OVERALL: These product lines are made with a semi-absorbent talc clay body. With this body particular attention must be paid to the following: 1) installation of an absorbent clay body; 2) usage of matte glazes; 3) extra care required for crackles in wet area.

CRACKLES: To create a crackle glaze, the glaze surface actually develops the cracks, not the tile body. As a result, crackle glazes are more prone to water staining in wet areas.

MATTE: Our matte glazes have a very durable surface that holds up to most abrasion tests. However, some matte glazes are more prone to surface staining. Surface staining may develop when particles get trapped in the “micron size pits” on the glaze surface. Please see the Usage section for more information.

- Follow TCA installation guidelines to prevent water from entering the back or edges of the tile

- Seal cut tile with penetrating sealer prior to installation

- Before grouting, seal all the tile edges with a penetrating sealer after they have been set

- Seal grout with penetrating sealer or grout sealer

- For crackles, use a penetrating sealer to help prevent or delay the effects of water staining. Soaking tile for 5 minute in a penetrating sealer will help to minimize staining. Please note that unsealed tile will stain.

ALL GLOSSIES & CRACKLES: These tiles are intended for use on interior walls and some counter tops. While not rated for counter top usage, glossies and crackles are suitable for light duty counter tops. As with any transparent glaze, scratches may show more easily. If crackles are used in a wet area, staining may result. This can be minimized by following the notes in the Installation & Maintenance section.

ARTISAN & STELLAR MATTES: Intended for use on interior walls as well as some counter tops and floors. Artisan and Stellar mattes are comparable in terms of their high resistance to abrasion. However, Stellar mattes are resistant to staining; Artisan mattes are more prone to staining. Therefore, Stellar mattes are more suitable for medium duty counter tops and floors.

STAR & TRIBECA MATTES: Intended of use on interior walls as well as some counter tops and floors. Star/TriBeCa mattes have a high resistance to abrasion, but may be prone to staining.

Artisan and Stellar mattes were tested by Tile Council of America for abrasion resistance and staining. They are rated class 4 according to ASTM Test C1027 which indicates they are graded for heavy traffic. Based on the staining test (ASTM C1378). Stellar mattes were highly resistant to various staining agents. Artisan mattes were found to be more prone to staining.

Estate Metals are made from a stoneware body. The metal surface is made from a resin epoxy coat that encapsulates the metal over this ceramic body. The surface is not ceramic and therefore tends to be softer. They are actually “living” metals, and will be influenced by all the natural elements that can affect any metal, particularly oxidation.

- Seal the edges prior to grouting.

- Before using an epoxy grout, check with manufacturer’s recommendations, as it may not be suitable.

- We temporarily seal the surface with an acrylic clear matte overcoat. This will wear down over time.

- Clean grout from surface before it dries. Excess grout can scratch surface if it hardens and has to be scrubbed from surface.

- After installation, clean metal tile with a mild solution of anti-bacterial soap or warm water using a cloth or sponge.

- Never use harsh cleaners, abrasive sponges of soft scrub cleaners.

- Clean with mild soap or no - wax spray such as Pledge.

- Surface can be restored with "000" steel wool. This will help to maintain the patina and minimize oxidation. Care should be taken when restoring surfaces, as the metal is a coat on top of a ceramic tile. Too much buffing can result in exposure of the tile body.

- Intended for use on walls

- Do not use painter's masking tape on the metal surface.

- The stoneware body used for Estate Metals did pass freeze-thaw tests for outdoor use. However, metals will oxidize at a more rapid rate if outside

- Do not use in areas where the product will be "submerged" in water (pool lines, etc.) For other areas where the product may be exposed it water indirectly, please note that Estate Metals may oxidize quickly and the surface color will change.

ASTM results not available.

Sonoma Reserve is made from a stoneware clay body that has less than 3% absorption. As a result, it is very strong and also freeze-thaw resistant.

- Texturing created during manufacturing results in a weathered surface which is difficult to remove grout from

- Seal the tile prior to installation with sealer or grout release. This will aid in removal of grout from tile surface

- Grout should be cleaned from tile surface during grout installation. Haze that is allowed to dry may be difficult to remove

- Suitable for outdoor/indoor use based upon freeze-thaw test

- Suitable for pools, except in freeze-thaw areas

- Intended for use on walls, floors and counter tops based upon abrasion resistance. However, due to the textured nature of Sonoma Reserve’s glaze, it may stain and hold dirt when used on floor or counter tops.

Sonoma Reserve was tested by Tile Council of America for breaking strength, abrasion and stain resistance. Test results are as follows” 1) ASTM Test C648: exceed ANSI breaking strength specifications for paver tiles; 2) ASTM Test C1027: rated class 4 and suitable for all residential and some commercial applications based on abrasion resistance; 3) ASTM Test C1378: due to texture, some staining occurred and could not be cleaned. May be difficult to clean as floor/counter top tile.

Tantrum is made from a stoneware body. The glass has been encapsulated and fused to the clay.

- It is very important to use a thin diamond blade to cut Tantrum tiles, not a tile/brick blade.

- Use super glue on cut line to help hold in glass freed from cut

- After installation, surrounding grout will hold glass on cut edges. Clean excess glue off after installation.

- Suitable for wall use, both interior and exterior applications. According to ASTM tests may be used in areas that experience freeze/thaw conditions.

- Suitable for pools, except in freeze-thaw areas

Tantrum tiles were tested by Tile Council of America with the following results: 1) ASTM Test C650: resistant to common household cleaning chemicals and pool chemicals. Best to avoid strong solution acids. 2) ASTM Test C1026: no visible evidence of freeze-thaw damage

Vihara glass tiles are made with the intention that there is variation in shape, texture, hue and shading from piece to piece. Surface folds and wrinkles are inherent to the product. Once properly installed, the beauty of this handcrafted glass is enhanced by such variation.

INSPECTION
Always inspect your tiles before they are installed, as installation of material constitutes acceptance. We strongly recommend the selection of an experienced tile contractor to blend and set Vihara glass. Any questions as to acceptability must be resolved before installation. Sonoma Tilemakers is in no way responsible for the installation of our tiles or thereafter. The responsibility for correct installation rests with the end user.

PAPER FACING
- Please note that Vihara glass tiles are “PAPER FACED” for the ease of installation and for overall appearance. Paper facing is used on Vihara glass because they are transparent or translucent, where mesh backing will not work. Please be certain to mount Vihara glass tiles with the paper facing out, to be removed after the mosaic has been seated into the thin-set. This is done by wetting the paper, lightly sponging, allow a few minutes for water to soak, and then peel off.

Substrate
- Make sure that glass tile is installed over the proper substrate. This is one of the most important factors in ensuring a good installation. Glass tile should be installed over a clean, sound, and flat concrete substrate, with a rubber trowel, free of contaminates including curing compounds. Substrate should be free of cracks and in water areas should be waterproof. If necessary, use the installation material manufacturer’s membrane for crack and water protection. Glass tile is a reflective product; any inconsistencies in your substrate will show up after the tile is installed. For pool and fountains we recommend installing a mortar bed according to TCA P601-07.

Approved surfaces for setting:	Do not install glass tile on:
-Fully cured concrete substrate -Properly installed cement backerboard -Gypsum Board- ASTM C1396/C1396M/Dry Areas Only	-Particleboard -Chipboard -Masonite -Press Wood -Plywood -Asbestos Boards

Adhesives – Mastics
- Organic adhesives (mastic) are considered unacceptable, due to yellowing, lower bond strengths, and the fact that they set or dry by air exposure. Some epoxies may also be unacceptable due to low flexibility, chemical staining, and degradation under UV sunlight exposure.

Thin-Set Mortar Choices
- Choosing the best mortar for the job is important to assure a long-lasting installation. The following (white) Thin-Set Mortars are recommended. (Always consult the manufacturer’s product data sheets for specific installation instructions):


We recommend the use of a bright white thin-set, which allow the true color of the glass to come through. The color of the thin-set will affect the final appearance of the glass color. The most satisfactory results have been achieved in straight-combing the thin-set to the wall, placing the tiles and then “seating” them, by pushing the tiles perpendicular to the combed thin-set, forward then back, rolling the combed thin-set into itself and coating the back of each tile, thus eliminating trowel lines. When first set in place, every effort should be made to smooth the thin-set both vertically and horizontally to minimize trowel lines.

Grout


Cutting


INSTALLATION WITH OTHER SONOMA TILEMAKERS PRODUCT
- When installing Vihara glass with other Sonoma Tilemakers product, fir out backer board behind the Vihara glass with 1/8th inch shims. This will insure that installation is on the same plane.

- Appropriate for use in all residential applications (walls and floors) and many commercial applications. Commercial uses include most vertical and horizontal applications with the exception of medium and heavy duty flooring.

- Suitable for pools and all water area applications including steam showers.

- Suitable for freeze thaw conditions.

ASTM results not available.