***These instructions are only a guide***
(We highly suggest consulting a professional tile installer before or at time of installation. Glass tile is typically more complex than other tile installations.)
Due to the inherent characteristics of handmade, recycled glass tile, there can be slight variations in shape, color and surface texture. We recommend pulling tiles from multiple boxes simultaneously during the installation process to provide an even variation and/or blend. We highly suggest laying out all material to your liking before the installation.
Application: A non-flexing and fully cured substrate MUST be used. Any movement of the substrate may cause the tile to become loose or crack. Stardust Glass tile may be used in heated applications, such as swimming pools or showers, etc. However, the tiles should not be subjected to extreme temperature changes or thermal shock.
Setting Materials: We recommend using a white thin-set mortar, with an acrylic add-mix, such as Custom acrylic additive, in place of water. DO NOT USE MASTIC. Stardust Glass tile should be set with a minimum of 1/8th inch spacing. For application, use a 3/8” notched trowel. All tiles should be back-buttered to ensure a complete bond between the tile and substrate, as well as eliminating visible trowel marks. To achieve a uniform surface when installing mosaic tiles tap lightly using a wooden beating block and a hammer. Remove any excess setting material from the joint area, so that 2/3 of the depth of the tile is available for grouting. Stardust Glass mosaic tiles use a clear face-mounting tape with a very strong adhesive. We recommend NOT removing this tape until the setting material is completely setup. In order to minimize visual lines between the sheets, tiles may need adjusting before the setting material has completely set up. You can do this either by peeling back the tape edges or by cutting through the tape with a knife to allow movement of the individual tiles. After setting, clean all tiles completely leaving no visible cement residue on the surface.
Expansion Joints: For most installations, expansion joints must be used around: a) the perimeter of the installation, b) where the tile abuts restraining surfaces, or c) where two substrates of a different material meet. Depending on the size of the installation, underlying material and climate the requirements for expansion joints will vary. An architect should provide the location of expansion joints, as well as the number of expansion joints. For more information, please consult the Tile Council of America’s Handbook for Ceramic Tile Installation.
Grouting: Be sure the thin-set is completely dry before grouting. For best results, use a sanded grout that is compatible with the thin-set used. The grout should be mixed with an acrylic add-mix in place of water. Wet areas, such as showers or swimming pools, should cure for at least 3 weeks after grouting before exposure to water. Due to the pillow-like shape of Stardust Glass, best results are achieved by wiping the grout 1/3 of the way back from the surface. This will not only enhance the 3-D quality of the tile, but will also minimize the grout line.
Cutting: A wet saw MUST be used for cutting Stardust Glass tile. For best results, we suggest using a glass diamond blade, such as the MK 215GL. If small chips or rough edges occur, smooth the tiles out with a rubbing stone.
Cleaning: For best results, we recommend cleaning the tiles with either a water-vinegar mixture, or a water-Windex mixture. DO NOT USE ABRASIVE CLEANERS OR CHEMICALS WHICH MAY HARM OR SCRATCH THE GLASS SURFACE.
After 24 hours of curing a grout haze remover should be used for final cleaning. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
We recommend sealing the tiles with a sealer of your choice. This will act as both a color/surface enhancer as well as protect against grease and fingerprints. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions. In general, ‘Semi-matte’ or ‘Satin’ finish sealers will yield a subtle surface rich in color.