Ceramics

----- Read this guide, IN FULL, prior to beginning any installation of ceramic tile -----

To ensure proper installation based on unique project and/or site conditions, clients are responsible for hiring a skilled installer that has experience in installing and sealing ceramic tile. Zia Tile is not responsible for installation, ongoing care, or issues arising after receipt and installation of product. If client’s installer deviates from the instructions or recommendations below, this may result in costly and undesirable outcomes.

REVIEWING YOUR ORDER

• Please inspect your order thoroughly, upon receipt. Zia Tile cannot be held responsible for tiles that have already been installed.
• To account for cuts, pattern, inherent variation in high fired ceramics, and potential breakage in transit, it is strongly recommended that all orders include a minimum of 10-15% overage to avoid costly add-on shipping and schedule delays.
• Due to the inherent color variation of high fired ceramics, it is very important to blend the tiles from all boxes in your order and verify layout before beginning your installation.

INSTALLATION

REQUIRED MATERIAL

For placing the tiles:

• Sponge
• Bucket
• 3/16” tile spacers
• High quality medium-bed thin set mortar
• Trowel
• High quality sanded grout
• Grout float
• Water-cooled tile saw with diamond edge blade or snap tile cutter

For cleaning and sealing ceramic tiles:

• pH neutral cleaner such as Miracle Sealants Heavy Duty Cleaner (Acid Substitute)
• Penetrating Sealer - 511 Porous Plus Sealer from Miracle Sealants is required for matte finish ceramics to act as a grout release to avoid grout haze and staining.
• Paint roller, paint tray, sponge and water bucket - Lint-free cotton cloth

For commercial and/or wet areas:

• If installing on a flooring surface in a wet or commercial area, slip resistance can be increased by increasing grout joint size and/or applying an anti-slip product after installation is complete. Always consult with your licensed installer on slip specific questions prior to installation and note that Matte Ceramic tile has a DCOF rating of 0.74, Satin Ceramic tile has a DCOF rating of 0.45 and Glossy Ceramic tile has a DCOF rating of 0.3. See product spec sheet for additional information.

Tile Finishes:

• Matte: Agave, Citron, Iconic Blue, Ironwood, Linen, Pink Dahlia, Portland Grey
• Satin: Alpha White, Cosmic Black, Eucalyptus, Field Thistle, Moonlight, Pacific Blue, Sequoia, Wild Fig, Tangelo, Juniper, Balsam, Bonsai, Fuji
• Gloss: Alabaster White, Ethereal Blue, Kelp Forest, Ponderosa, Nagano
• Before beginning installation, blend tile from all boxes in your shipment, lay out the tile in the installation area and ensure any variation is distributed evenly.
• Prior to installation, clean any dust from shipping and residue with a pH neutral cleaner and soft cloth.
• The underlayment must be uniform and in good condition, a high-quality medium-bed thin set is sufficient to set ceramic tiles. Cement board or backer board are the most standard substrates. Waterproof underlayments are necessary for wet areas.
• Evenly apply the thin set mixture to the underlayment using a trowel. Wet the back of each tile with a sponge before applying the adhesive to the back of each tile, making sure to apply the mixture in the same direction in order to prevent air pockets from forming.
• Lay ceramic tile in accordance with the drying time required for the thin set used, pressing the tiles into place. Ensure the tiles are perfectly flat during installation.
• Place in small sections, no larger than 2’x2’, at a time and immediately wipe off any residual thin set from the surface of the tiles. Grout can be incredibly difficult to remove without damaging the tiles if left too long.
• Consistent open joints should be allowed for desired spacing - 3/16” recommended and the minimum is 1⁄8”.
• All saw cuts must be made with a water-cooled tile saw or snap tile cutter.
• After the tiles have been laid, allow the thin set at least 48 hours to cure before sealing and grouting.
• All matte finish ceramic tiles must use a sealer as a grout release to avoid grout haze and staining. Use a pH neutral cleaner before sealing. Use of acidic cleaners will damage the tiles and should be avoided.

For matte finish ceramics only:

• After laying the tile and prior to grouting, apply 511 Porous Plus penetrating sealer in a thin layer over the surface of the tile, wiping off any excess sealer before it dries. Do not over-seal, thick or excessive application of sealant can dry unevenly and result in an undesirable waxy film on the surface of the tiles. Allow sealer to cure, typically 24-48 hours; always follow the sealant manufacturer’s application instructions.
• Using only a high-quality sanded grout, fill in the gaps between the tiles with a rubber grout float. Grout in small areas, no larger than 2’x2’, at a time. DO NOT grout the entire installation at once, as the tiles can stain from excess grout that is extremely difficult to remove later. Instead, grout small areas and immediately remove any excess grout with a trowel before moving onto the next area.
• Allow the grout to cure, usually 48 hours.
• Clean the tiles with pH neutral detergent, removing any residual mortar or debris. Never leave spills, drips, footprints, or any other marks on the tiles prior to sealing.
• ALWAYS cover the tiles with durable paperboard during and after installation to prevent damage and/or staining of the tiles until construction is complete.

TRIM

• Ceramic tiles can be mitered on the edge or clients can use finished edge pieces such as Schluter strips

ONGOING MAINTENANCE

CLEANING

• Promptly clean up any spills, especially oil and grease. Un-cleaned spills can cause stains.
• Tile can be wiped with warm, clean water and a pH neutral cleaner.
• Ceramic tiles should be cleaned using pH neutral cleaners ONLY. Use of acidic cleaners will damage the tiles. For regular cleaning, we recommend Miracle Sealants pH Neutral Tile and Stone Cleaner. For heavier stains, we recommend Miracle Sealants Heavy Duty Cleaner (Acid Substitute).

INSTALLATION SAFETY

Installers should always wear a protective face covering (e.g., dust mask) and eye protection when unpacking, cutting and installing Zia Tile products as well as working with the mortar, sealants, grout and other materials associated with the tile installation process in accordance with California Prop 65. WARNING: Cancer and Reproductive Harm - www.P65Warnings.ca.gov. If extensive cutting is required during installation, Zia Tile recommends this work be done outside or in a well-ventilated area. Finally, always be sure to wash your hands well with soap and water after working with tiles and before eating.

VARIATION SCALE