Instructions: Cement Tile Installation & Maintenace

Download: Installation_Maintenance_Instructions_Cement_Tile.pdf

Inspecting Your Shipment

Encaustic cement tiles are fragile. Depending on the method and number of times handled, they are susceptible to scratching, chipping and cracking. During shipping, there is always a chance that a small percentage of the tiles will be damaged.

Visible Damage: It is your responsibility as the consignee to note any visible damage on all copies of the proof of delivery or on the driver's hand-held and request an Additional Services Form from the driver noting the damage. Take multiple photos of the damage before the skid is unpacked.

Notify Geon Tile of the damage immediately by emailing [email protected]. Include a description of the damage as well as photos.

Concealed Damage: Must be reported within 24 hours of delivery

Keep all packaging material and notify Geon Tile of damage immediately by emailing [email protected]. Include a description of the damage as well as photos. Please note: Damage not reported within 24 hours will not be covered under freight insurance and will not be eligible for replacement.

Store your tiles in a dry area. Do not let the boxes get wet.

Imperfections

Due to the raw materials and timeless methods of hand-making cement tile, you will receive tiles that will contain slight variations, crazing and edge-chipping. These tiles are perfectly fine to be installed and will give the traditional cement tile finish.

What You'll Need

Grout	Large bucket	Microfibre cloth
Rubber grout float	Sponge	Spacers
1/4" x 3/8" Square notched trowel	Gloves and PPE	Drill with mixing paddle
Thinset	Foam roller and tray	Margin Trowel

You'll also require a wet saw with a diamond blade appropriate for porcelain tile, or a variable speed grinder with continuous rim diamond blade.

Setting Cement Tile

When installation instructions are followed carefully, encaustic cement tile is a great DIY project. For larger or more complicated installations with complicated cuts or major imperfections in the substrate, Geon Tile recommends a professional tile installer. Geon Tile has produced a full series of step-by-step instructional videos outlining the details of each of the steps below. Find these and many other instructional videos below in the related articles.

Prior to installation, remove dust and debris from tiles using a damp cloth.
Install your tile over a suitable and stable surface with a sub floor membrane/substrate. Geon Tile recommends using Schluter Systems Ditra or equivalent.
For wall installations, install using appropriate setting materials that will not allow the tile to slip or sag, or use grout spacers to keep grout spacing consistent.
Geon Tile recommends using a rapid-setting mortar such as Custom Prolite RS, or equivalent.
Follow the adhesive manufacturer's instructions as directed.
Using a margin trowel, be sure to cover the entire back surface of the tile with mortar or adhesive.
Spread the mortar with a notch trowel.
Ensure that when set, all tiles are level, and that no lippage is present.
Do not use a hammer or mallet to set the tiles - only use hand pressure.

Sealing Cement Tile

This is the most important step of your install. You MUST apply two (2) coats as directed. Surfaces to be treated should be free of water, dust and dirt, oil and grease, paint, or other finishes and residues. It is important that the tile is dry. Residual moisture is likely to cause ghosting/whitening and an inconsistent finish. Find the instructional videos below.

NanoSeal GT is a two-coat system.
First Coat: Apply using a foam roller. Load roller and apply to approx. 4 x 4 area in a "V" or "W" spread pattern.
For best results, apply product in thin coats. Thick application may cause surface imperfections and reduce abrasion/stain resistance.
Avoid allowing the product to drip excessively into the grout lines between the tiles.
Second coat can be applied when first coat is dry (20 to 40 minutes).
Second Coat: Apply as above. Let dry/cure for at least 22 hrs prior to grouting the surface.

Grouting Your Installation

Once the sealer has been applied as directed, and has cured, you can proceed to grout your encaustic cement tile. Geon Tile recommends using Custom Prism polymer modified grout (or equivalent) which is an unsanded grout. When sealed properly (as outlined in the steps above) with NanoSeal GT, you can use any colour of grout. Be sure to grout as directed by the manufacturer. Find our instructional videos below.

Wait 22 hours after sealing to grout.
Be sure that tile surface and joints are free from debris prior to grouting.
Do not use any tapes or masking adhesives on the sealed tile when grouting as these may stain the tile.
Apply grout with tile float, holding the float at a 45 degree angle, working diagonally.
Make sure that all the grout joints have been filled and wipe away excess as you go. Let dry for 10-20 min.
Using a damp grouting sponge, wipe tile in a gentle, circular motion to remove excess grout and ensure a smooth consistent grout line. Let dry for 10-20 min. Using circular motions, wipe tile again, turning the sponge after each wipe, using each side of the sponge only once. Rinse sponge often.
Wait another 10-20 minutes or until grout starts to dry. Wipe tile with a damp microfibre cloth to buff away all residual grout from the surface of the tile. Use each side of the cloth only once, rinsing often.

Maintenance: General Care

Properly installed and sealed encaustic cement tile requires little maintenance beyond regular cleaning. Below are a few tips to help keep your tile looking beautiful for years to come.

Wipe up all spills immediately. Allowing fluids to remain on the tile surface for an extended period of time can cause staining.
Keep your tile surface free from dirt to keep abrasive particles from scratching the tile surface.
Only use a pH neutral cleaner such as NeutraClean GT.
Use a damp cloth or mop.
Never use harsh chemicals or abrasives.

Maintenance: Surface Scratches and Stains

When your Geon Tile is sealed (as directed) with NanoSeal GT, you can expect years of use before a new coat of sealer will be recommended. Should your Geon Tile installation become stained or scratched, the following steps will assist you in remediating a small, isolated area. Find our instructional video How to Remove Marks and Scuffs below.