Glass Tile Installation Guide

GENERAL INFORMATION
The Glass Mosaic Series may be used for interior and exterior wall and floor applications and
for residential and commercial use. The Stained Glass and Dimensions Series may be used for interior and exterior
wall applications only and for residential and commercial use. Glass tiles are impervious to water and stains, highly
resistant to chemical attack, resistant to fading and discoloration. Variations in color, shade and size are inherent
in all fired glass products. The glass tiles should not be exposed to high abrasion, or extremely heavy impact.
The following recommendations comply with the 2006 TCNA (Tile Council of North America) Handbook
Guidelines.

RECOMMENDED SUBSTRATES
Well cured mortar beds-ANSI A108.1B (cured a minimum of 7 days). Cementitious backer units (CBU)-ANSI A118.9
(Note: An ANSI A108A-2.1.8 membrane is required behind all CBU installations in wet areas. Concrete slabs (on
grade) cured for 28 days minimum. Gypsum board (dry areas only)-ASTM C1396 or ASTM C1396M-04.
NOTE: Directly bonding glass tiles to wood substrates is not recommended. All surfaces to receive tile shall be
left clean, and free of dust, oil, grease, paint, tar, was, curing agent, primer, sealer, adhesive residue, form release
agent or any other deleterious substance and debris which may prevent or reduce adhesion.
Glass tile high expansion and contraction requires the installation of movement joints per EJ171-05, page 68.
 

SETTING MATERIALS
We recommend any high grade flexible mortar system (latex modified) as a setting material for mosaic glass tiles.
For grouts, a premium polymer-modified unsanded grout for joints from 1/16” (1.5mm) to 1/8” (3mm) wide. For
grout lines larger than 1/8” (3mm) wide use sanded grout.
 

INSTALLATION
Mosaic and Platinum Series
1. Mix setting materials according to manufacturers’ instructions.
2. Apply setting materials to the substrate using the notched side of a 3/16” x 5/32” x 3/16” V-notched trowel.
3. Using the flat side of the trowel, smooth out all ridges to achieve a consistent, and voidless coverage.
4. Apply glass mosaics to t roweled material with the PAPER-SIDE FACING THE INSTALLLER.
5. Using a rubber float or equivalent tool, gently press the tile into the adhesive and flatten sheets to each
other to insure complete contact. Do not push the sheets too deeply into the setting materials, as to cause
the setting materials to ooze up between the spaces between the tile.
6. Adjust tile sheets for correct alignment and even spacing between sheets. Do not allow setting material to
dry or skin over before completing this process.
Installation Guide
2007
7. Allow setting materials sufficient time to set (see manufacturers instructions) prior to removing paper.
8. Using a wet sponge, apply warm water to the paper to soften the glue, allowing the paper to release. Avoid
using too much water. Gently peel back the paper.
9. Clean all excess setting materials with a damp sponge. Clean all excess setting materials that may have
remained on the tile surface. Wipe away any haze that may have remained behind.
10. After 24 hours, mix grout, following manufacturer’s instructions.
11. Grout openings between tiles and sheets.
12. Clean all excess grout immediately with a damp sponge.
13. Polish off any remaining haze with a dry cloth or towel.
14. After grouting, protect area from light foot traffic and light water exposure for at least 72 hours. Protect
area from heavy traffic and regular use for at least 7 days.
Stained Glass and Dimensions Series
1. Mix setting materials according to manufacturers’ instructions.
2. Apply setting materials to the substrate using the notched side of a 3/16” x 5/32” x 3/16” V-notched trowel.
3. Using the flat side of the trowel, smooth out all ridges to achieve a consistent, even 1/8” thick coverage.
4. Apply glass mosaics sheets, mesh-side down, firmly into the freshly troweled setting material.
5. Using a rubber float or equivalent tool, gently press the tile into the adhesive to insure complete contact.
Do not push the sheets too deeply into the setting materials, as to cause the setting materials to ooze
up between the spaces between the tile. We recommend leaving at least 2/3 of the tile depth available
for grouting.
6. Adjust tile sheets for correct alignment and even spacing between sheets. Do not allow setting material to
dry or skin over before completing this process.
7. Clean all excess setting materials with a damp sponge. Wipe away any haze that may have remained
behind.
8. After 24 hours, mix grout, following manufacturer’s instructions.
9. Grout openings between tiles and sheets.
10. Clean all excess grout immediately with a damp sponge.
11. Polish off any remaining haze with a dry cloth or towel.
12. After grouting, protect area from light foot traffic and light water exposure for at least 72 hours. Protect
area from heavy traffic and regular use for at least 7 days.