Recommended Installation
SOLI Alchemy tiles are a new direction in architectural surface design — combining the organic look of pebbles with modern metal for an innovative mosaic tile. These spectacular tiles are created by exposing stainless steel to titanium block and nitrogen at high temperatures, resulting in beautiful colors. The large sheets are then molded and filled with ceramic polymers. The resulting meshed interlocking tiles create a beautiful seamless surface.
The Alchemy tiles are lightweight and do not oxidize or easily scratch or discolor. The tile hardness can be over 80RC, while the luster can last for more than 20 years. This collection is designed for almost any commercial and residential interior application, including floor accents, walls, ceilings, water features, countertops, backsplashes and more.
Installation of Alchemy tiles should be done by qualified technicians, especially when electrical work is being done around the metal mosaic. Special installation is required for areas where the mosaic tiles will be subject to high temperatures, such as fireplace surrounds, behind cook tops and kitchen ranges not equipped with a back guard. The Alchemy tiles are not recommended for high traffic floors, or any areas that may be subject to heavy impact, heavy abrasion, and areas where temperatures can exceed 130 degrees Fahrenheit.
SUBSTRATES
All substrates should be firmly fixed, flat, clean, dry and free of contaminants such as dust, oil, paint, sealers etc. to ensure proper adhesion. Painted surfaces must be scuffed or sanded for the product and adhesive to bond correctly. Wet areas need special attention
and require appropriate substrates, e.g. concrete, cement boards (compressed sheet), and/or treated plywood. The use of reinforced waterproof membranes is suggested.
CURVED SURFACES
SOLI Alchemy tiles can be installed around gently curved surfaces. Some manipulation of the tiles may be required in order to create uniformity between each sheet. This look can be achieved by
replacing larger individual units with smaller ones and vice versa.
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CUTTING
Cuts can be done with a saw blade suitable for cutting stainless steel. For certain applications cuts may not be necessary due to the absence of straight lines in the design of the tiles themselves. When approaching a straight edge it is recommended to remove and replace pebbles individually to avoid cuts and continue the look.
Adhesive
Follow the adhesive manufacturer’s instructions carefully. We do not recommend one brand of adhesive over another. Please check with your local tile supply store for alternative and comparable products. The manufacturer's literature will explain if the adhesive product is suitable for interiors and/or exteriors, as well as walls and floors. Most thinset mortars (multipurpose and polymer modified thinsets) are adequate for installing Alchemy tiles.
A cement-based adhesive is generally suitable on masonry substrates where no movement is anticipated. Where slight movement could occur through thermal or pedestrian loads, a modified cement adhesive should be used as a minimum. A 1/8" notch trowel is recommended for most applications. To make sure there is 100% coverage you can firmly press the tiles into place, do not use any hard objects to tap down the center or edges of the metal pebbles.
Grouting
Grout should be suitable for joints up to 3/4" in width and designed for external or internal conditions which ever may be the case. Sanded
grout is generally recommended for any grout joint larger than 1/8". For optimum results, we recommend the repetitive use of a firm sponge. A sanded grout, if applied harshly, can scratch the tiles; carefully float in
the grout to
avoid abrasion.
Sealants
Although stainless steel tiles do not require sealant, it is recommended that some type of sealant be used in order to protect grout joints.
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. When using stainless steel cleaner, avoid direct contact with grout as it may discolor. 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. |
