Encaustic cement tiles are hand made to a traditional method from cement, sand, water and pigment. As they are not a mass produced product from a mechanized production line, you need to expect minor colour and dimension variation, some small chipped edges or imperfections. These imperfections are a feature and form part of the attraction to this unique, handmade artisan tile.
Please check your tiles before they are fixed as laying the tiles constitutes acceptance of these handmade characteristics.
These tiles require sealing and care when laying and grouting. It is also suggested that you arrange the tiles and agree the pattern and positioning that you are looking to achieve with your tiler.
FIXING
Please ensure that the surface that you are fixing to is appropriate, either a completely cured concrete slab or waterproofed area. Do not fix over any moisture and ensure that the surface that you are fixing to is flat and completely clean.
Please fix with a solid bed of adhesive, do not spot glue the tiles. Ensure that there is 100% layer of adhesive under every tile. Please ensure that the top surface of the tile remains clean during the fixing process, if any adhesive gets on the top surface we would suggest cleaning it off immediately. Please ensure that the adhesive is fully dry before moving on to the next stages.
Tiles can be cut using a wet saw with a diamond blade.
Tiles should be fixed with a minimum of a 3mm grout joint, as per Australian Standards.
FIRST SEALING
After fixing and once the tiles are set in the adhesive we would suggest applying the first coat of sealant over the top face of every tile. We recommend Sealer’s Choice Gold by Aquamix.
https://www.tiles4less.com.au/aqua-mix-sealers-choice-gold-946ml/
GROUTING
DO NOT USE BLACK GROUT – DARKER SHADES OF GROUT IN GENERAL ARE NOT RECOMMENDED AS THEY COULD STAIN THE TILES. IF IN ANY DOUBT, WE WOULD SUGGEST TESTING FIRST.
When grouting we would recommend working on one square meter at a time. This also means that the grout residue can be thoroughly cleaned off the surface of the tiles immediately. Ensure that the grout is forced down into the joints, filling the joints completely.
If you are fixing in wet areas and/or over underfloor heating, we would suggest using a Grout Booster by Ardex.
Aqua Mix® NanoScrub can be added to the clean-up water to help remove any grout haze if required.
FINAL SEALING
Before applying the final coat of sealant please ensure that the grout is dry and that the surface is dry and thoroughly clean. Finally, the second coat of Sealer’s Choice Gold by Aquamix can be applied over the surface of the tiles and the grout.
AFTER CARE
For general cleaning of your tiles we would recommend Concentrated Stone & Tile Cleaner by Aquamix.
https://www.tiles4less.com.au/aqua-mix-stone-and-tile-cleaner/
Sealing your tiles will help to protect them but we would still be wary of acidic spillages such as red wine or champagne. These need to be cleaned off immediately and refer to the Aqua Mix website if further cleaning is required. https://aquamix.com.au/surfacetype/sealing-encaustic-tiles/
EXTERNAL USE
Please be aware that these tiles can be used externally but they may well fade in the sun over a period. Also, they are not frost resistant.