SPECIFICATIONS

PRODUCT FEATURES

Pearl Shell Mosaic easily brings an refreshing and natural ambiance to your space while still maintaining a timeless exquisiteness to the space decorated. Ideal for use as an accent strip or kitchen backsplash, striking tone works well with natural element, creating a chic yet timeless look. Each piece can be cut easily that further simplifies installation and enhances design flexibility. Take it home to bring the ethereal beauty of nature effortlessly.

PRODUCT DETAILS

Mother Of Pearl Shell Mosaic Super White Square Tile

INSTALL INSTRUCTIONS

• MATERIAL INSPECTION

We always recommend dry-fitting your pattern first to think about your cuts in advance and to make sure you like the pattern. This will also help you choose which pieces go where, which is especially helpful with tiles that have a lot of variation. Due to the nature of the material and production process no two pieces are exactly alike.
*Always use appropriate personal protective safety equipment when handling, drilling, cutting or grinding pearl tile such as (but not limited to) eye, ear and hand protection.

• SUBSTRATE

Before you start tiling, make sure that whatever surface the tiles are being installed to will be strong and structurally sound. Cement board, concrete or drywall is best, as these surfaces can handle the moisture of the tiling process. Plywood should be avoided, since the wood will warp with the added moisture and it will also be less waterproof, even after tiling.

• INSTALLATION MATERIALS

             Thin-Set

To avoid affecting the color of the tile, white thinset is strongly recommended for all installations.
Apply as much adhesive as can be covered within 10-15 minutes.

             Tools

3/16" or 1/4" square notch trowel should be used when installing our pearl material and ridges should be smoothed down with the flat side of the trowel prior to fixing the tiles in the mortar bed. Tiles larger than 3x3 should be back-buttered with a thin continuous layer of the thin set applied with the flat side of the trowel.

             Drying Time

Pearl tiles are non-porous: the moisture in the setting materials cannot migrate through the pearl and must evaporate slowly through the joints. All setting material, even rapidest mortars need a longer time to cure. Allow thin-set mortar to dry completely for a minimum of 72 hours prior to grouting or otherwise interfering with the fresh installation.

             Cutting

Use a glasscutter (score and snap) with a new diamond wheel for best results when cutting our pearl tiles. Wetting the diamond wheel with oil before cutting will produce the smoothest cuts. In some cases it may be possible to use a wet-saw with a new, continuous rim diamond blade. Do not use turbo or other notched blades designed for use with porcelain or ceramic as the teeth can cause a coarse cut, resulting in a heavily chipped edge. To cut angles without a wet saw or grinder, drill a small hole at the apex of the angle prior to cutting. In most cases, this will allow the use of a score and snap cutter and avoid small cracks that can happen at the angle. Cut edges and corners will be sharp. Always be sure to smooth the cut edges manually with a diamond hand pad or ceramic dressing stone.

• GROUTING

It is recommended to use grout release, then grout the tile, then use a sealant to the tile
Non-sanded grout that is latex or polymer modified and compliant with A118.4 should be used for our pearl material. If sanded grout must be used for technical or aesthetic reasons (such as with mosaics with larger grout joints), gentle application of grout with a soft rubber float is recommended to minimize the possibility of surface scratching. A mock up or testing installation should be executed to ensure results are acceptable.
After grouting, wipe of excess surface grout with a slightly damp sponge - do not over wash. After initial wash has been allowed to haze, wipe once with minimal pressure at a 45-degree angle to joints and rinse sponge after wiping once with each side. Any remaining haze can be buffed off with a dry towel or cheesecloth after grout surface has dried sufficiently. Grout joints should be a minimum of 1/16” and not butt set. Clean excess grout as the work progresses before it has hardened completely. In the event that a grout haze forms, you can use an acid-free remover such as Deterdek to remove it. Acids should never be used for cleaning grout haze.

• CARE AND MAINTENANCE

Mother of Pearl and Pearl Shell tiles must be regularly cleaned and maintained to extend the life and beauty of the tile. The tiles can be cleaned with a neutral mild detergent. Keep surfaces clean from abrasive dirt and do not use abrasive cleaners, powders, scouring pads, steel wool or sandpaper. Do not let soap, bleach or other cleaning solutions set on the surface. Seashells consist primarily of Calcium Carbonate. They will react to acid including vinegar, acidic foods and carbonated beverages.

AFTER-SALE SUPPORT

• EXCHANGE

If the merchandise you ordered were damaged during transportation, please contact with us within 3 days and we will send you a free replacement ASAP.

• RETURN

If the return is the result of quality problem, we'll refund your return shipping costs and order costs. If the return is not a result of Diflart error, the return shipping costs will be deducted from your refund.