Karo Black 1X2 Porcelain Mosaic

*These are just guidelines. Please refer to and install our products to the standards set by the TCNA.

SUBSTRATE

Tile must be installed over a suitable substrate to insure a proper installation. Tile should be installed over a clean, sound, and flat surface, free of contaminates including curing compounds. Substrate should be free of cracks. If used in a wet area you must waterproof. See manufacturer's recommendation on a membrane for crack and water protection that is compatible with the setting material you are using. Expansion joints should be installed at all changes in plane in the tile work and where tile abuts restraining surfaces, therefore silicone caulking sealant must be installed in all corner joints in place of grout.

INSTALLATION

• We always recommend dry-fitting your pattern first to think about your cuts in advance and to make sure you like the pattern. This will also help you choose which pieces go where, which is especially helpful with tiles that have a lot of variation.
• To avoid affecting the color of the tile, white thinset such as Bostik PM is highly recommended for all installations. For faster installation, use a rapid curing thinset such as Bostik Single-Flex Fast Set.
• Apply as much adhesive as can be covered within 10-15 minutes. 
• Grout joint should be a minimum of 1/16”; and not butt set.
• The optimal trowel size is a 9" Trowel - 1/8" square notch.

GROUTING

• Grout joints should be packed full and free of voids and pits.
• Clean excess grout as the work progresses before it has hardened completely.
• Acids should never be used for cleaning grout haze.
• Use a damp sponge for the final cleaning and to smooth out the grout joints.
• Both Sanded and Non-Sanded grouts are acceptable for use. We recommend Sanded grout for joints larger than 1/8 inch and Non-Sanded for 1/8 inch or smaller.
• It is recommended to use grout release, then grout the tile, then seal the grout using a sealant such as MP90

CUTTING

The recommended cutting method is to use a wet saw with a diamond blade. Edges can be sanded smooth after cutting.

CLEANING

Highly recommended to purchase the Unpolished Porcelain Maintenance Kit. Porcelain tile is resistant to germs and bacteria and it is also among the easiest of flooring materials to clean. You can clean your porcelain tile with a damp sponge mop. A solution of 1/4 cup of white vinegar to 2 gallons of water works best – allow time for drying. You can also sweep or vacuum. Although porcelain tile is by definition impervious, it is still possible for its surface to discolor. The following instructions explain how to clean porcelain tile surfaces.

For cleaning unpolished surfaces, follow these instructions:

• Sweep or vacuum dust and debris from the floor. When sweeping, use a soft-bristle broom and sweep in 2 directions. First follow the direction of the tile, and then sweep diagonally. This will ensure the removal of all foreign material that might be residing in the texture.
• Saturate the tile with a neutral cleaning solution, such as vinegar, with hot water and stir. Allow the cleaning solution to remain on the floor 5 – 10 minutes. Scrub the floor with a brush; again using a two-direction method.
• Rinse the floor with clean, clear water to remove the cleaning solution.
• For high traffic locations, it is recommended to clean the floor at least once per day and wet mop at regular intervals.

• Always Remember:

  • Do not clean tile flooring with ammonia or with cleaners that contain bleach and/or acid. Acid and ammonia based cleaners may modify grout color.
  • Do not use wax, oil-based, abrasive cleaners, or sealants.
  • Agents that contain any dyes or colors are not recommended.
  • Use rugs at entrances to prevent dirt and grit from being tracked onto the tile flooring from outdoors.
  • Do not use steel wool pads, because loose steel particles may create rust stains in the grout.