Recommended Installation
SOLI Freeform Glass Mosaic tiles are available in five vibrant colors and are interlocking and mesh mounted for installation on both flat and curved surfaces. Manufactured by forming colored glass into unique, freeform shapes, the color is an inherent part of the glass and will not fade or deteriorate. There will be variation or a swirl effect in select colors of this collection. This variation is considered to be a desired feature in the glass.
The Freeform Glass Mosaic tiles are not recommended for areas that may be subject to heavy impact, heavy abrasion, most exterior applications, areas where temperatures can exceed 130 degrees Fahrenheit. This collection is designed for almost any commercial and residential interior application, including floor accents, walls, ceilings, water features, countertops, backsplashes and more.
CURVED SURFACES
SOLI Freeform Glass Mosaic tiles can be installed around gently curved surfaces. Some manipulation of the tiles may be required in order to create uniformity between each sheet.
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, and in the case of floors,
a
fall to the drainage point of no less than two inches.
WATERPROOF MEMBRANES
Waterproof membranes prevent leakage of water through to the sub-floor framing and/or habitable spaces below. Particular attention must
be paid to: carrying the membrane up the wall, outside shower boxes, installation of bond breakers, and sealing around penetrations. It is strongly recommended that membrane systems be used in all wet areas. Some systems may involve the use of a primer.
CUTTING
Cuts may not be necessary during installation due to the freeform pattern and nature of the product. When approaching the edge of a surface, the final row of glass can be removed from the mesh and adjusted by hand. If a straight line is desired, the glass can easily be
cut with a curved splitting clamp or a glass cutter. The mesh back can easily be cut with a utility knife. To create a more seamless look the glass pebbles can be removed from the mesh by hand and readjusted
if necessary.
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 with a latex additive (multipurpose and polymer modified
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thinsets) are adequate for installing freeform glass. 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 1/4" – 1/8" notch trowel is recommended for most applications. Set the tile in place gently tapping it in with a grout float to ensure 100% adhesive coverage. Suggested adhesives include but are not limited to:
Mapei: Adesilex P10 (bright white) non-sag mortar for glass tile. Mix with water or Keraply.
Mapei: Kerabond Premium Dry-Set Mortar (Ker 102) mixed with Keralistic Mortar Admix (Ker 310).
Custom Building Products: Premium Plus Thin-Set Mortar (white) mixed with Custom Flex Ultra-Strength Thin-Set Additive.
Custom Building Products: MegaFlex Ultimate Thin-Set Mortar (white). No admixture is necessary.
Hydroment: ReFlex Ultra-Premium Latex-Modified Thin-Set Mortar. No admixture is necessary.
Laticrete: 254 Platinum Multipurpose Thin-Set Mortar. No admixture
is necessary.
TEC (H.B. Fuller): Super Flex Premium Performance Universal Latex-Modified Thin-Set Mortar. No admixture
is necessary.
Grouting
Grout should be suitable for joints up to 3/4" in width and designed for external or internal conditions whichever may be the case. Sanded grout is generally recommended for any grout joint larger than 1/8". Grouts are ordinarily a water mix but where some flexibility may be needed, a latex additive or similar product should be used. It is important to wait the interval recommended by the adhesive manufacturer before grouting to minimize dirt ingress between the pebbles and avoid the opportunity for dislodging of the pebbles.
In the event that one desires to better expose the pebbles, it is suggested that during the grouting process, the installer repeatedly removes the excess grout from the joints by the use of a medium bristle brush and sponge. A sanded grout, if applied harshly, can scratch certain tiles; carefully float in the grout to avoid abrasion.
Sealants
The glass tiles do not have to be sealed but we strongly recommend sealing the grout after installation to help prevent it from absorbing stains.
Care & Cleaning
SOLI Freeform Glass Mosaic tiles must be regularly cleaned and maintained to extend the life and beauty of the tile. The glass pebbles can be cleaned with a neutral mild detergent, or glass cleaner. Any spills should be cleaned quickly to lessen the degree of the stain to the grout. Do not use abrasive cleaners, powders, scouring pads, steel wool
or sandpaper. |
