Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)

GROUTING

Q: Should I use a sanded or non-sanded grout?
A: Depending on which products you choose, a sanded grout may be necessary. Typically anything with a grout joint larger than 1/8” will require a sanded grout for stability such as with the pebble and irregular mosaics. For glass, metal and any other materials that are subject to light scratches, a non-sanded grout is recommended. If grout joints are anticipated to be larger than 1/8” or movement is expected in the application, then an additive must be mixed in with the grout for stability or flexibility.

Q: Do I grout the Modern or Cubist Collection?
A: No. The Modern and Cubist Collections should not be grouted. The individual tiles should be installed as tightly together as possible. We recommend doing a dry fit prior to installation to make sure that the tiles are interlocking and lining up correctly. The use of a rubber mallet may be necessary to make sure the tiles are tapped closely together.

Q: Do I grout the Standing Pebble Collection?
A: No. It is not necessary to grout the standing pebbles. It is recommended to select either white or grey thinset according to the pebble color as it sometimes shows through the mesh backing. If grouting is desired or the gaps between the pebbles are too visible, it is recommended that a medium bristle brush be used to brush away the majority of grout to better expose the pebbles’ rounded edges to the desired depth.

Q: Do I need to grout your larger format tiles or can I do a butt joint (closed joint) installation?
A: You can use a closed joint method on most of our larger format tiles. However, we strongly recommend using at least a 1/16” grout joint for all applications to better ensure water proofing, tile stability, and tile alignment. Most tiles have up to a +/ – 1mm variance. A grout joint will allow you to keep a straight, level line during installation. The use of a grout joint will better prevent water from penetrating any cracks. Also, when using an open joint method, any stress to the floor will be better absorbed since the tiles are not all touching.

INSTALLATION

Q: Why isn’t my product interlocking?
A: It is best to dry fit all mosaics with an interlocking edge prior to installation. It may be necessary to remove and replace pieces of the mosaic by hand to get them to fit together before you place them in adhesive. Sometimes maneuvering the sheet or flipping it around will allow you to get a tighter joint.

Q: How do I cut your products?
A: A wet saw with a diamond blade will cut through any of our materials. You may be able to find special blades for glass or metal tiles at your local tile supply store. The use of a hand grinder with a masonry or diamond blade may also be suitable for smaller cuts on certain materials.

Q: Are there any special instructions for your products?
A: Please locate the product you are inquiring about on our website and download the installation recommendations found on that product spec page.

Q: Why is my sandstone warping after installation?
A: Sandstone needs to be installed with epoxy-based thinsets. When water based thinsets cure, the heat and moisture associated with the adhesive setting may cause the corners of the stone to warp. Using an epoxy thinset as recommended in our installation guidelines is a necessary step in installing this product correctly.

Q: How do I finish the edges when I’m using natural stones and pebbles?
A: Our pebbles and natural stones do not have corresponding trims, bullnose or quarter round pieces. It is recommended to leave the edge free form since the pebbles have a rounded edge, or you can remove and replace the last row of pebbles in a straight line to finish off the end of an application. When installing flatter natural stones, you may be able to use a stone router to round off and finish the edge or even use a belt sander to bullnose the edge of the tile.

Q: How do I finish edges when using the Cubist and Modern Collection?
A: Our Cubist and Modern collections do not have corresponding bullnose or quarter round pieces. It is recommended to leave a straight edge with a bead of grout to finish off the application.

Q: How do I finish edges on glass tiles?
A: Our Glass collections have no trims, bullnose or quarter round pieces available. It is recommended to leave a straight edge with a bead of grout to finish off the application.

APPLICATIONS

Q: Can I use the Modern or Cubist Collection in a shower?
A: Yes. The Modern and Cubist collections are made of marble and limestone and have been used in shower applications before. As long as the tiles are sealed and maintained properly, they should reject any type of soap scum on the surface. The use of a brush is necessary to clean the tiles, and they need to be rinsed with clean water on a regular basis to prevent dirt from settling in the grooves. Additional maintenance on these items in a shower application is required compared to other products that do not have such a high relief on the surface.

Q: Can I use Hand-Painted Ceramic tiles in a pool?
A: The Hand-Painted Ceramic tiles are not acid or chemical proof and the glaze may be compromised if exposed to any harsh chemicals. The glaze on the front is crackled and as a result, the colors may fade over time when exposed to excessive chemicals and sunlight.

AESTHETICS, COLORS, AND VEINING

Q: My Hand-Painted Ceramic tiles look cracked. Are they defective?
A: The body of the tile itself is not cracked. The Hand-Painted Ceramic collection has a crackling or crazing to the glaze which is a desired look and adds an old world and antique feel to these traditional hand-painted tiles. The tile may continue to craze even more over time. Crazing is a random process and some tiles will not have any crazing at all.

Q: Why are all the shades of the Hand-Painted Ceramic tiles different?
A: The Hand-Painted Ceramic tiles are a ceramic and, like all other ceramics, subject to shade lots. This is a hand-painted product, and shade variation is typically desired in such a product. The color will be darker in low spots of the tile and lighter in color in the high spots.

Q: My marble looks cracked. Why does it have vertical stripes cutting across the prominent horizontal ones?
A: Although most of our products are vein cut to show horizontal veining in the tile, some vertical fissures will occur. Fissures are a natural part of the stone, and these deposits and surface cracks do not compromise the durability of the stone. Each stone has a different characteristic, and fissures as well as veining will be more frequent in some stones than in others. You cannot hand-select individual stones to avoid these naturally occurring variations.

Q: Why do all my natural stones look different?
A: The beauty of natural stone is that no two tiles will be exactly alike. You may need to order multiple samples of the same product to see a range of colors and veining. Even after ordering samples, your order may vary slightly from your initial samples. There is no way to guarantee that there wil be 100% consistency in a group of tiles or in an order.

CLEANERS AND SEALERS

Q: How often should I reseal natural stones?
A: It is recommended that stones be sealed at least once a year depending on your maintenance and use. If you use a pH neutral cleaner, you may not need to seal as frequently. One way to tell if you need to reseal is if water does not bead up on the surface of your stone.

Q: What sealer should I use?
A: There are many sealers on the market. We do not recommend one brand over another. Different sealers will give you different results. We recommend testing the sealer prior to applying it over the entire application. Some sealers will darken the stone (known as enhancers), while others can leave a matte or glossy finish. Choose your sealer based on the final look that you want to achieve. If you just want the stone to look natural, we recommend a surface penetrating sealer or impregnator.

Q: What cleaner should I use for Metal Freeform tiles?
A: All of the Metal Freeform tiles are made from stainless steel. They are put through a heating process to achieve certain colors. You can use a stainless steel cleaner to keep them at their full potential. Do not use abrasive cleaners that will scratch the surface or ones that contain bleach or ammonia. The steel used in these tiles is similar to that in appliances: it is rust resistant.

Q: What cleaner should I use for pebbles and stones?
A: Any cleaner suitable for natural stones can be used on the pebbles. Stay away from harsh cleaners with bleaches or ammonia, as these may cause the pebble to dull over time. Contact your tile supply store for recommendations on pH neutral cleaners for stones.

Q: What cleaner should I use for glass?
A: Any non abrasive glass cleaner can be used on any of our glass tiles.

Q: My glass mosaics have a residue on them after I peeled off the protective plstic sheet. Is this normal?
A: Some of our glass mosaic collections, like the Pillow and the Mardi Gras, arrive with a protective plastic sheet adhered to the surface to prevent surface scratching. If, upon removal, the adhesive from this sheet leaves a residue on the surface of the tile, use pure acetone and a terry cloth rag to gently remove. Any diluted acetate, such as nail polish remover, will not be effective.

PURCHASING

Q: Can you send me a catalog?
A: In an effort to minimize our paper production, we are currently only offering electronic versions of our catalog. Available for download, a PDF format can be found in the “Contact Us” section of our website.

Q: I’m a homeowner. How can I purchase your products?
A: To locate an authorized SOLISTONE dealer in your area, contact one of our regional distributors. If you are located in CA, NV, AZ, UT, CO, NM, OK, TX, AR, LA, MS, AL, HI, you may contact us directly for a local dealer listing for your region. Call us toll-free at (800) 246-2156.

Q: I’m a retailer. How can I carry your product line?
A: To become an authorized SOLISTONE dealer, contact one of our regional distributors. If you are located in CA, NV, AZ, UT, CO, NM, OK, TX, AR, LA, MS, AL, HI, you may contact us directly for information on setting up an account. Call us toll-free at (800) 246-2156.

Q: How do I request samples of your products?
A: An authorized SOLISTONE distributor for your territory can assist you in ordering samples. If you are located in CA, NV, AZ, UT, CO, NM, OK, TX, AR, LA, MS, AL, HI, please contact our corporate office. Call us toll-free at (800) 246-2156.