Our general installation recommendations are only a guide. Each situation varies. Please consult a tile professional for more detailed specifications. Due to the transparency of most of our tile, consider color choices carefully.
Suitability: The unique properties of Glass Tile make it a versatile surfacing material ideal for many purposes. Glass Tile may be used for interior and exterior installations on both horizontal and vertical surfaces, in residential and commercial applications. Our glass tiles can be substituted for ceramic and natural stone products in most applications. Our environmentally friendly glass tiles can withstand normal fluctuations in temperature and humidity; in addition, glass tiles are nonporous making them resistant to chemicals and other contaminants in exterior as well as interior applications. The tiles should not be subjected to thermal shock.
Inspection: Due to the handmade nature of our tiles, a slight variation in color and texture exists, giving each piece distinctive beauty. All material should be inspected prior to installation. We recommend pulling from all boxes during installation in order to minimize any dye lot differentials throughout your project. Do not install tile with hairline cracks or chips.
Setting Materials: Use white thin-set mortar, mixed with a liquid latex admixture. This setting material is readily available at any tile supply store. All materials should be used according to manufacturers' directions. Note: mastic is not an acceptable setting material for Glass Tile. Substrates: Glass Tiles should be installed only over cured and stable substrates. It is highly recommended that a crack suppression membrane be used to prevent shrinkage or movement of the substrate. This is very important, as any movement of the substrate will cause cracking in the glass tile.
Adhesive: Spread the adhesive on the substrate with a notched trowel following the manufactures recommendations. Back butter each piece of Glass Tile with the mortar to ensure a perfect bond to the mortar bed with no voids. This will also prevent trowel marks from being visible through the glass tile.
Spacing: Leave even spacing between tiles when installing tiles. Tiles may be aligned with spacers to show uniform joints and then allowed to set until firm, at least 24 hours. Excess adhesive must be cleaned from the surface of the tile with a wet cloth or sponge while the adhesive is fresh. Remove excess setting material from the edges. Install expansion joints where tiles abut restraining surfaces, and the perimeter of the installation.
Grouting: Grouting of tile work can be accomplished once the installation setting material has become firm; any size joint will need to be grouted. Joints should be packed full and free of all voids and pits. Use a standard grade sanded grout mixed to manufacturer's instructions. Apply grout with a rubber float to prevent scratching the tiles. Excess grout should be cleaned from the surface (with a soft sponge) while grout is fresh.
Due to the pillowed edge of the tiles, wiping the grout 1/3 of the way back from the surface is recommended. This will enhance the overall appearance of the tile as well as minimize the grout line. When grouting relief tiles, the relief pieces should be taped off in order to eliminate extra cleaning at the end of the job. The day after installation grout film or haze should be removed. Do not use acid for cleaning the Glass Tiles. Allow the grout to cure for a minimum for 7 days before cleaning. It is recommended that a sealant such as Penetrating Water Stop manufactured by AFM be applied to the frosted matte finish tiles. This will help prevent the appearance of smudges and finger prints on the tiles. Wet Area Note: Allow tile work in wet areas such as swimming pools, fountains and showers to cure for 21 days before exposing to immersion.
Cutting Glass Tile: Glass Tiles can be easily cut with a wet saw. The best results will be achieved using a diamond blade for glass or lapidary. Using a ceramic tile-cutting blade may chip the cut edges of the tile. This product does not score and snap as some other glass products may. Rough edges may be smoothed with a sanding stone. Always use safety goggles and gloves.
Cleaning: Avoid abrasive cleaners or chemicals, which may permanently scratch or damage the glass surface. Use products such as Windex, ammonia mixed with water, or vinegar mixed with water.