Sample-Artwave Cove Blue Iridescent 1x4 Polished Glass Mosaic Tile

INSTALLATION GLASS TILE

Substrate preparation

An installation is only as good as the structure it is installed.  Today’s adhesives and mortars will warranty on most substrates, (Gypsum wall board, Cement Board, Cement Masonry Unit and Plywood).  Different substrates require different preparation by that installation contractor.  Make sure the substrates are structurally sound and free from any sealers or contaminants for both vertical and horizontal installations.  The load deflection standard is L/360 for all porcelain and ceramic tiles.  (L/720 for Stone)

For Glass tile the use of a primer on the substrate, this allows the mortar to cure at the same rate and provides color consistency.  Some glass is translucent, and any mortar color differential could cause shading in the tile.

TileBar Tech Tips:

• Try the drip test – drip water on your substrate and if it absorbs then you can ensure that your mortar adhesive has both a mechanical and chemical bond. If the water beads up then there is a bond breaker on your substrate.  This could be a wax or sealer.
• Use a straight edge and level - Flatness ANSI A108.02 (1/4” of change in 10’, 1/8” for stone) with no bump greater than 1/16”
• Always check your adhesives instructions noting the suitable substrates and limitations.

Lay Out

Take all measurements of the space or room and develop a layout plan.  Locate all cuts and adjust layout as necessary.  Confirm the final layout.   Use proper equipment to cut your tiles.  Glass tile should be cut with a wet saw with a blade made for glass.  Make sure to follow all safety precautions and protection noted by the equipment used.  Blend tile materials to ensure consistency throughout the project area. NOW you are ready to tile!

TileBar Tech Tips:

• Layout your mosaic sheets in a brick pattern if possible. This should help conceal the sheets perimeters and help the installation blend together.

Adhesives and Mortar

Use a glass tile specific mortar.  Glass tile requires some special considerations for mortars.  Some glass is translucent, and the mortar needs to as white as possible.  Make sure you use the proper directional troweling technics and the proper trowel size. 

Install Overview:

1. Mix the mortar per the instructions.
2. With a damp sponge clean off the substrate and tile
3. With the flat side of the trowel “burn” the mortar into the substrate on larger tiles
4. Trowel material on the wall with the appropriately sized trowel in a consistent direction leaving a ridged setting bed.
5. Use the flat side of the trowel to flatten the ridges for translucent tiles.
6. Lay tile in the mortar and flatten the mortar with firm even pressure.
7. Use a piece of wood beating block and grout float to hammer tile into the mortar.
8. Make sure grout joints are clear of extra mortar materials.
9. Let system cure fully until grouting begins, usually 24 hours.

TileBar Tech Tips:

• There are some mortars that can be blended with the grout color. When you have a thin glass sometimes thinset is visible in the grout joints.  This will minimize the cleaning of those joints.
• Do not work too far ahead. Make sure that the mortar stays fresh and has not skimmed over.
• Minimum mortar coverages should be evenly distributed and cover 80% of tiles in a dry area and 95% in wet areas. Once you set tiles pull up a couple to ensure proper coverage
• Directional troweling: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Way5bMh-eYg&t=31s

Grout

Grout can make or break a new tile project.  A great grout job can aesthetically enhance the project.  First choose the appropriate grout joint size, remember smaller is not always better.  How the mosaic tile is mounted to the sheet determines the grout joint size.  Take a step back and make sure the sheets perimeter joints are the same as the joints that are in the sheet.  If you can see the individual sheets you may need to adjust.

Install Overview:

1. Mix the grout per the instructions.
2. Using a grout float at 45-degree angle to press in and fill all the grout joints.
3. Cut the grout off the top of the tile using the grout float dragging it at 90 degrees angle diagonally across the tile as a squeegee.
4. Now that the joints are full dress them with a sponge or scrub pad.
5. After a 15-20 minutes clean again with clean water and sponge and let cure.
6. After the grout has dried, there will be a grout haze and it can be buffed with dry cloth.
7. Limit use until fully cured, usually 24 hours.

TileBar Tech Tip:

• Use clean water, A LOT!
• Don’t get too far ahead. Clean in a timely manner what you just grouted.
• Clean sponge often, typically 1 swipe, flip the sponge over and 1 swipe, then rinse the sponge clean.
• Make sure the joints do not have dust or debris in them. Also, any thinset that has squeezed up needs to be removed.
• All installation must have movement joints. Use a color matched acrylic or silicone sealant to provide movement protection.  Movement joints are for all transitions, base, inside and outside corners.
• Keep the project area clean. Even the lightest dust could permanently stain any uncured grout joints.
• Use the right grout for your specific installation:
  • Standard polymer modified grout
  • High performance cement grout
  • Premixed grout
  • Epoxy Grout

Cleaning and Sealing

Keeping an installation looking new is not as difficult as you may think.  Regular cleaning the entire system with a neutral PH non-acidic cleaner should do the job.  There are more harsh cleaners available and must used carefully by following all instructions.  Always do a test area in a non-visible place

TileBar Tech Tip:

• Follow all instruction closely.
• The more the area is used the more often it will have to be cleaned and sealed.
• If an acidic cleaner is chosen, make sure you protect adjacent materials.