Welcome to the installation information section of the EglassTiles web site, here you can learn the step by step process for installing our selection of tiles!

NOTE: This is merely a how-to guide and should only be considered and informational resource and suggestions by the dealer. The writer and publisher of this article is not responsible for any mis-installation, misuse, errors or damaged caused by the direct or indirect use of the content in this article.

Glass Tiles

Tools Recommended:

• Glass Tiles
• Tile adhesive
• Trowel
• grout
• float (Gum Rubber Float or Green Epoxy Float)
• Level
• Oversized Hydraphiliated polyester sponge
• Clean bucket
• Glass Mosaic Tile Nippers/wheel or diamond wet saw

Materials Recommended:

• White mortar with latex
• Do not use multi-purpose or regular thinset mortars or any type of mastic as this may result in failure.
• Sanded grout is (recommended for packing the larger grout joints between the tiles)

Preparation:

• You want to make sure that the surface to be tiled is dry, clean, treated for moisture and dimensionally stable
• If you are installing the tile in a wet location like a shower you must use a waterproof membrane.
• If Tiling a backsplash, make sure all switch plates and electrical covers are removed
• Prepare the walls where you plan to place your tile by removing any wallpaper or other building material.
• Make sure to remove all of the debris from the walls before you begin installing the glass tile
• Find the center point of the tile area and draw an intersecting chalk line to indicate the center of your first row

Installation:

• Dry fit the glass tiles if you are using larger tiles by placing the first row without adhesive, beginning with the center tile
• Mix thin set

• Trowel thinset on wall with a rubber or epoxy float to ensure thinset is applied smoothly so that peaks don’t show through the back of that tile
• It is important to back butter the back of the tile to get maximum coverage

• Make sure to not overbuild the thinset under the glass – this will make the finished surface uneven and increase the possibility that the thinset will shrink as it dries

• Lay all the tile STRAIGHT to ensure an even fit

• Any spaces that need to be tiled but are smaller than the square foot provided, cut carefully with glass nippers, wet saw or glass wheel

• After tile is set, Use a grout float and apply the grout and smooth it into the crevices around the tiles
• Clean the surface with a damp sponge and water to remove excess grout

• Apply grout sealer if necessary

• In submerged areas like swimming pools or fountains, Allow a minimum of 28 days curing time after grouting before applying

Stainless Steel Tiles

Tools /Materials Recommended:

• Stainless Steel Tiles
• Acrylic tile Adhesive
•  tileSpacers (1/8 inch or less)
• 1/8-inch V-Notched Trowel
• Gloves
• Safety Glasses
• Dust/face Mask
• Acrylic Caulk or Non-Sanded Grout
• Metal File or Sandpaper
• Nylon Scrub Brush
• Circular Saw with Metal-Cutting Blade
• Clean sponge or cheesecloth towel
• Clean bucket

Preparation:

• You want to make sure that the surface to be tiled is dry, clean, treated for moisture and dimensionally stable
• If Tiling a backsplash, make sure all switch plates and electrical covers are removed
• If you are installing the tile in a wet location like a shower you must use a waterproof membrane.
• Prepare the walls where you plan to place your tile by removing any wallpaper or other building material.
• Make sure to remove all of the debris from the walls before you begin installing the  tile
• Find the center point of the tile area and draw an intersecting chalk line to indicate the center of your first row

Installation:

• Prepare your mortar / adhesive as instructed on the package. Using the flat side of a V-notch trowel, firmly apply the adhesive onto the surface.
• Work in small areas to prevent the adhesive from drying out. Form rows of ridges by dragging the notched side of the trowel through the layer of adhesive
• With light, even pressure, press the first tile into the adhesive. If desired, use tile spacers between the sheets of tile
• Continue mounting tile in a straight even pattern, Apply subsequent sheets lining up the grout joints from one sheet to another
• Any spaces that need to be tiled but are smaller than the square foot provided, cut carefully with Circular Saw with Metal-Cutting Blade , finish off with a metal file or sandpaper for an even finish
• If your tile is covered in a protective paper covering, wet it a few times over and gently peel it off- After a 10-15 minute period. If your tile is covered in protective plastic, simply peel the plastic off
• 24 Hours after setting tile, use a nylon brush to scrub off excess adhesive from protective plastic or paper, then wipe with a damp sponge
• Mix non sanded grout or acrylic caulk according to instructions, apply grout with a rubber float
• After 1-2 hours, use a cheese cloth towel or moist sponge to remove excess grout from the top of the tile After 12- 24 hours, the grout should typically be cured- use a clean cloth or sponge to wipe the excess grout film off the tile. Use an industrial alcohol cleaner to remove any excess glue from the surface of steel mosaic tile

Ceramic Tiles

Tools /Materials Recommended:

• Tile Spacers
• Adhesive such as thin set or mastic
• Sanded grout for joints greater than 1/8” ,Non-sanded or wall grout for joints
• Level
• Rags
• Sponges
• Clean Bucket
• Notched trowel
• Grout Float
• Tile Cutters/wet saw
• Tile Nippers
• Safety Glasses
• Putty Knife
• Concrete Board for leveling floor

Preparation:

• You want to make sure that the surface to be tiled is dry, clean, treated for moisture and dimensionally stable
• If Tiling a backsplash, make sure all switch plates and electrical covers are removed
• If you are installing the tile in a wet location like a shower you must use a waterproof membrane.
• Prepare the walls where you plan to place your tile by removing any wallpaper or other building material.
• Make sure to remove all of the debris from the walls before you begin installing the glass tile Find the center point of the tile area and draw an intersecting chalk line to indicate the center of your first row

Installation:

• Arrange and layout your tile pattern exactly how you want it to appear on the wall, this will avoid mistakes and save time
• Prepare your mortar / adhesive as instructed on the package. Using the flat side of a V-notch trowel, firmly apply the adhesive onto the surface.
• Work in small areas to prevent the adhesive from drying out. Form rows of ridges by dragging the notched side of the trowel through the layer of adhesive
• With light, even pressure, press the first tile into the adhesive. If desired, use tile spacers between the sheets of tile
• Continue mounting tile in a straight even pattern, Apply subsequent sheets lining up the grout joints from one sheet to another
• Any spaces that need to be tiled but are smaller than the square foot provided, cut carefully with tile cutter or wet saw
• After you have applied all of your tile to the wall or floor, WAIT 24 HOURS before grouting
• Mix the grout according to the instructions, remember to use Sanded grout for joints greater than 1/8” ,Non-sanded or wall grout for joints
• After mixture is complete, Spread grout over the tile, allow to set for around 15 minutes
• After 15 minutes remove excess grout from joints using a damp sponge
• Wipe away excess grout residue from surface of tiles

*Tip – if installing both wall and floor tile, install wall tile first- Installing floor tile early in the job makes it susceptible to scratches, chips or other damage as you work on the wall tile above