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.

WATERPROOF MEMBRANES

The use of reinforced waterproof membranes is suggested and in the case of floors, a fall to the drainage point of no less than 2 inches. 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 involve the use of a primer.

CUTTING

Slate tiles can be easily cut with a wet saw, or a hand grinder using a diamond or masonry blade.

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 (multipurpose and polymer modified thinsets) are adequate for slate tile. A cement-based adhesive is generally suitable on masonry substrates where no movement is anticipated.

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 1/8” notch trowel is recommended for most applications.

The thinset must be applied to the back of the tile. It is not necessary to apply thinset to areas where the tile is not adhered to the wall. To make sure there is 100% coverage you can firmly press the disk into place and tap the center with the end of your hand. Do not use any hard objects to tap down the center or edges of the disks.

GROUTING

BEFORE GROUTING, use a razor to trim the excess plastic from around the edges of the stainless steel disks. This will allow for an easy peel off after the grout has been applied. Do not peel off protective film until the tile has been grouted. Peeling off the film prematurely may result in the disks being scratched during the grouting process. Grout should be suitable for joints up to 3/4″ in width and designed for external or internal conditions which ever may be the case. Sanded grout is generally recommended for any grout joint larger than 1/8”. For optimum results, we recommend the repetitive use of a firm sponge. It is important to smooth out the grout in larger gaps with a sponge before it dries to achieve a sleeker, finished look.

SEALANTS

Although the stainless steel disks do not require sealant, it is recommended that some type of sealant be used in order to protect grout joints.

CARE & CLEANING

Metal tiles must be regularly cleaned and maintained to extend their life and beauty. Most dirt and stains can be cleaned with a mild detergent and soft cloth or sponge. Fingerprints, streaks and watermarks can be removed with olive oil. When using stainless steel cleaner, avoid contact with grout as it may discolor. Do not use abrasive cleaners, powders, scouring pads, steel wool or sandpaper. Do not let soap, bleach or other cleaning solutions set on the surface.

For removing light scratches, we recommend a stainless steel polisher applied with a steel wool pad. Gently rub in a circular motion first, then wipe clean with a damp cloth.