RECOMMENDED INSTALLATION

Flexible and interlocking to create a seamless installation, SOLI Seychelle tiles create accents and borders. Install anywhere — indoors and out, floors, walls, pool side and more.

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

CURVED SURFACES

SOLI Seychelle tiles can be installed around gently curved surfaces. Some alterations of the tile may be required in order to create uniformity.

CUTTING

Cuts may not be necessary during installation, due to the freeform pattern and nature of the product. When approaching the edge of a surface, if a straight line is desired, the seashells can easily be cut with a curved splitting clamp or a glass cutter. The mesh back or plastic fronts can be easily cut with a utility knife.

ADHESIVE

Follow the adhesive manufacturer’s instructions carefully. We do not recommend one brand over another. Please check with your local tile supply store for alternative and comparable products.

Option 1: The manufacturer’s literature for the adhesive you choose will explain if the product is suitable for interior/ exterior, floor/wall, and wet/dry applications. Suggested adhesives include but are not limited to:

Mapei: Adesilex P10 (bright white) non-sag mortar for glass tile. Mix with water or Keraply.

Mapei: Kerabond Premium Dry-Set Mortar (Ker 102) mixed with Keralistic Mortar Admix (Ker 310).

Custom Building Products: Premium Plus Thin-Set Mortar (white) mixed with Custom Flex Ultra-Strength Thin-Set Additive.

Custom Building Products: MegaFlex Ultimate Thin-Set Mortar (white). No admixture is necessary.

Hydroment: ReFlex Ultra-Premium Latex-Modified Thin-Set Mortar. No admixture is necessary. Laticrete: 254 Platinum Multipurpose Thin-Set Mortar. No admixture is necessary.

TEC (H.B. Fuller): Super Flex Premium Performance Universal Latex-Modified Thin-Set Mortar. No admixture is necessary.

Apply the adhesive with a 3/16″ trowel.

Do not use a square notched trowel greater than 1/8″ due to the thickness of this product (3/16″ thick). Set the tile in place gently tapping it in with a grout float to ensure 100% adhesive coverage.

The seashells come two ways — plastic fronted or mesh backed. To remove the plastic film, pull it in a diagonal direction, keeping the corner flat against the mosaic surface. One hour is only a guideline before removing the plastic front, but if the seashells move, let the adhesive dry longer for a better grip. Time will vary based on jobsite conditions and brand of product being used.

Clean excess adhesive before it completely dries on the tiles with a damp cloth, sponge, or brush. When the tile is firmly set, we recommend using a non-sanded grout. Depending on the application, an epoxy grout may be desired.

Option 2: The adhesive can be prepared by mixing Laticrete 4237 Latex Admix with a colored Laticrete non-sanded grout. Apply the mix to the surface being tiled with a 3/16 inch notched trowel. The colored adhesive can be applied to the backside of each sheet with the flat side of the trowel in addition to toweling the surface it is being adhered to.

The above step might not be necessary if the installer can get 100% surface coverage of the tile by applying the adhesive to the substrate only. It might be necessary to experiment with a piece prior to installation to ensure proper surface coverage.

GROUTING

We recommend using a non sanded grout for both the mesh backed and plastic front tiles.

NOTE: If using the adhesive and grout mixture in Option 2, be sure to use the same ratio of adhesive to grout to do touch ups. Excess grout needs to be cleaned before it hardens.

SEALANTS

SOLI Seychelle 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 Seychelle 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. Keep surfaces clean from abrasive dirt and 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. Seashells consist primarily of Calcium Carbonate. They will react with acid including vinegar, acidic foods and carbonated beverages.