Calacatta Gold Diamond Marble Mosaic Polished

Material Inspection:

• Natural Variations: Marble tiles may have differences in color, pattern, texture, and veining, which are natural characteristics of stone products.
• Inspection: Before starting installation, thoroughly check the tiles for any defects, such as chipped edges or broken pieces. No adjustments can be made after installation begins.

Installation:

• Dry-Fitting: Lay the tiles out in their intended positions without adhesive. This helps you visualize the final layout and plan for any necessary cuts, especially for tiles with variable patterns or veining.
• White Thinset Mortar: To avoid affecting the color of the marble, use white thinset mortar. For faster installation, a rapid curing thinset mortar is recommended.
• Adhesive Application: Apply only enough adhesive to cover what you can work with in 10-15 minutes.
• Grout Joints: Leave a minimum grout joint of 1/16 inch between tiles and avoid placing tiles directly next to each other (butt setting).
• Trowel: Use a 3/16" or 1/4" square notch trowel when installing marble tiles. Before placing the tiles, smooth the adhesive bed with the flat side of the trowel.

Grouting:

• Non-Sanded Grout: Use non-sanded grout to avoid scratching the marble surface.
• Test First: Always test the grout on a small area to ensure the stone won't scratch.
• Full Joints: Fill grout joints completely, ensuring no pits or voids are left behind.
• Immediate Cleaning: Clean excess grout as you work, preventing it from hardening.
• Acid-Free Cleaning: Never use acids to remove grout haze. For final cleaning, use a damp sponge and smooth the grout joints.
• Grout Release: Applying a grout release before grouting is highly recommended to ease cleaning and protect the stone from staining, especially if using a contrasting grout color.

Sealing:

• Post-Grouting Seal: Once the tiles are installed and grouted, seal them with a high-quality breathable stone sealer to minimize water absorption, efflorescence, and staining.
• Color Enhancer: If desired, a color enhancer can be applied after grouting to bring out the marble's natural hues.
• Resealing: Reseal the tiles as needed, especially when the stone darkens, or as part of regular maintenance.

Cutting:

• Wet-Saw: For clean cuts, use a wet-saw with a continuous rim diamond blade designed specifically for marble. Avoid using "turbo" or notched blades, as these can cause chipping.

Care and Maintenance:

• Mild Cleaners: Clean stone surfaces with a few drops of neutral cleaner, stone soap, or mild liquid dishwashing detergent mixed with warm water.
• Rinse and Dry: Rinse the surface thoroughly and dry it with a soft cloth to prevent streaks.
• Avoid Harsh Cleaners: Do not use products containing lemon, vinegar, or acids, and avoid abrasive cleaners that could damage the stone.