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*Please note that this is not a complete guide to installation and maintenance, but some advice on aspects which we, from our experience, have found to be particularly important.
Step 1 - Setting the tiles
Since the tiles are hand-made and therefore subject to color variation we recommend that you batch mix them randomly from different boxes when laying them out in order to balance color and tonal variation.
Make sure that the surface that is to be tiled is level, clean and perfectly dry.
Before laying the tiles briefly dip them in water to remove any dust and in order to pre-wet the back side prior to setting. Alternatively, you can pre-wet the back of the tile using a spray bottle.
Installation of cement tiles requires a double spread of adhesive. Use thin-set mortar and a notched trowel and apply the thin-set both to the substrate and to the back of the tile.
The pattern of the tiles look best with small grout joints 1/16" - 1/8"(1-3 mm); in some countries insurance company policies require wider joints e.g. in wet areas - please check before installation. Wider joints are also necessary when using floor heating cables.
When installing press the tiles down firmly into place only by hand - don't use a hammer or rubber mallet since this can crack the tiles.
Work in small areas at a time and avoid getting the thin-set on to the surface of the tile since this can stain the unsealed tile - wipe off any excess thin-set or other dirt immediately so as to avoid it setting in the porous surface.
Once the tiles are set allow to stand until the surface of the tiles is dry.
Step 2 - Sealing
Please note that sealing has to be performed before grouting, otherwise grout can penetrate the porous surface of the tiles. Use Laticrete, Mapei or equivalent unsanded grout , using manufacturer's instructions.The tiles then have to be sealed in order to protect them from water and dirt. There are numerous products on the market for this purpose. We have found Motif Tile Sealer Apply twice, apart fromt that follow the instructions on the container.
Be aware that sealing in itself does not prevent excess grout (see step 3 - grouting) from sticking to the surface. It is thus of paramount importance that any excess grout on the face of the tiles is wiped off immediately and meticulously.
We recommend our Sealers for maintaining a longer life-cycle of your cement tiles.
Cement Tiles must be sealed with Motif Tile Inc Suggested Sealer.
Step 3 - Grouting
Before grouting tiles should be allowed to dry for at least 24 hours.
Mix the grout to a slightly runny consistency in order to facilitate applying to small grout joints 1/16" - 1/8"(1-3 mm). Apply the grout to small areas at a time so that any excess grout on the face of the tiles can be wiped off immediately.
We advise against using dark colored grout with pale tiles and vice versa.
Step 4 - After treatment
Once the tiles are dry we recommend an after treatment with either concentrated soft soap (uncolored, neutral), colorless wax paste or a product like Drytreat STAIN-PROOF (This sealer is specifically for stain proofing. It is a solvent base and does not enhance the color of the tiles.) DryTreat INTENSIFIA (This sealer is specifically for enhancing color, it is not a solvent although it does provide stain proofing.)
The tiles should be cleaned using mild soap based detergents (diluted soft soap if available in your market). Repeated cleaning with soft soap will also help maintain a satin finish to the tiles and to an extent acts as a continuous re-sealant.
Depending on the amount of foot traffic the tiles will have to be re-sealed periodically using a penetrating sealer.
Never use acidic cleaners or other acids on cement tiles.
Note: These installation instructions are offered as guidelines only. Motif Tile will not be held responsible for errors, issues or problems due to installation.
Installation:
Motif Tile Inc Printed Marble Pre-Sealed products are intended for interior vertical and low traffic residential flooring installations only. Not for use outdoors in direct sunlight. Please read advisory below regarding using our tiles in wet areas*.
Tile surfaces should be protected from scratches, and should be cared for as you would care for the finish of your kitchen appliances—for example, your microwave, dishwasher, stove, refrigerator, or a wooden floor. Our finishes are tough and durable, but need to be protected from scratching.
Our product is not safe for installation:
*Outdoors
*In submerged wet areas to include pools, fountains, shower floors
*In steam showers or saunas
*Heavy traffic flooring areas
Grouting:
We recommend non-sanded grout. Do not use any metal tools. Instead,use tools that are rubber and plastic. We always advise to test first grouting products. We have not tested every grout products on the market.
Do not use tape any kind 0n products; such as “Blue or White Tapes”
The first step in proper stone care and maintenance is to understand your stone's geological classification and composition. this information will help you to identify what cleaning products to use and how best to care for your natural stone.
Natural stone is categorized into three basic geological classifications by their respective formation processes: Sedimentary, Metamorphic and igneous. Additionally, stones in each category can be either Calcareous or Siliceous.
Calcareous stone is composed mainly of calcium carbonate, a chemical compound commonly found in natural stone, shells and pearls. Calcium Carbonate is sensitive to acidic solutions so mild, non-acidic cleaners are recommended.
Siliceous stone, as the term implies, is one composed primarily of silicates, such as quartz, feldspar, mica, etc. as such, a siliceous stone is generally resistant to most acids found in kitchen settings, although acidic cleaners are still not recommended, as these stones may contain trace levels of minerals that are acid sensitive.
Coasters: Use coasters under all glasses, particularly those containing alcohol or citrus juices.
Trivets: While many stones can withstand heat, the use of trivets or mats is recommended.
Dust Mopping: Dust mop interior floors frequently using a clean non-treated dry dust mop. Sand, dirt and grit are abrasive and can damage natural stone.
Mats/rugs: Mats or area rugs inside and outside an entrance will help to minimize the sand, dirt and grit that may scratch the stone floor. Be sure that the underside of the mat or rug is a slip resistant surface.
Vacuum cleaners: If used, be sure the metal or plastic attachments or the wheels are not worn as they can scratch the surface of some stones.
Spills: Blot the spill with a paper towel immediately. Don't wipe the area, it will spread the spill. Flush the area with water and mild soap and rinse several times. Dry the area thoroughly with a soft cloth. Repeat as necessary.
Cleaning:
• Clean stone surfaces with a neutral cleaner, stone soap, or a mild liquid dish-washing detergent and warm water
• Similar to any item cleaned in your home, an excessive concentration of cleaner or soap may leave a film and cause streaks. Follow manufacturer recommendations.
• Products containing lemon, vinegar or other acids may dull or etch calcareous stones.
• Scouring powders or creams often contain abrasives that may scratch certain stones.
• Highly acidic cleaning products will cause damage to natural stone tile structure and should be strictly avoided.
• Avoid using mops or chemicals with abrasive grit, as this could damage the tiles and surface
• Many commercially available rust removers (laundry rust stain removers, toilet bowl cleaners) contain trace levels of hydrofluoric acid (HF). This acid attacks silicates in addition to other minerals. All stones, including granite and quartzite, will be attacked if exposed to HF.
• Avoid using bleach to clean tiles, as this removes the sealer and exposes tiles to staining
• Sweeping or mopping tiles regularly will help ensure the durability of your floor
• Do not mix ammonia and bleach. This combination creates a toxic and lethal gas
Sealing
Sealing is a common step taken on some stones as an extra precaution against staining. In fact, the sealing products used in the stone industry are "impregnators" which do not actually seal the stone, but more correctly act as a repellent rather than a sealer. Sealing does not make the stone stain proof, rather it makes the stone more stain resistant. When consulting with your stone supplier, you may find that many stones do not require sealing. However, applying an impregnating sealer is a common practice.
Natural Stone Easy to Clean and Maintain! Call your professional stone supplier, installer or a restoration specialist for problems that appear too difficult to handle.
Motif Tile Inc not need any sealing material because we are applying some special treatments before packing in our factory.
Note: These installation instructions are offered as guidelines only. Motif Tile will not be held responsible for errors, issues or problems due to installation.
