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):
- CUSTOM BUILDING PRODUCTS
“Megalite” Crack Prevention Mortar
- Laticrete
“254 Platinum” Multipurpose Thin-Set Mortar
- MAPEI
“Adesilex P10 Premium-Grade, Bright White, Thin-Set Mortar
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
- Prior to grouting, 1-3 coats of grout release may
be applied to make grout clean-up during installation easier. Allow grout release
to set per manufacturer’s instructions. Clean with water until surface is clean.
- A non-sanded grout may be used per manufacturer’s
instructions.
- Grout joints should be packed full and free of all
voids and pits.
- It is very important to continually
clean excess grout from the surface as work progresses, while grout is fresh and
before it hardens. No acids should be used to clean grout haze.
- Use damp sponge for the final clean washing and smoothing
of grout joints.
- After 48 hours of curing, a cleaning solution such
as liquid dish soap and warm water or stone and tile stripper can be used for final
cleaning.
- Consult grout manufacturer’s for their sealing recommendation.
Cutting
- Vihara can be cut with the use of a high quality
wet saw with a diamond blade designed for cutting glass. To prevent rough edges,
glass tiles must be cut in an extremely slow manner.
- Note: Cut tile face up.
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.