RECOMMENDED INSTALLATION

SOLI Cornerstone mosaics can be used in an extensive range of environments. Applications include foyers, bathrooms, fountains, water features, pools, kitchens, feature walls, fireplaces and entertainment areas. This product is only suitable for vertical surfaces.

CURVED SURFACES

Cornerstone mosaics can be installed around gently curved surfaces. Some manipulation of the tiles may be required in order to create uniformity between each sheet.

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 floors, a fall to the drainage point of no less than two inches.

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 wet areas. Some systems may involve the use of a primer.

CUTTING

Cuts can be done with either a wet saw or a hand grinder with a masonry blade. The mesh back can be easily cut with a utility knife. For certain applications cuts may not be necessary.

ADHESIVE

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. Most thinset mortars (multi purpose and polymer modified thinsets) are adequate for installing Cornerstone mosaics. A cement-based adhesive is generally suitable on masonry substrates where no movement is anticipated. Where slight movement could occur through thermal loads, a modified cement adhesive should be used as a minimum. A 1/4” – 1/8” notch trowel is recommended for most applications.

To make sure there is 100% coverage, tap the sheets into the adhesive gently with a rubber float and try to avoid having the thinset come up from in between the individual pieces of tile.

GROUTING

Grout should be suitable for joints up to 3/4″ in width and designed for external or internal conditions whichever may be the case. Sanded grout is generally recommended for any grout joint larger than 1/8”. Grouts are ordinarily a water mix but where some flexibility may be needed, a latex additive or similar product should be used. It is important to wait the interval recommended by the adhesive manufacturer before grouting to minimize dirt ingress between the individual stone pieces. The recommended grout joint for the Cornerstone Mosaic is 1/16”.

SEALANTS

To bring your application to its full potential, we suggest sealing BEFORE and AFTER grouting. There are various products available on the market, however, we recommend contacting your nearest tile supplier for the most appropriate sealer for your application. You can change the look and color of the stones depending on the sealer you select ranging from color enhancement, to different levels of gloss finishes, or just leaving them natural. Whenever using sealants and acids, please ensure that you follow the manufacturer’s recommended method of application.

CARE & CLEANING

SOLI Cornerstone mosaics must be regularly cleaned and maintained to extend the life and beauty of the tile. The stones can be cleaned with a neutral mild detergent. The porosity or water absorption in natural stone varies and therefore staining will occur in different degrees if the stone is left unsealed. Consequently, any spills should be cleaned quickly to lessen the degree of the stain. PH neutral cleaners for natural stones are highly recommended. Do not use abrasive cleaners, powders, scouring pads, steel wool or sandpaper.