Stainless Steel Tile Installation Guide

GENERAL INFORMATION
The following recommendations comply with those outlined in the Handbook for Ceramic Tile Installation
published by TCNA (Tile Council of North America). The instructions are provided as a general guide to
installations. Metal Series is not recommended in showers, bathrooms or kitchen floors where puddling
may occur.

RECOMMENDED SUBSTRATES
Well-cured mortar beds cured a minimum of 7 days.
Cementitious backer units required over interior wood sub-floors and walls. Membrane is required behind all
CBU installations in wet areas. Concrete slabs (on grade) cured for 28 days minimum. Gypsum board may
be used in dry areas only on interior walls.
INSTALLING PRODUCT WITH A GRAIN
Diamond Tech’s Metal Series Tiles have an attractive brushed surface. A brushed surface means it has a
directional grain. The directional grain of the tile is indicated with an arrow on the product. It is important to
make sure that all arrows are facing in the same direction when installing this product.
SETTING MATERIALS FOR METAL SERIES™ Tiles
We recommend any premium multi-purpose thin-set mortar modified with polymer, latex or synthetic latex,
compliant with ANSI 118.4 for porcelain tiles. The Metal Series tiles require flexible sealant/caulk be used
anywhere tile work abuts restraining surfaces such as perimeter walls, inside corners, dissimilar floors,
curbs, counters or columns in compliance with the current Tile Council of North America’s guidelines. We
recommend Laticrete’s Tri-Poly Fortified unsanded grout for the joints. Do not use sanded grout as it will
scratch the tile.
SET THE METAL SERIES TILES
1. Mix setting materials according to manufacturer’s instructions.
2. Apply setting materials to the substrate using the notched side of a 3/16” x 5/32” 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 Metal SeriesTM tiles to the freshly troweled material with the MESH-SIDE DOWN (stainless should
be facing installer with all tiles positioned with the grain running the same direction).
5. Using a new clean rubber float, gently press the tile into the adhesive and flatten sheets to each other to
insure complete contact. Never use a float that has previously been used, as it could contain fragments
of thin-set or sanded grout which could potentially scratch the tile. 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 the 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 on the tiles.
8. After 24 hours, mix grout following manufacturer’s instructions.
9. Firmly press grout into openings between tiles and sheets.
10. Clean all excess grout immediately with a damp sponge, making sure to remove all grout from the
surface, polishing off any remaining haze with a dry cloth or towel.
11. After grouting, protect area from water exposure for at least 72 hours.
 

CUTTING/DRILLING
1. Eye protection should always be worn when cutting or drilling metal.
2. Cuts must be made with a wet saw and a new diamond rimmed blade designed to cut porcelain tile.
3. Tile should be cut face up (stainless should be facing installer)
4. Miter cuts are not recommended.
5. Ceramic tile blades are not recommended; the cut is too coarse and tends to create a more ragged edge.
Caution: After being cut, stainless steel tiles can have very sharp edges and burrs. Smooth and dull
edges with a diamond hand pad, tile blade dressing stone or belt sander using silicone carbide belt.
5. To drill holes through the Metal Series™ tile do so with a diamond tipped core bit using a drill with low
speed (250 to 300 rpm). Continually misting the tile and drill bit during cutting is necessary. Maintain only
moderate pressure during this process to keep friction heat low, allow the diamond bit to do the cutting. If
partitions or fixtures are to be attached with anchoring bolts, drill hole 1/8” larger to avoid stress transfer
to the tile.
MAINTENANCE
The Metal Series™ may be cleaned with warm water and soap or a mild detergent. Rinse the surface with clean
water. Wipe with a soft, clean cloth.
Caution: Do not leave detergents containing bleach in contact with the surface. Do not leave cloths, sponges or
any other material soaked in detergents in contact with the surface. Do not use abrasive or scratching products.
Do not use brushes or steel wool. When using products of unknown composition or potentially aggressive
formulations, a small hidden area of the surface should be cleaned first to assess any change in appearance.