CURVED SURFACES

SOLI Vittorio Veneers cannot be installed around curved surfaces unless the pieces are laid vertically.

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 metal lathing is recommended to ensure maximum support of the structure, as these cement-backed veneers are heavy.

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 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 vertical surfaces.

Most thinset mortars (multi purpose and polymer modified thinsets) are adequate for installing slate tile. 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 1/4” – 1/8” notch trowel is recommended for most applications. It is very important to make sure the tiles fit tightly together. The use of a rubber mallet may be required to gently tap the veneers into place.

GROUTING

Grouting is not necessary for the installation of the Vittorio veneers. If small cracks or seams exist in between each piece, a non-sanded grout similar in color to the stone can be used to fill the gaps. Note that this product is designed to evoke a seamless installation, so the individual pieces should be laid as tightly together as possible.

SEALANTS

To bring your application to its full potential, we suggest sealing. 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 leave them natural. Whenever using sealants and acids, please ensure that you follow the manufacturer’s recommended method of application.

CARE & CLEANING

SOLI Vittorio Veneers 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. Consequently, any spills should be cleaned quickly to lessen the degree of the stain. The porosity or water absorption in these products varies and therefore staining will occur in different degrees if the stone is unsealed. Do not use abrasive cleaners, powders, scouring pads, steel wool or sandpaper.