GLASS TILE CHARACTERISTICS

Our material is made of clear and transparent glass. The back of the glass tile is coated with the desired pigment(s) and a white protective coating visible from the back of the tile. The multi-layered protective coating is fired with the tile and ensures that the thin-set mortars will not be visible after installation. The pigments and glass are made from natural minerals and as such the firing process will cause slight variations in shades and size. All material is sorted according to ANSI standard A137 size tolerances and packaging is clearly marked with caliber and shade/tone/dye-lot. Mosaic formats are fiberglass mesh-mounted.

GLASS AND STONE INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS

These instructions are meant to be a guide for most installations, under normal conditions. Please follow best practice instructions found in the Tile Council of North America (TCNA) 09300 Handbook for specific installation types.

MATERIAL INSPECTION

Verify all products before installation for any damage or defects such as chipped edges, scratched surfaces. Confirm the caliber and dye-lot shade, all packaging is clearly marked with shade (overall color tone) and caliber (allowable size variation). It is not recommended to mix dye lots or calibers.

Due to the nature of the material and production process it may be possible to "see through" the clear glass on certain angles which can appear as a lighter line along the edges of the glass. This is not a factory defect or deficiency of any kind in the material and should be expected by the end consumer.

Due to the natural of the material no two pieces of natural stone are exactly alike. Natural stones are products of nature; therefore, variations in color, pattern, texture, and veining will occur. Verify all products before installation for any damage or defects such as chipped edges, broken pieces. No adjustment will be made after installation.

*Always use appropriate personal protective safety equipment when handling, drilling, cutting or grinding glass tile such as (but not limited to) eye, ear and hand protection.

SUBSTRATE

Before you start tiling, make sure that whatever surface the tiles are being installed to will be strong and structurally sound. Cement board, concrete or drywall is best, as these surfaces can handle the moisture of the tiling process. Plywood should be avoided, since the wood will warp with the added moisture and it will also be less waterproof, even after tiling.

INSTALLATION MATERIAL

Thin-Set
When setting tiles and mosaics we recommend the use of polymer or latex modified thin set or medium bed mortar compliant with ANSI standard A118.4 and is recommended for use with glass tile. We recommend using White modified thin-set such as Bostik Glass Mate is highly , which will allow the true color of the glass to come true. The color of the thin-set will affect the final appearance of the glass color.

Tools
3/16" or 1/4" square notch trowel should be used when installing our glass material and ridges should be smoothed down with the flat side of the trowel prior to fixing the tiles in the mortar bed. Tiles larger than 3"x3" should be "back-buttered" with a thin continuous layer of the thin set applied with the flat side of the trowel.

Drying Time
Glass tiles are non-porous: the moisture in the setting materials cannot migrate through the glass and must evaporate slowly through the joints. All setting material, even rapidest mortars need a longer time to cure. Allow thin-set mortar to dry completely for a minimum of 48 hours prior to grouting or otherwise interfering with the fresh installation.

Cutting
Use a wet-saw with a new, continuous rim diamond blade specifically designed for cutting marble. Do not use "turbo" or other notched blades designed for use with porcelain or ceramic as the teeth can cause a coarse cut, resulting in a heavily chipped edge.

Cut edges and corners will be sharp. Always be sure to smooth the cut edges manually with 200-grit wet/dry sandpaper.

Drilling
If possible, drill holes before installing tile. Drilling from both sides can ensure a cleaner finish if the hole will be visible after installation. Using a new diamond coring bit (for large holes) or spade bit (for small holes) with a diamond tip made for glass drilling will give the best results. Lubricating the bit and tile surface with a continuous spray of oil/water mix will prolong the life of bits and provide a better-finished edge. When possible, the use of a jig will ensure precise placement of holes to be drilled.

When drilling holes for anchoring bolts, plumbing or any other dissimilar material always ensure a minimum of 1/8" clearance around the item is provided to avoid cracking due to disparate expansion and contraction rates or stress transfer.

GROUTING

We recommend applying grout release prior to grouting, suitable for the respective stone and interior or exterior use, to the tile to facilitate cleaning and for protection against staining from contrasting color grouts. Grout joints should be packed full and free of all voids and pits. Excess grout should be cleaned from the stone surface as the work progresses, before the grout hardens. Do not use acids to clean off excess grout. Prior to grouting, test an area to make sure the stone surface will not scratch.

SEALING

After the stone is installed, and grouted, seal the stone with an appropriate high quality breathable stone sealer, to minimize water absorption, efflorescence, and potential staining. If necessary, a color enhancer may be applied to bring out the true color of the stone at any time after grouting. Follow sealer manufacturer