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Installation Guidelines
Installation Guidelines
Everything you need know about Maison Surface’s
installation guidelines and maintenance.
Exceptional tilework has a voice. The way it catches the light, how the forms move, the presence it holds in a space. It is an extension of you. It speaks of you.
What should yours say?
In a world where it’s common to settle for an item plucked from a big-box store shelf, Maison believes in better—and that designing your own tile doesn’t need to be daunting or break the bank. Working with our custom team, we’ll help you blend the materials, textures, colors and styles that convey your unique vision.
In the process, you’ll find that, just as exceptional tile sets the tone for a space, we are setting the tone for the future of the industry.
We put the entire process under one roof, delivering the entire design, manufacturing and distribution experience for curated luxury tiles and mosaics.
Step 1
Apply a crack insulation membrane over substrate per the membrane manufacturer’s instruction.
Using a flat side of a trowel to initiate the bond coat, firmly apply the setting material to the substrate.
Step 2
With additional setting materials, use a 1/4″ x 1/4″ V-Notch trowel, comb horizontal, full notches in one direction to establish the proper depth of the setting bed.
*Only necessary if there is translucent glass
Using the flat side of the trowel, flatten the notches to achieve a smooth, consistent setting bed approximately 1/8″ thick.
Step 3
Apply sheets into the setting bed (tile tape side towards you), using light, even pressure to establish contact and eliminate any voids. Apply each subsequent sheet so that grout joins line up and a consistent field is maintained.
**Prior to setting each sheet, check the setting bed for skinning (slight drying of the thin set surface). If skinning occurs, remove thin set and repeat steps 2 and 3. Pay particular attention to the joints between sheets to eliminate any sheet pattern.
Step 4
To achieve a uniform surface:
Glass and small mosaics = tap lightly using a rubber grout
Large pieced mosaics = use a wooden beating block and hammer
*To unify transitions, tap from one sheet to the next.
Step 5
Cure a minimum of 48 hours prior to cleaning and grouting.
*Check setting materials manufactures specifications for recommended curing time.
Step 6
After approved setting time, you may peels the face tape, starting at the corner.
Clean any tape residue with a damp sponge.
Step 7
Use grout mixed per manufacturers instructions. When grout joints are 1/32″ or less, use a non sanded grout. Apply grout with a rubber float, forcing grout into joints until full.
If the mosaic contains both stone and glass (or metal), expect the grout to dry and set faster around the stone. Due to the impervious nature of glass and metal, grout will take longer to set than with more porous materials such as stone.
Step 8
Allow grout joints to take initial set (turn dull). For initial cleaning use clean, dry cheesecloth. This method wicks additional moisture from the grout and avoids washing out the grout joints.
Step 9&10
Allow grout joints to set up a second time (turn dull) and smooth.
For final polishing of excess grout haze use a clean, soft cloth.
Maison Installation Systems
Maison Installation Systems
Customs Surface Preparation
Surface Preparation & Installation: Preparation is the most critical task of any tile or stone installation, with tasks such as leveling floors, patching holes and cracks, and adding sound attenuation. Then, using the right materials and techniques will ensure that your project looks and performs its best. Here’s where to start: Surface Preparation & Installation
Customs Tools For Tile & Stone Installation
Tools for Tile & Stone Installation: Using the right tools makes your tile job easier and more precise. From cutting, marking and prep to setting, grouting, and finishing, we’ve got you covered: Installation Tools
Customs Sealing, Cleaning, Restoring & Problem-Solving Solutions
Sealing, Cleaning, Restoring & Problem-Solving Solutions: Keeping your tile looking pristine will provide long-lasting enjoyment—and our tips can even help you fix stains, remove old finishes, and bring back your tile’s original beauty: Care and Maintenance
Litokol Installation
Litokol Pool Installation
Acknowledgment
Stone is a product of nature and no two pieces are exactly alike. Each piece of stone has unique characteristics that include, but are not limited to: color variation, shading differences, fissures, pits, veining, and fossils, none of which are defects, rather they are inherent characteristics of natural stone. Please take steps to ensure proper blending prior to installation.
All goods must be inspected by customer before acceptance. Your receipt of any goods shall be an unqualified acceptance of and a waiver of any and all claims not made in writing within seven (7) business days after such receipt. No returns will be accepted without written consent. We do not accept returns on special or custom orders, or on opened cartons.
Defect of part of the merchandise shall not be grounds for your rejection of all of such merchandise, or for all of the particular item in which such defect is found, nor shall be it grounds for the cancellation of any undelivered portions of your order. Maison Surface recommends obtaining physical samples or range photos from the current lot available prior to your order. Installation constitutes acceptance.
Sealing
Sealing is an essential step in protecting the beauty and ensuring the longevity of any Maison Surface natural stone product. We recommend sealing all natural stone products with a penetrating sealer.
In addition, we recommend sealing all porous non-polished stones (limestones, tumbled marble, etc.) prior to grouting. This prevents grout from staining or affecting the color of the stone.
As part of a normal maintenance procedure, all Maison natural stone products require re-sealing on a regular basis. Please consult the manufacturer of your sealer product to find out the time frame for re-sealing based on traffic patterns and use.
Cleaning
Stone is a natural product, and care should be taken to protect it from harsh abrasive cleaners and abrasive cleaning tools. Many manufacturers make products formulated specifically for stone care. A word of caution: Take care to avoid “over the counter” stone care sprays that contain phosphoric and glycolic acids, that could etch some polished stone surfaces. Please ask for further assistance in selecting the appropriate product to care for your stone tiles.
