
cuts through half of the cement board
thickness.
STEP 5
Place the second piece of cement
board on top of the mosaic sheet. Cover
the portion of the sheet that is to be
installed (keeper) with the weather-strip
side down and against the blade. The
board will protect the sheet from saw
overspray.
STEP 3
Cut another piece of cement board that
is larger than a sheet of mosaics. Apply
a strip of self-adhesive foam weatherstrip to one edge of the cement board.
STEP 6
Place downward pressure on the top
layer of cement board, turn the saw
on and cut slowly. The pressure shoud
be sufcient enough to compress the
weather-strip and prevent water from
owing under the board.
RECOMMENDED GLASS TILE BLADES
• Alpha Professional Tools - Vetro
• Husqvarna - Superlok Glass+
• Lackmond - Pro Series Glass Tile Blade
• MK Diamond - MK 215GL or MK 215GL-XL
STEP 7
Once cutting is complete, turn the saw
off, carefully remove the top layer of
cement board and quickly towel dry the
mounting paper.
STEP 8
Towel dry the back of the sheet and
install as normal.
• Montolit - CPV
• Rockstar Diamond - G Series Blade
• Rodia - Glass Tile Blade
• Saw Master – Cheetah Series Glass Blade (Fine)
• World Diamond Source – Pro Series Glass Tile
Blade
Note - To maintain cut quality, periodically dress the diamond blade with a dressing stone.
WARNING: DO NOT DRY CUT TILE. Dry cutting causes excessive chipping/cracking and can produce harmful dust.
DRILLING
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Glass Tile products can be drilled using a diamond core bit designed for drilling dense materials (e.g. glass or granite).
Use sufcient water to keep the bit cool and lubricated during drilling. The diameter of all drilled holes must be large
enough to allow a fastener to pass through the tile and substrate without making contact.
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Filmed-Faced Mosaics Installation Instructions
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The following information is provided as a general guideline for the installation of Filmed Faced Mosaics; some
installations require a more detailed specication. An experienced, professional tile installer, who has read and
understands this information, should perform the work.
MATERIAL INSPECTION
. ..................................................................................................................................................
The owner or owner’s representative is responsible for determining the acceptability of the product prior to installation.
Upon delivery, open and inspect each box of tile to verify order accuracy and sheet-to-sheet color consistency. Any
discrepancies should be communicated immediately to the point of purchase. Due to the handmade, artistic nature
of this product, variation in color, shade, tone, shape and size should be expected. No adjustments will be made after
installation.
SUBSTRATE PREPARATION
. ..................................................................................................................................................
In general, there are three types of acceptable substrates:
• Cement Mortar - Two-coat cement mortar beds reinforced with 2.5 lb galvanized metal lath, cured a minimum of 7 days
• Cement Backer Board (CBU) - Durrock, Fiberock, Hardibacker, PermaBase, Wonderboard
• Drywall - Dry locations only
The tile installation’s substructure, location and substrate type (i.e. CBU or concrete) will inuence the details of how
the substrate should be prepared. The following substrate preparation methods are detailed in the Tile Council of
North Amerca’s “TCNA Handbook for Ceramic, Glass, and Stone Tile Installation” and are organized by alphanumeric
designation (i.e. W244C). Use the following chart to identify which TCNA method is appropriate for your installation
and refer to the current edition of the TCNA Handbook for details. The TCNA handbook is available for purchase at
www.tcnatile.com.
INTERIOR EXTERIOR
WALLS
Wood Studs
Metal Studs
Solid Backing
(Masonry)
Backer Board Mortar Drywall Backer Board Mortar Drywall
W244C
W244F
W244C
W244F
N/A W221 N/A N/A W201 N/A
W231 W243 W244E W231 N/A
W241 W243 W244E W241 N/A
SPECIALITY
Bathtub Walls
Shower Receptor
Floors/Walls
Stream Shower
Receptor Floors/Walls
(Opaque tile only)
Backer Board Mortar
2
B412 B411
2
B415 B414
SR614 SR613
UNACCEPTABLE SUBSTRATES
• Single-oat mortar bed walls (cement mortar beds, which do not employ
cured scratch coats)
• Cement mortar beds reinforced with metal lath less than 2.5 lb per square
yard (i.e. chicken wire)
• Wood Products such as plywood, luan, MDF, pressboard and composites
1
This method is not recommended for freeze-taw applications.
Proper drainage and a pre-sloped waterproof membrane
(ANSI A1118.10) are required BELOW the mortar bed
2
Wood or Metal
3
Use only comentitious Backer Unit (CBU) or Fiber Cement Board
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SUBSTRATE REQUIREMENTS
• Solid blocking for the anchoring of xtures, such as shower doors and towel bars, must be installed prior to
installing the tile substrate.
• A vapor barrier membrane (asphalt laminated paper, 4 mil polyethylene, etc.) is required behind CBU and mortar
beds in wet or exterior applications.
• Cement mortar beds must be cured a minimum of 7 days prior to tile installation.
• Treat CBU joints with mesh-tape and thin-set per the CBU manufacturer’s instructions and allow to cure 48 hours
prior to tile installation.
INSTALLATION MATERIALS
. ..................................................................................................................................................
THIN-SET
We recommend the following white thin-sets for
the installation:
Acceptable Thin-Sets
• ARDEX X 77
• CUSTOM BUILDING PRODUCTS: Premium Glass
Tile Thin-Set Mortar
• BOSTIK: Glass-Mate mixed with 425 Admixture
• Laticrete Glass Tile Adhesive
• MAPEI: Adesilex P10 Bright White Thin-Set Mortar
mixed with Keraply Mortar Additive
• TEC SPECIALTY PRODUCTS: Super Flex Thin-Set
Mortar
Unacceptable Adhesives
• Organic Adhesives (Mastic) - due to low bond strengths
• Epoxy - due to low exibility
MOVEMENT JOINTS
Movement joints are essential for the success of
most tile installations. Follow recommendations on
Movement Joints EJ171 in the current version of
the TCNA Handbook for Ceramic, Glass and Stone
Tile Installation. Movement joint requirements
will vary based on substrata, climate and size of
installation. An architect or design professional
should be consulted when specifying the exact
number andlocation of each movement joint.
FEATURE STRIP INSTALLATION
(installing next to thicker tile materials)
When installing adjacent to thicker materials, with
the intention of the two tiles nishing in the same
plane (ush), the substrate must rst be brought up
to a level such that the glass tile can be installed
with the recommended amount of thin-set.
Caution:
Installing glass tile over fresh excessively built-up
thin-set mortars may result in tile cracking due to
thin-set shrinkage.
GROUT
Art Glass Mosaics may be grouted with cement-based
sanded or unsanded grout, urethane grout or epoxy grout.
Grout selection should be based on the grout joint size of
the specic pattern and intended application.
MEMBRANES
There are a wide variety of anti-fracture and waterproong
membranes available for use in tile installations. Membranes
will vary in type, installation method and performance.
Depending on the application, installing over an anti-fracture
membrane may be benecial. Consult the membrane
manufacturer for specic recommendations and limitations.
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CUTTING & DRILLING
Art glass can be cut to meet jobsite dimensions
with the use of a high-quality wet tile saw equipped
with a continuous, smooth-rim, diamond glass tile
blade or with score and snap glass cutting tools.
To minimize chipping of tile and back coatings,
fully support the tile during cutting, cut or drill
slowly and cool the cutting or drilling tool with
liberal water ow.
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INSTALLATION PROCESS
. ..................................................................................................................................................
STEP 1
To initiate the bond coat, use the at side of a trowel and rmly apply
thin-set to the substrate.
STEP 3
Apply mosaic sheets to the thin-set setting bed, plastic lm side out,
with light, even pressure. Periodically, check thin-set for skinning
(slight drying). If skinning occurs,remove thin-set and reapply.
STEP 2
To establish the proper depth of the setting bed, use a 3/16" x 1/4"
v-notch trowel to apply additional thinset and comb full notches in
one direction.
STEP 4
To achieve the attest possible surface, lightly tap the sheets with
a rubber grout oat. Pay particular attention to the sheet-to-sheet
intersections.
STEP 5
After a full 24 hours (some installations may require extended cure
times) starting at the corner; peel the plastic from the tile.
STEP 7
Apply grout per the grout manufacturer’s instructions. When grouting
with sanded grout, use care during application to minimize scratching.
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STEP 6
If necessary, remove excess thin-set from the grout joints with a razor
knife prior to grouting.
NOTE: Grout application and cleaning process will vary
based on the type and brand of grout. Refer to grout
manufacturer’s instructions for details.
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