The following instruction is only a guide for most applications. Please consult the technical service department of your local companies.

As you install the tile, always randomly select sheets from each box to create an acceptable shade variation and quality. Because of the handmade character of glass mosaic tile, you will have a degree of artistic variation in shade, color, tone and size within each sheet of tile.

• Install tile ceilings before walls.
• Install tile walls before floors.
• Start at the bottom of walls and work upward.
• Do not walk on freshly laid tiles for about 24 hours.
• Do not use showers until the grout is set. See grout instruction for time.
• Install tile countertops before backsplashes.
• When tiling countertops, lay out tiles from front to back.
• When you have less that 12 inches remaining to tile, you simply cut the mesh to get the width you need and fill in the small extra space with grout.
• The tiles or pebbles are on mesh netting and can be easily removed to fill in small empty spaces.

Consult your home centers for the thin set mortar to use. There are several types for different applications. Spread enough setting material to assure 100% tile surface coverage but not so much that it will “ooze” above the tip of the tile through the grout joints. Use a small  ¼” x ¼” square-notched trowel for the river rock and glass tile sheets and do not flatten the rows created in the setting material. Apply only as much setting material as can be covered with the tile within 10 to 20 minutes or while the surface is still wet and tacky.

With firm even pressure apply the sheets of tile – mesh side down – into the setting material. Use a wooden beating block or rubber grouting float to create a flat surface. Carefully align each sheet as it is installed to create uniform grout joints from sheet to sheet. Allow the tile to set until firm. Clean excess setting material from the surface of the glass tile or pebble tile with a damp cloth or sponge while the setting material is still a little wet.

Remember on the wall you have to use nails to hold the spaces between the tile.

Choosing the color of the grout is very important because the color needs to contrast with the tile so it will frame the tile.

The glass mosaic tile and the pebble tiles have a varying degree of surface texture that will collect gout during the grouting process. While thorough cleaning after grouting will remove most of the grout, there will always be some grout remaining in the pinholes or surface creases.  The amount of grout visible after installation will depend primarily on the color contrast between grout color and tile color, how well the tiles were cleaned during grouting, and viewing distance.Grouting may be done after tile is firmly set – approximately 24 hours after installation.  Apply grout, sanded or unsanded, with a rubber float, making sure that grout joints are completely full and free of voids and pits.  Clean the surface with a clean, damp sponge.Allow grout to set firm or until haze forms on the tile and the grout in the joints sets firm.  Use a soft, clean, dry cloth to polish off haze and remaining grout residue.  Final cleaning of grout haze and tile polishing is done with clean, dry cheesecloth within 24 hours of grouting.

Special grouting information for pebble-style or river rock tile:  Use thin set to apply the tile. After the tile is set, clean with a wet rag. You can use sanded grout to grout the tile. Once grout joints are filled with grout and the surface is cleaned with a sponge, the grout joints become considerably wider due to the remaining amount of visible grout in the joint.  The amount of grout in the joint can be reduced to achieve the desired width by running a piece of damp cheesecloth rolled into a “cigar” shape through the joint while the grout is still fresh.

To finish the installation use a sealer or sealer/enhancer. The sealer will bring out the color of the tile and protect it. You can use a sealer that will give you a natural or wet look. Please consult with your local hardware and tile store for more information on sealers and enhancers.

Water Immersion Applications

Regarding tile work in swimming pools, fountains, and other continuous water immersion applications, minimum cure time after grouting is 21 days before flood testing or filling with water.  Follow setting materials manufacturer’s recommended cure times.