When properly installed and maintained, Kahakai mosaics can be enjoyed for many years. Please be sure to familiarize yourself and the installer with these instructions prior to starting your job. You and your installer are responsible for ensuring proper installation of the tiles. If you have any questions, contact [email protected] before moving forward.

Recommended Installation Products & Tools

Recommended Adhesives

Due to the translucent nature of glass tile, the color of the thin-set (tile bond coat) will affect the appearance of the installed tile. We recommend the use of specific white thin-sets, some mixed with a specific latex admix. However, these products will vary in their degree of whiteness and color consistency. Confirm the thin-set color is acceptable prior to installation. For projects that require multiple bags of thin-set, select a color controlled product or confirm bag-to-bag color consistency. A full list of recommended adhesives can be found in the installation document.

Recommended Grout

Depending on the product line and tile color type, the recommended grout will differ. Please download the PDF for a full chart and explanation of the different types of grout available.

Recommended Wet Saw Cutting Blades

Kahakai mosaics 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. A full list of recommended blades and tools are available in the PDF.

Preparation and Installation Instructions

Substrate

Pursuant to the TCNA, for glass tile installations, special attention should be given to substrate stability, rigidity and preparation. Substrates should be sufficiently flat to allow uniform coverage and avoid excessive mortar thickness. Clean the surface well to remove all dirt and residue and remediate all cracks or unlevel areas in the substrate to ensure it is smooth and flat prior to installation. Glass tiles should not be installed on single-float (one coat) mortar bed walls framed with wood or metal, and glass tile should never be bonded directly to wood substrates. For above-ground slabs, reinforced mortar beds may be required, especially for large-format glass tiles. Mortar bed substrates should be cured a minimum of 7 days prior to glass tile installation.

When installing Kahakai adjacent to thicker materials, with the intention of the two tiles finishing in the same plane (flush), the substrate must be brought up to a level such that the glass tile can be installed with the recommended amount of thin-set. Please download the PDF for full instructions depending on different variations.

Installation

Full instructions can be found by downloading the PDF which should be read and understood before beginning any work. These instructions are provided as a general guideline for the installation of Kahakai tape-faced mosaic, paper-faced mosaic and unmounted cast glass tile over concrete tanks. Some installations require a more detailed specification. An experienced, professional tile installer, who is familiar with the following procedures, should perform the work.

Movement Joints

Install movement provisions according to the current edition of the “TCNA Handbook For Ceramic, Glass & Stone Tile Installation” method EJ171. A flexible sealant, recommended for submerged applications, is required between the tile and all restraining abutments (e.g. the decking/coping), at all inside corners and directly over any joints in the concrete tank. For glass tile, in-field movement joints are required at a maximum spacing of 8’ on center.

Care and Maintenance Instructions

Proper care and maintenance is crucial to the long-term appearance and performance of pools and water features. Download the full PDF for recommended products and techniques for the cleaning, sealing and protection of most pool and exterior tile.

When properly installed and maintained, cement tiles can be enjoyed for many years. Please be sure to familiarize yourself and the installer with these instructions prior to starting the job. You and your installer are responsible for ensuring proper installation and sealing of the tiles. If you have any questions, contact [email protected] before moving forward.

Recommended Installation Products & Tools

Recommended Adhesives

A high quality, medium-bed mortar is recommended. White mortar is commonly recommended. Avoid using setting materials from different production batches and check for bag-to-bag color consistency. Cement tiles are not intended for installation methods employing large quantities of water.

These are some recommended setting materials:

• ARDEX X 5™ Flecible Tile and Stone Mortar
• LATICRETE® 4-XLT
• BOSTIK Single Flex

Recommended Sealers

Cement tiles are not pre-sealed at the factory. Therefore, use of an impregnating or penetrating sealer specifically designed for porous materials must be applied to the tiles prior to installation and post-grouting. Cement tiles must be sealed twice: pre-installation and post-grouting.

• Miracle Sealants 511 Porous Plus- recommended for pre-installation and post-grouting.
• Drytreat STAIN-PROOF - recommended only for post-grouting.
  • This sealer is specifically for stain proofing. It is a solvent base and does not enhance the color of the tiles.
• Drytreat Intensifia- recommended only for post-grouting.
  • This sealer is specifically for enhancing color, it is not a solvent although it does provide stain proofing.

Recommended Grouts

We advise against using dark colored grout with ligh-colored tiles and vice versa. Grout can stain the tiles and be difficult to remove so be sure the grout matches the color of the cement tile as closely as possible.

Recommended Edge Protection

• The edge treatment may be used in replacement of bullnose or trim.
• Schluter 11/16” edge treatment

Recommended Wet Saw Cutting Tools

• Alpha 10” Porcelana Blade #PT101A+-Continuous Rim (TLSPT10A); or
• BCE 10” Supreme Granite/Porcelain Blade-Continuous Rim (BCEDB10POR)

Preparation and Installation Instructions

Storage

Do not allow the boxes to get wet! Store the material in a dry area. Moisture or dampness can cause staining, fading, or effervescence causing a white powdery effect on the surface of the tile. If installing cement tiles inside, allow the tiles to season in their final environment prior to installation.

Cutting

Be sure not to damage the finished surface or corners of the tile. Use a sharp diamond blade in conjunction with water to avoid chipping of edges. Do not push the tiles through; let them move naturally through the blade. Use recommended cutting tools referenced above.

Application

These encaustic cement tiles may be installed in many different applications. They are not recommended for pools/spas or exterior Commercial floors.

Substrate

Pursuant to the TCNA, for tile installations, special attention should be given to substrate stability, rigidity and preparation. Substrates should be sufficiently flat to allow uniform coverage and avoid excessive mortar thickness. Clean the surface well to remove all dirt and residue and remediate all cracks or unlevel areas in the substrate to ensure it is smooth and flat prior to installation. Install over a cured concrete surface or suitable sub-floor like Hardibacker or Ditra. Wall installation on drywall is acceptable when installed with appropriate non-sag setting materials.

Installation

Please see the latest edition of the TCNA Handbook for further instruction.

• Prior to installation and any cutting, inspect your order carefully. Cement tile is subject to color and tonal variations and it is strongly recommended to blend tiles from different boxes to achieve a uniform effect.
• Clean the tiles prior to sealing. Only use a pH neutral cleaner; do not use any acids or alkalines to clean the tiles. Ensure the tiles are thoroughly dry prior to sealing.
• Then seal tiles using one of the above-referenced impregnating or penetrating sealers prior to installation. Apply the sealer in thin layers until the tiles will not soak up any more. Wipe off any excess sealer before it dries and allow the sealer to cure and the tiles to dry for at least 24-48 hours prior to installation. Follow sealer manufacturer’s instructions. When properly sealed, water should bead on the surface of the tile.
• Before laying the tiles in thinset, wipe the back of the tiles with a damp sponge to remove any concrete dust residue and enable proper adhesion.
• Installer must conduct a dry mock layout under proper lighting conditions prior to installation by placing glass tiles on the floor for quality and color inspection. It is imperative that the end user inspect the product prior to installation. Once installed, the product is deemed accepted.
• Installer must blend/mix tiles from several different boxes to achieve an even distribution of color range. These tiles are handmade and subject to color variation so it is imperative that this step is not skipped.
• Mark out grid lines on the surface to be tiled.
• The recommended grout joint is 1/16” to 1/8”. Wider joints may be necessary in wet areas or when using floor heating cables. If using spacers, use a soft, flexible spacer.
• Key in thin-set over the substrate with the flat side of a trowel. Use a ½” x ½” square-notched trowel at a 45° angle to spread the adhesive evenly over the substrate in straight lines.
• Use the flat side of the trowel to back-butter the tile. Ensure the mortar adhesive is applied to the full back of each tile (100% coverage).
• Set the tiles into the adhesive according to the marked gridlines, starting from one end and continuing to the other. Do not use a mallet to level the tiles as this may cause the tiles to crack or weaken.
• Tiles are fully embedded when the thin-set is 1/3 the depth of the tile.
• Immediately remove any excess adhesive from the surface with a damp cloth or sponge. Do not wait to do this.
• Wait the thin-set manufacturer’s instructed time before grouting.

Grouting

Please see the latest edition of the TCNA Handbook for further instruction.

• Once the thinset has cured, spread non-sanded grout with a rubber float, completely filling the joints. Joints should be full and free of voids and pits.
• Grout should be applied to small areas at a time so that any excess grout on the face of the tiles is wiped off immediately using a damp and clean sponge. Remove any liquid residue with a clean dry cloth. Do NOT spread grout over the entire floor like you would for porcelain or ceramic tile. Grout that sits too long can be difficult to remove from the tile. Do not affix duct tape, gaffer tape or acid tape directly onto the surface of the cement tiles.
• Rub all joints to ensure even levels of grout within each joint.
• Before the grout dries, remove any liquid residue with a clean dry cloth. Do not allow water or other liquids to spot, pond or ring on the surface. Do not leave spillages, drips, wet buckets, cups, footmarks, etc. on the surface at any time.

Post-Gouting

• At least 24-48 hours after grouting, and only after the tiles and grout are completely dry, seal the clean tiles again. Please see above for recommended imgregnating or penetrating sealers to use post-grouting. Follow sealer manufacturer's instructions.
• Once the sealer has cured and dried, cover the tile immediately with a protective covering to prevent staining and damage during the remainder of construction.

Care and Maintenance Instructions

Routine Cleaning

Specific cleaning and maintenance requirements vary depending on the tile’s surface and texture and any present contaminants. Below are some general cleaning and maintenance guidelines.

• For ongoing maintenance, clean the tiles regularly with a pH neutral cleaner and buff the tiles with a white pad. A natural patina will occur as the floor is maintained and experiences natural wear.
• Soap-based detergents may be used, or diluted soft soap if available in your market. Repeated cleaning with soft soap will also help maintain a satin finish to the tiles, and to an extent, acts as a continuous re-sealant.
• If a cleaning solution other than water is utilized, use only a neutral, non-abrasive and non-acidic cleaner. Avoid use of any harsh cleaning products that contain bleach or acidic chemicals. Avoid the use or placement of anything acidic on these tiles.
• It is important that the cleaner is a non-oil, non-soap and non-animal fat based product. These products act like a magnet, attracting dirt and dust.
• Always test cleaning solutions on a small inconspicuous area before proceeding to clean the entire surface area.
• Spills must be cleaned immediately to prevent staining.
• Use of properly sized walk-off mats at entrances and sweeping or dust mopping is important to remove abrasive grit.
• Surface stains can be buffed out by lightly using a 220 or 400 grit sandpaper along with white vinegar.
• For hard to remove residue, a single disc floor machine with a white pad may be used. Be sure to wet the surface first when using a floor machine and clean any residue immediately.

Resealing

Outdoor or high foot traffic installations must be re-sealed every 2-3 years.

Installation Instructions

Substrate

Pursuant to the TCNA, for natural stone tile installations, special attention should be given to substrate stability, rigidity and preparation. Substrates should be sufficiently flat to allow uniform coverage and avoid excessive mortar thickness. Clean the surface well to remove all dirt and residue and remediate all cracks or unlevel areas in the substrate to ensure it is smooth and flat prior to installation.

Recommended Adhesives

Thin-sets specifically formulated or recommended for stone must be used. White mortar is commonly recommended.

Stone products should be adhered to the substrate by use of a white premium latex modified thin-set mortar. If the stone is mesh-reinforced or water sensitive, a white epoxy adhesive must be used.

These are some recommended setting materials:

• LATICRETE® LHT (premium latex modified thin-set)
• ARDEX X 5® (premium latex modified thin-set)
• LATICRETE® 300 (epoxy adhesive)- specifically for mesh-reinforced stone and water sensitive stones

Recommended Grouts

Non-sanded grout is highly recommended for polished marble, limestone, travertine, and onyx to prevent scratching.

• LATICRETE® PermaColor
• ARDEX® FL
• BOSTIK Sanded and Unsanded

RECOMMENDED CUTTING TOOLS

Wet saw with:

• DeWalt® Premium Wet Saw Blade or
• BCE Premium Wet Saw Blade

Recommended Sealants

To protect your natural stone from staining, and discoloration, all natural stone must be sealed before and after grouting. If you do not seal prior to grouting, a grout release must be applied to protect the stone from grout residue. Do not utilize the stone application area until it has been properly sealed. Natural stone should be resealed annually or biannually depending on the type of stone and usage level.

These are some recommended stone sealers:

• Miracle Sealants® 511 Impregnator
• Miracle Sealants® Porous Plus
• StoneTech® Bulletproof

Installation

Please see the latest edition of the TCNA Handbook for further instruction.

• Installer must conduct a dry mock layout under proper lighting conditions prior to installation by placing stone tiles on the floor for quality and color inspection. It is imperative that the end user inspect the product prior to installation, especially since natural stone has wide variances in color, shading, surface texture, markings, voids, pitting, fissures and veining. Once installed, the product is deemed accepted.
• Installer must blend/mix tiles from several different boxes to achieve an even distribution of color range. This is especially important for stone tile as wide shading variation may be inherent.
• Measure the substrate flatness to ensure it is sufficiently level. According to the TCNA, the maximum allowed variation in substrate flatness is 1/8” over a 10’ area. In addition, the substrate flatness cannot exceed 1/16” variation in 24” when measured from the high points in the surface.
• All remediation of the substrate should be completed prior to installation. This includes, but is not limited to, patching or fixing cracks and damage in the slab, out of level surfaces, crack suppression, scarification, and removal of dirt, oil, paint, grease, and other contaminants. Under no circumstances should thin-set be used to level out an uneven substrate.
• If you are concerned about water infiltration coming through the substrate which can result in efflorescence, spread a Moisture Vapor Barrier Coating over the substrate prior to installation. Bostik D-250 is suitable for reducing moisture vapor transmission. See “Special Notes on Stone” below for more information on Efflorescence.
• Mark out grid lines on the surface to be tiled.
• Key in thin-set over the substrate with the flat side of a trowel. The thin-set must be troweled in the same direction. According to the TCNA, the minimum mortar coverage for stone in wet and dry areas is 95% with no voids exceeding 2 square inches and no voids within 2 inches of tile corners. All corners and edges of the stone tiles must be fully supported and back-buttering is recommended in all areas. Spot bonding is never acceptable.
• When setting stone tile, firmly and fully embed into the thin-set until the thin-set is 1/3 the depth of the stone tile. Wait the thin-set manufacturer’s instructed time before grouting.
• Use a penetrating-type sealer on the natural stone, prior to grouting, to protect the stone against grout residue.
• Once the thin-set has cured, spread grout with a rubber float, completely filling the joints.
• Following the grout manufacturer’s instructions, use a damp sponge to wipe off excess grout from the stone’s surface and rub all joints to ensure even levels of grout within each joint. Repeat with a clean sponge. Before the grout cures, remove any liquid residue with a clean dry cloth.
• Once the grout has cured, re-seal the stone tiles and seal the grout joints. Do not utilize the area where you’ve installed the stone, until it has been sealed.
• Natural stone must be resealed, typically every year or every other year, depending on the level of use and porosity of the stone.

Movement Joints

Since stone expands and contracts, a 100% silicon caulking is recommended in all corners where the stone meets the floor or wherever there is a change of plane.

Care and Maintenance Instructions

Routine Cleaning

Specific cleaning and maintenance requirements vary depending on the stone tile’s surface and texture and any present contaminants. Below are some general cleaning and maintenance guidelines.

• Sweep, vacuum or use a soft lint-free cloth to wipe loose durt and dust from the surface of the stone.
• Mop or wipe the surface with a pH neutral stone specific solution using a clean sponge, cloth or mop. Use only a neutral, non-abrasive and non-acidic cleaner. Do not use vinegar or any cleanrs containing ammonia, bleach, acids or strong alkalis. Stones with a polished finish are especially sensitive to harsh chemicals. It is important that the cleaner is a non-oil, non-wax, non-soap and non-animal fat based product. These products act like a magnet, attracting dirt and dust.
• Rinse the stone thoroughly with clean water to remove any leftover cleaning solution.
• Dry the stone with a clean cloth to increase shine and prevent water spots.
• Always clean up spills quickly.
• To remove soap scum or water deposits, a minimally abrasive cleanser and a soft to medium bristle brush cane used.
• Always test cleaning solutions on a small inconspicuous area before proceeding to clean the entire surface area.

Special Notes on Stone

• Water Sensitive Stones: Some types of green and black-colored marbles such as Green Serpentine and Black Nero Marquina are highly water sensitive and will warp or curl when exposed to water or water-based adhesives. Agglomerate stones and Lagos Azul Limestone are also water sensitive and will warp with exposure to unbalanced water. Use an epoxy adhesive for these stone types.
• Iron Staining: Most slate and white marbles have a naturally occurring percentage of iron randomly throughout the stone. If exposed to moisture, water, or other oxidizers like acids or household bleach, the stone may rust or discolor. Use of a sealer will not prevent this occurrence.
• Voids or Pitting: Due to normal wear, surface restoration, and/or polishing, cracks and voids may appear or existing fill may detach and fall out. These voids can be readily repaired. For example, since travertine is a capillary filled stone, it usually develops new voids or loosened filler with exposure to high traffic. Once the shallow pores are exposed, clean any loose debri out but do not use sharp instruments that may exacerbate the hole. Seal the surrounding area of the stone and fill the hole using sanded or epoxy grout in a color that matches the stone. Once the void has been filled and the grout has dried, the stone should be resealed.
• Efflorescence: Efflorescence is the evaporation of soluble salts on the surface of stone tile, which appear as a white and cloudy residue. The soluble salts migrate from soil or masonry to the surface of the stone and grout joints where the water evaporates. Natural stones are not generally the source of efflorescence, however, they can sometimes provide efficient paths for the migration. Efflorescence can occur in all stone varieties, but is accentuated in darker stones. Use of a soft to medium bristle brush will clean off the cloudy residue but will not prevent the reoccurrence of efflorescence.
• Slate Flaking: The foliated layers on slate tend to flake post-installation as the stone settles, potentially exposing different colors or textures. This is not a defect in the stone and the flaking will eventually subside. No remedy is necessary.

Please note: These instructions are not applicable to the Kahakai Collection. Please refer to the section labeled "Kahakai" for collection specific information.

Recommended Installation Products & Tools

Recommended Adhesives

Premium modified thinsets specifically formulated or recommended for glass tile must be used. Setting material color consistency and full mortar coverage are essential, especially for translucent glass tiles. White mortar is commonly recommended. Avoid using setting materials from different production batches and check for bag-to-bag color consistency.

These are some recommended setting materials:

• ARDEX WA™, Epoxy Grout and Adhesive
• ARDEX X 77™ (cannot be used for large format glass tiles)
• LATICRETE® 254 Platinum (cannot be used for large format glass tiles)

Recommended Grouts

Non-sanded grout is highly recommended to prevent scratching of the glass.

Recommended Wet saw Cutting Blades

• DeWalt Premium Glass Blade
• Alpha Premium Wet Glass Blade or
• BCE Premium Glass Blade

Preparation and Installation Instructions

Substrate

Pursuant to the TCNA, for glass tile installations, special attention should be given to substrate stability, rigidity and preparation. Substrates should be sufficiently flat to allow uniform coverage and avoid excessive mortar thickness. Clean the surface well to remove all dirt and residue and remediate all cracks or unlevel areas in the substrate to ensure it is smooth and flat prior to installation. Glass tiles should not be installed on single-float (one coat) mortar bed walls framed with wood or metal, and glass tile should never be bonded directly to wood substrates. For above-ground slabs, reinforced mortar beds may be required, especially for large-format glass tiles. Mortar bed substrates should be cured a minimum of 7 days prior to glass tile installation.

Use of a crack isolation membrane is recommended for large format glass tile.

Installation

Please see the latest edition of the TCNA Handbook for further instruction.

• Installer must conduct a dry mock layout under proper lighting conditions prior to installation by placing glass tiles on the floor for quality and color inspection. It is imperative that the end user inspect the product prior to installation. Once installed, the product is deemed accepted.
• Installer must blend/mix tiles from several different boxes to achieve an even distribution of color range.
• Mark out grid lines on the surface to be tiled.
• Key in thin-set over the substrate with the flat side of a trowel.
• For small format glass tiles, use a ¼” x ¼” (or 6mm x 6mm) square-notch trowel at a 45° angle to spread the adhesive evenly over the substrate in straight lines. Use the flat side of the trowel to smooth or flatten out the ridges in the thin-set.
• For large format glass tiles, use a 3/8” x 3/8” square-notch trowel at a 45° angle to spread the adhesive evenly over the substrate in straight lines. Then use the flat side of the trowel to back-butter the tile.
• Set the tiles into the adhesive according to the marked gridlines, starting from one end and continuing to the other. If the tiles are faced-mounted, set them into the adhesive with the plastic side facing up.
• When setting mosaics, lightly tap the surface of the tiles with a soft beating block to level out the face of the tiles and firmly embed them into the thin-set. Tiles are fully embedded when the thin-set is 1/3 the depth of the tile. Wait the thin-set manufacturer’s instructed time before grouting.
• For plastic face-mounted glass tiles, wait a minimum of 72 hours or until the thin-set has completely dried before removing the plastic film from the tiles by pulling diagonally from the corner. For paper face-mounted glass tiles, remove the paper within 30 minutes of installation. If any glue residue remains on the tiles, remove it by wetting the surface with water, waiting 2-5 minutes, and then wiping the residue off.
• If installing matte glass or mosaics with natural stone, use a penetrating-type sealer prior to grouting.
• Once the thinset has cured, spread non-sanded grout with a rubber float, completely filling the joints.
• Following the grout manufacturer’s instructions, use a damp sponge to wipe off excess grout from the tile’s surface and rub all joints to ensure even levels of grout within each joint. Repeat with a clean sponge. Before the grout dries, remove any liquid residue with a clean dry cloth.

Movement Joints

Since glass tile has a high expansion and contraction rate, a 100% silicon caulking is recommended in all corners where the glass tile meets the floor or wherever there is a change of plane. In addition, all glass tile installations require a minimum 1/16” grout joint. Large format glass tiles (any edge greater than 15”), generally require 1/8” to 3/16” grout joint.

Care and Maintenance Instructions

Routine Cleaning

Specific cleaning and maintenance requirements vary depending on the tile’s surface and texture and any present contaminants. Below are some general cleaning and maintenance guidelines.

• Generally, water and a soft sponge or soft lint-free cloth will remove most contaminants from your tile.
• If a cleaning solution other than water is utilized, use only a neutral, non-abrasive and non-acidic cleaner. It is important that the cleaner is a non-oil, non-soap and non-animal fat based product. These products act like a magnet, attracting dirt and dust.
• To remove soap scum or water deposits, a minimally abrasive cleanser and a soft bristle brush can be used.
• Always test cleaning solutions on a small inconspicuous area before proceeding to clean the entire surface area.

When properly installed and maintained, ceramic and porcelain tiles can be enjoyed for many years. Please be sure to familiarize yourself and the installer with these instructions prior to starting the job. You and your installer are responsible for ensuring proper installation of the tiles. If you have any questions, contact [email protected] before moving forward.

Recommended Installation Products & Tools

Recommended Adhesives

For large format porcelain/ceramic tiles (any one edge greater than 15"), a high quality, large-format thinset mortar (formerly medium-bed mortar) is recommended. For porcelain/ceramic tiles that are not large format, a multi-purpose thinset mortar is recommended. For porcelain/ceramic tile mosaics, a premium thinset mortar is recommended. White or grey mortar is commonly recommended for all porcelain/ceramic tile installations. Ensure you follow the thinset mortar Manufacturer's guidelines with precision.

Recommended thinset mortars for Large Format Tiles:

• ARDEX X5™
• LATICRETE® 4-XLT or LATICRETE LHT
• BOSTIK Big Tile & Stone

Recommended thinset mortars for Non-large format Tiles:

• ARDEX X4™
• LATICRETE® 253
• BOSTIK Porcelain Mate

Recommended thinset mortars for Mosaics:

• ARDEX X77
• LATICRETE® 254

Recommended Sealer and Grout Release

Polished and honed tiles are not pre-sealed at the factory.  Therefore, use of an impregnating or penetrating sealer must be applied to these tiles prior to grouting or grout release must be used. It is recommended to use a grout color that matches the most predominant color of the tile.

Recommended sealers:

• MIRACLE SEALANTS 511 Impregnator
• STONETECH Bulletproof

Recommended grout release:

• AQUAMIX Grout Release

Recommended Grouts

• Avoid using setting materials from different production batches and check for bag-to-bag color consistency.
• A urethane non-pigmented grout such as Bostik TruColor is highly recommended for polished or honed porcelain tile.
• For any non-polished or non-honed porcelain/ceramic tile, a cement, urethane, or epoxy grout may be used. Most commonly, cementitious grout is used.
• For cementitious grout, to minimize staining and discoloration over time, treat the grout joints with a penetrating sealer like Grout Shield.

Recommended Wet Saw Cutting Blades

• Alpha 10” Porcelana Blade #PT101A+-Continuous Rim (TLSPT10A) or
• BCE 10” Supreme Granite/Porcelain Blade-Continuous Rim (BCEDB10POR)
• DeWalt Premium Porcelain Blade-Slotted Rim (DEWDW4764PORBLADE)

Preparation and Installation Instructions

Application

Porcelain and ceramic tiles may be installed in many different applications. It is not recommended to use polished or honed porcelain/ceramic tiles on exterior floors or areas subjected to water or oil/grease exposure. Visit bedrosians.com for information pertaining to specific product collections.

Substrate

Pursuant to the TCNA, for tile installations, special attention should be given to substrate stability, rigidity and preparation. Substrates should be sufficiently flat to allow uniform coverage and avoid excessive mortar thickness. Clean the surface well to remove all dirt and residue and remediate all cracks or unlevel areas in the substrate to ensure it is smooth and flat prior to installation. Install over a cured concrete surface or suitable sub-floor like Hardibacker or Ditra.  Wall installation on drywall is acceptable when installed with appropriate non-sag setting materials.

Installation

Please see the latest edition of the TCNA Handbook for further instruction.

• Prior to installation and any cutting, inspect your order carefully. Ceramic and porcelain tile is subject to color and shade variations and it is strongly recommended to blend tiles from different boxes to achieve an even distribution of color range
• Installer must conduct a dry mock layout under proper lighting conditions prior to installation by placing tiles on the floor for quality and color inspection. It is imperative that the end user inspect the product prior to installation. Once installed, the product is deemed accepted.
• Before laying the tiles in thinset, wipe the back of the tiles with a damp sponge to remove any dust residue and enable proper adhesion.  
• Mark out grid lines on the surface to be tiled.
• The minimum recommended grout joint for any large format tiles (any one edge is greater than 15”) is 3/16”. Smaller grout joints void any warranties.
• Install large format tiles with a large format thinset mortar and no more than a 33% offset.
• Use of a leveling system is recommended to ensure tiles lay flat and level.
• Key in thin-set over the substrate with the flat side of a trowel. Use a square-notched trowel at a 45° angle to spread the adhesive evenly over the substrate in straight lines. For mosaic tiles only, use the flat side of the trowel to smooth or flatten out the ridges in the thin-set.
• Use the flat side of the trowel to back-butter the tile. Ensure the mortar adhesive is applied to the full back of each tile (100% coverage).
• Set the tiles into the adhesive according to the marked gridlines, starting from one end and continuing to the other.
• Tiles are fully embedded when the thin-set is 1/3 the depth of the tile.
• Immediately remove any excess adhesive from the surface with a damp cloth or sponge. 
• Wait the thin-set manufacturer’s instructed time before grouting.
• Note: You can use profiles to frame and protect the edges of the tile installation. Ensure you follow Manufacturer’s instructions completely.

Grouting

Please see the latest edition of the TCNA Handbook for further instruction.

• If installing polished or honed porcelain tile, once the thinset has cured, use a grout release or seal the tile prior to grouting. See above for recommended products. Follow the Manufacturer’s instructions.
• Then, spread grout with a rubber float, completely filling the joints. Joints should be full and free of voids and pits. This step should not be completed until the thinset has cured.
• Grout small areas at a time or an area you can comfortably grout within 2 to 3 minutes.  Do not spread grout over the entire floor.  Grout that sits too long will cure on the surface of the tile and create haze issues.
• Follow the grout manufacturer’s instructions. Immediately clean all grout and residue from the tiles using a sponge and clean water. Acidic or alkaline cleaners should not be used on the tile or the grout joints.
• Rub all joints to ensure even levels of grout within each joint.

Post-Grouting

• Once the grout has dried, cover the tile immediately with a protective covering to prevent staining and damage during the remainder of construction.

Care and Maintenance Instructions

Routine Cleaning

Specific cleaning and maintenance requirements vary depending on the tile’s surface and texture and any present contaminants.  Below are some general cleaning and maintenance guidelines.

• For ongoing maintenance, sweep or vacuum the tiles. 
• Clean the tiles regularly with a pH neutral cleaner and rinse with clean water. Use only neutral, non-abrasive and non-acidic cleaners. Avoid use of any harsh cleaning products that contain bleach or acidic chemicals. Acid-based cleaners and harsh chemicals may etch the surface of the tile, especially tiles with polished or honed finishes.
• It is important that the cleaner is a non-oil, non-soap and non-animal fat based product. These products act like a magnet, attracting dirt and dust.
• Always test cleaning solutions on a small inconspicuous area before proceeding to clean the entire surface area.
• For hard to remove residue, a single disc floor machine with a white pad may be used. Be sure to wet the surface first when using a floor machine.

Resealing

For polished or honed porcelain tiles installed in high foot traffic applications, it is recommended to re-seal every 2-3 years.

Please note: These instructions are not applicable to the Kahakai Collection. Please refer to the section labeled "Kahakai" for collection specific information.

Proper care and maintenance is crucial to the long-term appearance and performance of pools and water features. The following information outlines recommended products and techniques for the cleaning, sealing and protection of most pool and exterior tile and is general in nature.

Water Balance

Start-Up:

Source water should be tested prior to filling and adjusted per industry guidelines such as the National Plasterers Council’s “Swimming Pool StartUp Procedures”, available at www.npconline.org. Fill water with low calcium hardness, low pH and/or low alkalinity can be corrosive to plaster, grout, thin-set mortar, concrete, natural stone and metals.

Ongoing Maintenance:

Proper water balance and chemistry is critical for controlling calcium deposits (mineral scale). Water balance is calculated via the Langelier Saturation Index (LSI). The water’s LSI is a numeric expression of the water’s balance and takes into consideration multiple factors. When water is balanced the LSI equals zero and variation between 0.0 and 0.5 is considered acceptable. LSI levels greater than 0.5 may lead to water cloudiness and accelerated mineral scaling. Negative LSI levels may lead to corrosion of cement-based materials (e.g. plaster & grout) and metal surfaces. Pool water chemistry should be measured and maintained by a pool-maintenance professional.

Sealing Porous Materials

Sealers are beneficial for natural stone, masonry (i.e. coping) and cement-based grouts. To protect porous materials and ease maintenance, seal installations with either Oceancare High Performance Penetrating Sealer (natural look) or Oceancare High Performance Enhancing Sealer (color enriching).

Preventing Calcium Build-up

To inhibit the bond of calcium deposits, apply Oceancare Glass & Tile Shield to new and/or clean pool tile. Protected tile surfaces will be easier to maintain and most calcium deposits can be removed with regular brushing or scrubbing, dramatically reducing or even eliminating the need for chemical cleaners or aggressive cleaning methods. For optimum protection, apply Glass & Tile Shield to pool tile every 6 months.

General Maintenance

Pool tile should be brushed or scrubbed as part of a weekly pool maintenance program. Avoid the use of pumice stones or wire brushes, which can damage tile surfaces. To remove waterline scum and grime, apply Oceancare All Purpose Cleaner & Degreaser to the tile surface and scrub with a nylon bristle scrub brush or a 3M White or Blue nylon scrub pad. To remove mineral scale and calcium deposits, apply Oceancare Calcium Releaser to the tile surface and scrub with a nylon bristle scrub brush or a 3M White or Blue nylon scrub pad. Do not use abrasive or acidic cleaners.

Media-Blasting

In cases of heavy calcium deposits, mineral scale or neglected tile, media-blasting may be necessary. Media-blasting is a process in which an abrasive material is pressurized and shot at a surface to remove heavy deposits. This is generally performed by pool tile cleaning specialists through the use of portable media-blasting equipment. An array of blasting media is available, ranging fromglass bead (aggressive) to baking soda (mild). Generally, baking soda or similar hardness blasting media (i.e. kieserite) is aggressive enough to remove scale but is safe for tile (including glass tile). As with all cleaning procedures, this process should be tested in an inconspicuous area to ensure the results will meet your expectations and not damage the tile surface. Once media-blasting is complete, pool tile installations should be sealed, protected and regularly maintained with Oceancare Products.

Warning: Certain acids will damage tile glaze and iridescent glass tile. Care should be taken to protect tile surfaces when using acids in the pool finishing process and when adding acid to the pool water. DO NOT allow products that contain hydrofluoric, hydrochloric, muriatic or phosphoric acid to come in direct contact with the tile. In the case of accidental contact, neutralize immediately with baking soda and water (1lb: 3 gallons).

Note: Always wear personal protection equipment, follow instructions for product use and protect surrounding surfaces when using cleaning or sealing products. Test all products in an inconspicuous area for desired effect.