Installation

1. Tiles are delivered pre-sealed from factory but additional sealing with a Silane Siloxane or an AQUAMIX penetrating sealer is recommended.

2. For most installations prepare a premium quality factory-blended cement-based tile adhesive with a latex additive, e.g.: Mapei or Laticrete ( or equivalent) product to suit the site conditions. Mix according to the manufacturers recommendations. Some installations may require a non-cement based adhesive. Your adhesive specialist will recommend products to suit your engineer's specification, substrate, laying conditions, tile size, usage, etc. Be sure that the back of the tiles are free from dust prior to installation.

Apply the adhesive with a notched trowel using a scraping motion to work the material into good contact with the surface to be covered. Use a trowel with notches of 5/16" to 5/8" (8 to 15 mm)* and/or as per manufacturer's instructions applying only as much adhesive as can be covered with tiles within 20 to 30 minutes or while the surface is still sticky. When installing Onistone CONCRETE TILES, a small quantity of the adhesive is troweled or scraped (back-buttered) onto the back of each piece. The tile is then set in to ensure 100% full bedding and a true surface. Tiles are aligned to show uniform joints and then allowed to set until firm.

3. The thickness of the adhesive bed will compress down to approx. 1/4" (5 - 6 mm).

4. Clean excess adhesive from the surface with a damp cloth or sponge while it is fresh. Avoid excess water in clean-up.

5. Allow two to three days after tiles are laid before grouting of joints. Once grout has been applied and starts to dry, excess grout must be removed immediately. Remove excess grout with a stiff damp sponge, cleaning the sponge frequently. Avoid excess water in the clean up, as it will weaken the joint. Do not use a harsh chemical (e.g. acid or vinegar) for clean up. For best results use a grout as specified by the adhesive suppliers.

6. Grout joints width should be according to architect's specifications. Grout to approved methods. Joints should be full and free of all voids and pits. Excess grout should be cleaned away and clean floor protected from traffic, (cover with hardboard or equivalent material and keep dry) for appropriate period after installation and grouting. Do not fix duct tape, gaffer tape or other acidic tapes directly on to tile surfaces.