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GLASS STUDIO
INSTALLATION GUIDE, RECOMMENDATIONS AND FAQ
2013
PLEASE READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY PRIOR TO INSTALLATION
GLASS STUDIO
LA CRISTALERIA - GLASS STUDIO
La Cristalería is a glass studio dedicated to design and manufacture luxury handmade glass tiles, cut and assembled by
Mexican Artists. Each tile is carefully back painted and fired in a kiln, providing high quality and exclusive designs.
Our unique and innovative glass tiles are personalized to suit our clients needs for more personalized and creative projects, fitting
perfectly for indoor, outdoor, public or private settings.
MATERIAL INSPECTION
›› The client or installer is responsible for determining the acceptability of the product prior to installation. Upon delivery of your order,
open and inspect each box of tile. Installation constitutes acceptance of material.
›› For mesh back tiles, verify sheet-to-sheet color consistency by laying them adjacent to one another and comparing the face portion
of the mosaic tiles.
›› Due to the handmade artistic nature of our products, variation in color, shade, tone and size is to be expected. Wrinkles and bubbles
are inherent to our glass manufacturing process.
›› Variations in color may occur in all hand made fused glass tiles; materials ordered separately may not match. All materials to be
installed in one location should be ordered together.
›› The glass tiles should not be exposed to high abrasion, or extremely heavy impact.
›› Glass tiles are impervious to water and stain.
RECOMMENDATIONS
*We highly recommend to hire a professional installer for the application of our products.
›› The following recommendations comply with the TCNA (Tile Council of North America) Handbook Guidelines.
›› 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, wax, curing agent, primer, sealer, adhesive residue, form release agent or any other deleterious
substance and debris which may prevent or reduce adhesion.
›› Special care should be taken with clear pieces to avoid trowel lines and air bubbles.
›› NO organic materials is recommended for this installation such as Mastic (Adhesive).
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GLASS STUDIO
›› Glass tile expands and contracts more than ceramic and porcelain tile. This movement needs to be accommodated in the
installation, particularly where temperature changes may occur. Be sure to use caulked joints on all inside corners where walls
intersect, especially in showers, backsplashes and cook top areas, our recommended joint separation is 1/8”. This recommendation
is standard installation procedure though frequently ignored with ceramic tile but it’s critical with glass tile installation.
INSTALLATION
MESH-BACKED MOSAIC TILES
1. Mix setting materials according to manufacturers’ instructions.
Note: We recommend using:
››
White silicone from Dow Corning [Trademate - Tub, Tile & Ceramic Silicone Sealant]
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. Each piece should be “backbuttered” with a thin, continuous layer of the silicone.
5. Apply glass mosaics sheets, MESH-SIDE DOWN, into the freshly troweled setting material.
GROUTING MESH-BACKED PLAIN MOSAIC TILES
[Styles: X, X HP and Patterns]
1. After 24 hours, check the condition of the installation to see if it’s ready for grout.
2. For mesh-backed plain mosaic tiles we recommend using unsanded grouting to avoid scratches on the surface.
3. Grout openings between tiles [Mix grout, following manufacturer’s instructions]
4. Clean all excess grout immediately with a damp sponge.
5. Polish off any remaining haze with a dry cloth or towel.
6. 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.
GROUTING UNEVEN MESH-BACKED MOSAIC TILES
[Styles: Steps, Square and Brick]
1. After 24 hours, check the condition of the installation to see if it’s ready for grout.
2. For uneven individual mosaic tiles we recommend using sanded grouting to get the correct and proper consistency.
3. Grout openings between tiles [Mix grout, following manufacturer’s instructions]
4. Apply grout with a grout bag and smoth with a 1/8’’ trowel to desire depth.
5. Clean all excess grout immediately with a damp sponge.
6. Polish off any remaining haze with a dry cloth or towel.
7. 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.
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GLASS STUDIO
INDIVIDUAL GLASS TILES
1. Mix setting materials according to manufacturers’ instructions.
Note: We recommend using:
››
White silicone from Dow Corning [Trademate - Tub, Tile & Ceramic Silicone Sealant]
2. Use a 3/16” square-notched trowel to apply setting materials.
3. Smooth the trowel ridges in the thin-set using the flat edge of the trowel before setting the tile or the mortar ridges may show through.
4. Additionally, each piece should be “backbuttered” with a thin, continuous layer of the silicone.
5. After tile application, use 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.
7. Allow setting materials sufficient time to set - see manufacturers instructions Dow Corning [Trademate - Tub, Tile & Ceramic Silicone Sealant].
8. 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.
GROUTING PLAIN INDIVIDUAL MOSAIC TILES
[Styles: Chess, Net, Aqua]
1. After 24 hours, check the condition of the installation to see if it’s ready for grout.
2. For grouting plain individual mosaic tiles we recommend using unsanded grouting to avoid scratches on the surface.
3. Grout openings between tiles [Mix grout, following manufacturer’s instructions]
4. Clean all excess grout immediately with a damp sponge.
5. Polish off any remaining haze with a dry cloth or towel.
6. 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.
GROUTING UNEVEN INDIVIDUAL MOSAIC TILES
[Styles: City, Block, Sticks]
1. After 24 hours, check the condition of the installation to see if it’s ready for grout.
2. For uneven individual mosaic tiles we recommend using sanded grouting to get the correct and proper consistency.
3. Grout openings between tiles [Mix grout, following manufacturer’s instructions]
4. Apply grout with a grout bag and smoth with a 1/8’’ trowel to desire depth.
5. Clean all excess grout immediately with a damp sponge.
6. Polish off any remaining haze with a dry cloth or towel.
7. 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.
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GLASS STUDIO
CUTTING GLASS TILES
›› We highly recommend that cuts be made with a wet saw and a NEW diamond rimmed blade designed SPECIFICALLY to cut glass
(we recommend the MK-215GL). Slowly push the tile into the blade.
›› Note: Pushing too hard or cutting too fast may cause the glass to chip. Ceramic tile blades are NOT recommended; their cuts are
too coarse and tend to chip tile surface of the glass. To finish the edge, smooth with a diamond hand pad, tile blade, dressing stone
or wet and dry sand paper (280 - 400).
CARE AND CLEANING
›› To derive long lasting pleasure from your product and to preserve its attractive appearance, please do not use scouring agents,
abrasive sponges, hydrochloric acid, vinegar (acetic acid) cleaners and ammonia or metal silicates. A proper maintenance program
is critical to ultimate customer satisfaction.
›› A damp sponge is typically sufficient to keep the tiles clean. Also we suggest using a mild, non-abrasive pH neutral cleaner such as,
Stand-off PH Balance Cleaner, Miracle Sealants Tile and Stone Cleaner.
F.A.Q
›› What issues should I be aware of when preparing a surface for a glass tile installation?
A. Make sure that all substrates are level, dry, and clean. This is very important for the long-term health of the structure and the overall
performance and look of the glass tile you’ve chosen to install. Sandpaper the area to clear it of any residual materials which might affect
how well the tile will bond with the substrate. Generally, glass tile will adhere to nearly any type of material – wood, metal, plasterboard,
more. The key to success, after the substrate has been prepared, is choosing the right kind of adhesive, we recommend using white
silicone from Dow Corning [Trademate - Tub, Tile & Ceramic Silicone Sealant]
›› How long does glass tile last?
A. Glass tile is a very durable material with few limitations as far as wear. With regular cleaning, your glass tile can last as long as your
entire property.
›› Can I use glass tiles outside?
A. Yes. Glass tiles, like windows, work well outdoors. They are non - absorbent, and have a very high tolerance to freeze/ thaw conditions.
They are also very resistant to acid rain and the fading caused by ultra violet rays and chemicals. Like any glass, they should be installed
away from places of violent or sharp impact.
In all cases, proper construction methods must be observed, such as installation over stable substrates, the use of flexible thinsets, proper use of expansion
joints and crack suppression membranes. Consult your manufacturer for details.
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GLASS STUDIO
›› Can I use glass tiles on floors?
A. Our tiles are not recommended on floors because of their uneven designs.
›› Can I use mastic to install glass tiles?
A. We do not recommend Mastic adhesives. When Mastic is applied between glass tiles and a substrate, the area around the edge of
the glass tends to dry and seal in the (moist) mastic that lies directly beneath the tile. Glass tiles are not porous, so this moisture remains
trapped; the mastic can remain soft and moist almost indefinitley. Behind clear tiles, this phenomenon results in more than a bonding
issue - mold can grow and the tiles can visibly discolor.
Ask Us, About Glass Tile, “http://www.aboutglasstile.com/en/askusPG.php”
Note: We recommend using:
›› White silicone from Dow Corning [Trademate - Tub, Tile & Ceramic Silicone Sealant]
Any questions or concerns contact us at info@lacristaleria.com
to give a better attention to your installation.
Thank you!
White color it’s the best for glass tiles!
While the information given above is correct to the best of our knowledge, it is nevertheless purely indicative and must always be verified beforehand.
Before using the product, always ascertain whether or not it is suitable for the application. Users assume all responsibility for damage resulting from incorrect use.
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