Guide to installing handcrafted cement mosaics

It must be poured at least 4 days in advance. Installing mosaics immediately after pouring is not recommended, as staining may occur.

Install mosaics at the end of a build/remodel. If installed first, they may be stained by carpentry, plumbing, electrical, painting, or masonry work.

Soak mosaics in clean water for 15 to 20 minutes before installation to avoid drawing moisture from the mortar. Important note: once soaked, place them face-to-face standing upright while waiting to install. If the face remains wet in contact with the back for too long, the visible side may stain.

Slight thickness variations are normal, so careful leveling is required. Attention: mosaics are not ground down; they are only polished and shined. Usually, leave a margin of about 4.5 to 5.0 cm from the base level to finished level, considering tile + mortar thickness.

Keep approximately 2 mm between tiles. Mosaic tiles are not rectified flooring. Once installed, sweep and wash before sealing joints using a fluid slurry (water + white cement) so it penetrates all joints. Prefer slow-setting white cement.

After sealing joints with slurry, clean the tile surface immediately. It is very important to leave no residue.

Allow 2 to 4 weeks of drying depending on location, season, ventilation, and floor level. During this period, restrict traffic to avoid stains before polishing.

Once dry, proceed to polish and shine. Mosaics are supplied without polishing/shining because this is normally done after installation. On walls, tables, or counters, use a matte or glossy sealer. On floors, traditional finish is polishing + shine.

Very important: mosaic should be either shined or sealed, but not both.