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TILE INSTALLATION

– Important Instructions –

Get Preparation

Check the installation surface cautiously and make sure it is clean and even as laying tiles on a surface that is stained and lumpy will cause trouble and affect the tiling result.

Different surface can require different installation preparation. For newly-built surface, it is a  satisfactory base to accept the mosaic tiles as it is new. For existing surface where the structure or the texture may be unqualified to be tiled on, it is suggested adding a backerboard or a repainting layer to serve as the eligible base for tile installation. 

What’s more, inspect all the mosaic tile sheets before startup.

 

How to Install?

1.Skim

This step is to ensure the surface ready for a proper tiling. Check the surface and make certain it is flat, smooth and dust-free. It is usually common to add a layer of intermediate material to make the surface qualified enough to receive the mosaic tile. And be noticed let the layer of intermediate material dry for no less than 12 hours if required.

 

2. Make Measurement

Measure the surface in which the tile is going to be laid on to find the most suitable placement for your tile. It is suggested to use a straight edge and other necessary tools to make the tile level. If it is a mosaic sheet with back-mesh, using a grid tool that has the same size of the nine sheets of the tile is the best choice. And remember to leave space for gap between tile and tile.

3. Put on intermediate material

Stir evenly the intermediate material.

First layer: use a trowel to put the material on the part that is smaller than grid site. Don’t make the material sitting too much and leave some space.

Second layer: form even rims in the intermediate material by pushing and shaping the material with the nicked cutting of the trowel.  

 

4. Lay the tile

On the front facade of the tile, it is usually taped with a transparent covering so than you can see the tile design while you are in the whole installing process.

Wipe the back of the tile with cement or other adhesive material, with the covered front face out. 

Press around the surface by using a float tool to adhere the mosaic tile sheet tightly on the sticky material. Be careful the space between each sheet of tile should be the same with the gap between each chip, which is commonly combined with mesh on the back.

5. Reinforce the mosaic sheet

It is important to make sure tiles and the setting material have a secure bond and leave no air between the two layers. To make the final look of the tiling surface is consistent and rigid in thickness, using the float tool press around the surface to stick the mosaic tiles firmly.

 

6. Adjust the gap

This is a vital step to achieve a professional tile installation though it may cost a lot of time and need considerate patience. Carefully and slowly move the uneven tiles and keep the combing surface in the same height and spacing between each sheet or each tile the same width. All the moves are suggested being done while material is not solidified yet.  

7. Grout the tile

It is important to ensure the mosaic sheet is clean and tape-removed before grout wiping. Expand grout from bottom to top diagonally by using a small trowel. After wiping the first layer, then mop or roll the grout in the opposite direction. All grouting work done you should take care of the cleaning work too. Remove excess grout from the gaps of the mosaic chips with a knife and clean up all the debris and dirt.

8. Clean the surface

It is strongly recommended cleaning the finished surface within half an hour or no longer than one hour after grouting as the excess grout that carelessly stained on tile is hard to remove if it stays too long. A sponge and clean water can sufficiently clean up the dirt. Remember to wipe in a circular motion and pay closer attention to the gaps. Keep wiping until the surface is neat and clean. Cleaning ways are different based on the type of the grout. Consult the grout professionals or stick to the instruction brochure before all this take.

HOW to CLEAN & MAINTAIN TILE?

– Important Instruction –

Mosaic tiles come in diverse design possibilities adding dimension and style to any space in your property. It is an all-purpose building material that is able to create numerous designs and add artistic aura to the overall look of your kitchen, bedroom, patio, pool, etc. To keep this decorative element in its original quality, routine cleaning & maintenance is necessary. It’s equally important being careful during installation and after all things have done. Bright and damage-free mosaic tiling needs your continuing care. Whether it’s made of ceramic, glass or stone, all of these options should be cleaned in a correct way due to their unique texture and color. Let’s check out the following insights that MM-Mosaic concludes from 10-year experience to help you maintain your investment.

Ceramic/Porcelain Mosaic Tiles

Ceramic/Porcelain mosaic tiles often cover with a thin layer of glaze, which is smooth and corrosion-resistant. It means just some simple maintenance methods can keep them glittering. It’s suggested cleaning at a regular routine: wet a soft sponge or cloth with oil-free mild cleanser, then wipe and rinse the glazed porcelain tile wall; use a vacuum cleanser or broom to remove loose soil and other debris on glazed floor tiles, then damp the mop with a mixture of water and rinse-free cleanser. High traffic areas or heavily stained places that have been neglected for a long time may need more intensive cleaning. Take great care when applying acid-cleansers, as they can adversely affect the grout; and not to use ammonia, as it will discolor the grout. Remember only use sulfamic acid or phosphoric acid in correct proportion to water in accordance with the manufacturer’s instruction.

Glass Mosaic Tiles

Glass is regarded as one of the easiest materials to maintain in a good condition because of its non-permeable nature. Most stains are not absorbed and will stay on the surface. However, the stains had better be cleaned up as earlier as possible and do it in a regular routine so as to save your cost and time in stubborn stain cleaning. When cleaning glass mosaic tiles, check how awful the blot is. Normally speaking, just mild detergent and water are sufficient for cleaning most stains and dirt. Firstly wipe loose dirt from the surface with a clean paper towel or cloth. Dampen a rag with detergent-water mixture and clean down the glass mosaic tiles in the same direction to avoid leaving striated mark on the surface. Then all cleaning work is done by last rinse and dry-off with a separate cloth or paper towel to increase the shimmer.  

Stone Mosaic Tiles

Stone mosaic tiles feature in its durable nature and will look long-lasting new if maintained properly. Using correct sealer and cleaning methods are the two most important steps. Sealing stone mosaic tiles and grout in a right way can save them from scratch and stain to a largest extent. However, it does not mean there is nothing left to do. Although your stone tiles are firmly sealed, stains and dirt must be wiped up as fast as you can because sealers help resist stains but not to kill them. Avoid using cleaners like bleach, vinegar, ammonia and any other that are harsh ingredients included, for these types will damage the protective coating of sealers and corrode the stone tiles. A neutral pH cleaner is the best safe option. Standard cleaning routine of stone mosaic tiles is very similar to that of the two other tiles listed above. Sweep or vacuum dust and debris on the floor. For walls, also whisk away the dirt gently. Mop the floor with a combination of domestic detergent, cleansing agent or tile dirt solution. Dampen a sponge or cloth to brush the tiling mildly. Then rinse thoroughly with clean water to remove any residual cleaner. Last step is done with drying the surface.

 

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Whatever the material of the mosaic tile is made of, there are some DO’S & DON’TS  you’re supposed to follow.

DO’S

1.       All stains or spills should be washes away immediately. For example, you will unavoidably splash oil or sauce on the mosaic tile backsplash while you’re cooking meals. When this occurs, you should take swift action to clean it up; After each use of shower, dry the tiled wall with a cloth and leave the curtain and door open for dehumidification.

2.       Use only cleansers that are pH neutral or the suggested mixtures. Cleansers of higher-concentration are not always better as they’re more difficult to rinse and will harm the grout and the tile itself.

3.       Let the cleanser stay on the surface of tiles before rinsing for a proper while in order to efficiently dissolve the stains. The best dwell time is 5-10 minutes.

4.       Get rid of dirt with a nylon pad or soft brush that can protect the surface to the greatest extent.

5.       Scrub carefully with clean water to remove the cleanser and emulsified residue. Dry up the rinsing part with mop or cloth. If soiled cleaning solution stays for a period it will cause chemical reaction with the tiles and air and develop an unsightly layer that is hard to remove.

DON’TS

1.       Apply any detergent that contains acid, oil, wax or bleach for routine maintenance as they have a bad effect on grout color and product durability. And sealants may be allowed to used on grout joints and natural stone but users have to be careful and stick to the instruction.

2.       Use harsh cleaning tools like steel wool pads, scouring pads or abrasive pads to handle heavily stained areas. These tools may damage your tiles. Particularly, the metal ones will loose metal particles and accumulate rust stains on the grout. This will age the overlook of the grout and tiles.

Use a cleanser that contains color on unglazed tile, natural stone or white grout, as it may color these absorptive surfaces.