Installation of hand painted ceramic tiles

It is not unusual to find irregularities such as crackling or shade variations within these tiles. This variation is considered to be a desired feature in the product.

These tiles can be used both indoors and outdoors. HAND PAINTED TUBELINE TILES ARE NOT RECOMMENDED FOR HIGH TRAFFIC FLOOR AREAS.  If your hearth is not within a high traffic area then they are suitable for this use.

SUBSTRATES
All substrates should be firmly fixed; flat, clean, dry and free of contaminants such as dust, oi, paint, sealers etc. to ensure proper adhesion. Painted surfaces must be scuffed or sanded for the tile and adhesive to bond correctly. Wet areas need special atention and rquire appropriate substrates (ex. concrete, cement board (compressed sheet), and/or treated plywood. DO NOT USE A COMBUSTIBLE BASE ON THE HEARTH OR FACE WALL OF A FIREPLACE; THIS IS COMBUSTIBLE AND WILL CAUSE A FIRE.

WATERPROOF MEMBRANES
Waterproof membranes prevent leakage of water through to the sub floor framing and/or habitable spaces below. Particular attention must be paid to carrying the membrane up the wall, ouside shower boxes, installation of bond breakers and sealing around penetrations. It is strongly recommended that membrane systems be used in all wet areas. Some systems may involve the use of a primer.

CUTTING
Cuts can be done with either a wet saw or the tiles can be scored and snapped. To cut with a wet saw, tape the area around the desired cut with masking or painter's tape and run the saw through the tape. Remove tape after cut is made. This will create a clean, straight edge and avoid chipping the glaze.

ADHESIVE
Follow the adhesive manufacturer's instructions carefully. We do not recommend one brand of adhesive over another. The adhesive manufacturer's literature will explain if the adhesive product is suitable for interiors and/or exteriors, as well as walls and floors. Most thinset mortars (multi-purpose and polymer modified thinsets) are adequate for installing ceramic tile. A cement-based adhesive is generally suitable on masonry substrates where no movement is anticipated and is recommended when installing tiles around a fireplace. Where slight movement could occur through thermal or pedestrian loads, a modified cement adhesive should be used as a minimum. A 1/4" to 1/8" notch trowel is recommended for most applications.

GROUTING
Select the type of grout you use based on the width of the desired joint. Sanded grout is generally recommended for any grout joint larger than 1/8". Grouts are ordinarily a water mix but where some flexibility may be needed a latex additive or similar product should be used.

SEALANTS
It is not necessary to seal the ceramic tile. However, for glazed tile with a crackle effect it may be necessary to seal or soak the tile in water prior to grouting when using a pigmented grout. We do recommend sealing the grout after installation. Coverage of sealer across the surface of the tile should be minimal, as some sealer products may affect the glaze.

CARE & CLEANING
Hand painted ceramic tiles must be regularly cleaned and maintained to extend their life and beauty. The tile can be cleaned with a neutral mild detergent. Consequently, any spills should be cleaned promptly to lessen the degree of the stain. Do not use abrasive cleaners, powders, scouring pads, steel wood or sandpaper.