Stainless Steel Mosaic Tile Installation

MINERALTILES' Stainless Steel Mosaic tiles are lightweight and do not oxidize or easily scratch or discolor. This collection is designed for residential and commercial interior application such as but not limited to walls, featured walls, and kitchen and bathroom backsplashes.

Applications

It is not recommend using stainless steel tiles for floors.

Installation of Stainless Steel Mosaic tiles should be done by a licensed contractor, especially when electrical work is being done around the metal mosaic. Special attention is required for areas where the stainless steel mosaic tiles will be installed around an area with electrical work or places subject to high temperatures, such as fireplace surrounds.

Substrate & Waterproof Membranes

All substrates should be firmly fixed, flat, clean, dry and free of contaminants such as dust, oil, paint, sealers etc. to ensure proper adhesion. Wet areas require appropriate substrates, e.g. concrete, cement boards (compressed sheet), and/or treated plywood. We suggest using waterproof membranes.

It is highly recommended the use of membrane systems in wet areas such as showers.

Installation

Mix setting materials according to manufacturers' instructions.

1. Apply setting materials to the substrate using the notched side of a 3/16" x 5/32" x 3/16" V- notched trowel.
2. Using the flat side of the trowel, smooth out all ridges to achieve a consistent, even 1/8" thick coverage.
3. Apply stainless steel mosaics sheets, mesh-side down, firmly into the freshly troweled setting material.
4. Using a rubber float or equivalent tool, gently press the tile into the adhesive to insure complete contact. Do not push the sheets too deeply into the setting materials, as to cause the setting materials to ooze up between the spaces between the tiles. We recommend leaving at least 2/3 of the tile depth available for grouting.
5. Adjust tile sheets for correct alignment and even spacing between sheets. Do not allow setting material to dry or skin over before completing this process.
6. Clean all excess setting materials with a damp sponge. Wipe away any haze that may have remained behind.
7. After 24 hours, mix grout, following manufacturer's instructions.
8. Grout openings between tiles and sheets.
9. Clean all excess grout immediately with a damp sponge.
10. Polish off any remaining haze with a dry cloth or towel.
11. After grouting, protect area from light foot traffic and light water exposure for at least 72 hours.

Care & Cleaning

Metal tiles must be regularly cleaned and maintained to extend their life and beauty. Most dirt and stains can be cleaned with a mild detergent and soft cloth or sponge. Fingerprints, streaks and watermarks can be removed with olive oil. Do not use abrasive cleaners, powders, scouring pads, steel wool or sandpaper. Do not let soap, bleach or other cleaning solutions set on the surface.

A steel wool pad with stainless steel polisher is recommended for removing scratches. Gently rub in a circular motion first, then wipe clean with a damp cloth.

Visit our Photo Galley for tile design ideas.

NOTICE: This information is offered as a guideline only. No warranty is implied. For best results, hire a professional tile installer experienced in the application of face-mounted glass mosaic tile.