RECOMMENDED INSTALLTION

SOLI Mirror Freeform Mosaic tiles are not recommended for areas that may be subject to heavy impact, heavy abrasion, most exterior applications, areas where temperatures can exceed 130 degrees Fahrenheit. This collection is designed for almost any commercial and residential interior application, including walls, ceilings, backsplashes and more.

CURVED SURFACES

Julienne Mirror Mosaic tiles 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.

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

If you need to cut the individual glass piece, it’s best to do it by hand using a glass cutter and a straight-edged ruler. Simply score the face of the glass, flip over and snap. If you must use a wet saw, use a good quality diamond blade ( glass blades have smaller diamonds than ceramic and a continuous rim) such as DeWalt DW4762 or MK215GL or Makita 724-950-8V.

IMPORTANT: You are working with glass. Tiles may have sharp edges and precautions should be taken when handling and installing tiles. Be sure to wear proper eye protection and gloves.

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 and floors. Most thinset mortars with a latex additive (multi purpose and polymer modified thinsets) are adequate for installing mirror pebbles. A cement-based adhesive is generally suitable on masonry substrates where no movement is anticipated.

The Julienne mosaics come with a map for installation reference. Tiles should be laid out on the floor first (tape side up) to see how wall will look when the installation is complete. Use a clean, dust free environment, avoiding moisture throughout the installation process.

Apply thin layer of white ceramic tile adhesive or thinset to wall using 3/16” V-notch trowel. Please note – if the tiles you are installing are transparent, it is necessary to use flat side of trowel to smooth notches into consistent setting bed with no trowel marks. This step is important to avoid seeing trowel marks through glass tiles.

Firmly press tiles in place according to the map. Rub the back of the tape to make sure all glass lays flat and makes contact with adhesive. Tiles should fit together perfectly with no gaps.

Wait for adhesive to dry fully, usually 24 hours. After the adhesive has dried, slowly remove the clear film from the tiles. Fill in missing pieces (if any) with extra glass provided and wait to dry.

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 mirror pebbles and avoid the opportunity for dislodging.

A sanded grout if applied harshly can scratch certain tiles; carefully float in the grout to avoid abrasion.

After grouting, hand check for sharp edges on the surface of the tile. Most can be taken care of by reapplying grout. If any sharp edges still remain on the surface, carefully hand sand any piece that feels sharp with a fine grit sandpaper. It will sand down very easily, but take care to not to sand surrounding the tiles. Edges and corners can be sanded similarly by lightly hand sanding with a sanding block. Please note, use a respirator and goggles when sanding glass.

SEALANTS

The mirror 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

SOLI Mirror Mosaics must be regularly cleaned and maintained to extend the life and beauty of the tile. The tile 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.