Installation Guide

Install using a white, acrylic modified adhesive that is recommended for glass, and non-sanded, acrylic modified grout.

Strips of tiles are easily separated by cutting through the mesh backing. If you need to cut through a particular tile, remove it from the mesh backing and nibble at its corners using tile nippers.

The substrate should be clean, flat, free of cracks, and stable. Do not install directly on wood or drywall. Cement backer board makes an excellent substrate. A 3-in-1 membrane can also be used to cover the backer board to protect the tiles from seismic or substrate movement.

Mix white thin-set using a drill and mixing blade according to manufacturer’s instructions. Modified thin-set dries quickly: mix only as much as you anticipate using within 15-20 minutes.

Apply the thin-set using the notched end of your trowel, holding the trowel at about 45 degrees to the surface. A consistent angle will ensure that the thin-set application has a consistent depth.

If you are using a transparent tile - that is, one where you can see the mesh through the tile - the surface of the thin-set layer must be skimmed. Using the flat side of your trowel, lightly flatten the peaks and valleys to an even thickness. Be sure not to remove any of the thin set during this process; if you do inadvertently, go back to the previous step and re-notch.

Use your level and/or a previous line to mark the position of your where to place your tile sheet. Set the tiles down and press. Then, using your beating block, firmly flatten the tiles into the thin-set. If you use a hammer for this procedure, tap the tiles lightly. The goal is to beat the tile into the thin-set enough to adhere, but not enough to allow the thin-set to ooze between the tiles.

Check with the thin-set manufacturer’s guidelines for dry times prior to grouting. 24 hours will be more than enough to cure thin-set. The grout consistency should be less stiff than the thin-set application, but not runny.Use the grout float to press grout between the cracks. Do not use grout to fill abutting (right angle) surfaces - instead, use acrylic sealer to create a rubberized expansion joint.

After ten or fifteen minutes, go back and lightly sponge off the excess grout. Press lightly and evenly, to avoid digging out the grout from between.

Rinse the sponge frequently to minimize smearing.

As the job dries, a light haze will form. Wait a day and remove the haze with a cheese cloth or a piece of cotton fabric. Intermittently mist joints with a spray water bottle for 72 hours: slow-damp curing grout enhances its strength and stain resistance.