Tile Installation Recommendations - Folia Glass Tile Collection
RECOMMENDED INSTALLATION
Solistone Folia Glass tiles are not recommended for areas that may be subject to heavy impact, heavy abrasion, and areas where temperatures can exceed 130 degrees Fahrenheit.
Substrates
All substrates should be firmly fixed, flat, clean, dry and free of contaminants such as dust, oil, paint, sealers etc. to ensure proper adhesion. Painted surfaces must be scuffed or sanded for the product and adhesive to bond correctly. Wet areas need special attention and require appropriate substrates, e.g. concrete, cement boards (compressed sheet), and/or treated plywood. The use of reinforced waterproof membranes is suggested, and in the case of installation where drainage is required (i.e., shower floor pans or spas), there should be a slope-to-drain ratio of at least 1/2 inch per foot.
Waterproof Membranes
Waterproof membranes prevent leakage of water through to the sub-floor framing and/or habitable spaces below. Particular attention must be paid to carrying the membrane up the wall, outside shower boxes, installation of bond breakers, and sealing around penetrations. It is strongly recommended that membrane systems be used in all well areas. Some systems may involve use of a primer.
Cutting
The glass can easily be cut with a curved splitting clamp or a glass cutter. The mesh back can easily be cut with a utility knife.
Adhesive
Important: No adhesives with strong acid and alkaline cement should be used when installing this product. Only neutral cement is allowed.
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Follow the adhesive manufacturer’s instructions carefully. We do not recommend one brand of adhesive over another. Please check with your local tile supply store for alternative and comparable products.
The manufacturer’s literature will explain if the adhesive product is suitable for interiors and/or exteriors, as well as walls and floors. Most thinset mortars with a latex additive (multi-purpose and polymer-modified thinsets) are adequate for installing glass. A cement-based adhesive is generally suitable on masonry substrates where no movement is anticipated. Where slight movement could occur through thermal or pedestrian loads, a modified cement adhesive should be used as a minimum. A 1/4” – 1/8” notch trowel is recommended for most applications. Set the tile in place by gently tapping it in with a grout float to ensure 100% adhesive coverage.
Grouting
Non-sanded grout is recommended due to the size of the joint in between each piece of glass. Grouts are ordinarily a water mix, but where some flexibility may be needed, a latex additive or similar product should be used.
Sealants
The glass tiles do not have to be sealed, but we strongly recommend sealing the grout after installation to help prevent it from absorbing stains.
Care & Cleaning
Solistone Folia Glass tiles must be regularly cleaned and maintained to extend the life and beauty of the tile. The tiles can be cleaned with a neutral mild detergent, or glass cleaner. Any spills should be cleaned quickly to lessen the degree of the stain to the grout. Do not use abrasive cleaners, powders, scouring pads, steel wool or sandpaper.
