Installation
Back Buttering
What is back buttering and why is it used?
Back buttering refers to applying a thin coat of mortar to the back of a tile (by using the flat side of the trowel) before placement. This helps improve the contact between the tile and mortar bed, especially for large-format tile, natural stone tile, and glass tile. Back buttering promotes complete and continuous coverage, which is needed for proper tile installation, according to the National Tile Contractors Association (NTCA). Additionally, back buttering helps compensate for any uneven/bowed tiles and helps prevent tile breakage after installation. Back buttering does not fix substrate issues, which is why we recommend using an experienced, professional tile installer.
When is back buttering recommended?
Back buttering should be used for certain tile materials and applications. NTCA recommends a minimum of 80% mortar coverage for dry installations, a minimum of 95% mortar coverage for natural stone interior installations, and 95 – 100% mortar coverage for wet installations.
Wet & Outdoor Applications: Back buttering required, with 95 – 100% coverage
Large-Format Tile: Back buttering required for any tile with one side that measures 15” or greater
Translucent Glass Tile: Back buttering required to achieve consistent color and appearance
Natural Stone Tile: Back buttering highly recommended due to natural porosity of material
Bowed/Uneven Tile: Back buttering highly recommended to ensure proper installation and level surface
Trowel Selection
How does trowel size affect installation?
Trowel size helps determine how much mortar is placed beneath the tile. Large-format tiles usually require trowels with larger notches to help support their weight and achieve the required coverage. NTCA recommends using a trowel size that will provide a minimum of 3/32” continuous mortar thickness. Large-format tile requires deeper trowels. Trowels should not be too large, however: NTCA does not recommend using ½” x ½” square-notch trowel size for large-format tile. Instead, they recommend using a specialized trowel that collapses ridges easier.
In what direction should trowel ridges run?
Ridges should be combed in one consistent direction so the mortar can collapse evenly. The NTCA recommends using straight lines to achieve uniform coverage, especially for large-format and natural stone tile.
Should there be trowel ridges when installing mosaics?
When installing mosaics, the ridges should be knocked down to give a flat surface to set mosaics on without large amounts of thinset bleeding up through the joints.
What about swirling, multi-directional, or spot troweling techniques?
Do not use swirling, multi-directional, or spot troweling techniques. The NTCA has shown that all these alternative troweling techniques do not achieve uniform coverage and contribute to tile breakage after installation.
Thinset
What is the difference between latex modified thinset with dry polymer versus a two part system?
A latex modified (dry polymer) thinset has an additive, pre-mixed in the bag with the cementitious powder. When hydrated, the dry polymer offers flexibility and bond strength to the thin set. A two part latex modified thinset involves the mixing of a liquid latex (aka milk) to a dry powder. Two part systems typically have a greater bond strength and flexibility.
What is the difference between modified and unmodified thinset?
Modified thinset includes added polymers for improved flexibility and bond strength. Unmodified thinset contains cement and sand but requires a separate additive for enhanced performance. Experienced installers select the type of thinset based on substrate, tile material, and project requirements. Ensure that the thinset meets or exceeds the rating set by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).
For natural stone tile and glass tile, we recommend using white mortar.
Types of thinset:
High-Performance Mortars: Meets or exceeds ANSI 118.15
Ardex X77 Microtec White 40 Lb Bag Mortar
Rapid-Set Mortars: Fast-hardening cement-based material with high strength
Ardex N23 Microtec White 40 Lb Bag Mortar Thin Set
Mapei Granirapid Powder White 46 Lb Bag Mortar Thin Set
Epoxy Mortars: Heavy-duty, waterproof composite material ideal for industrial and high-traffic areas, as well as shower floors, pools, and wet areas
Ardex 100% Solids Epoxy Adhesive White Adhesive Epoxy
Large-Format/Heavy Tile Mortars: Polymer-modified mortars designed for heavy tile and large-format tile
Is thinset waterproof?
Thinset itself is not waterproof. Some types offer improved moisture resistance, but they do not replace the need for proper waterproofing systems in wet areas. Epoxy thinsets are nonporous and water resistant.
How thick should thinset be under tile?
The appropriate thickness depends on tile size, trowel notch, and substrate conditions. Installers determine the correct depth to achieve the required coverage beneath the tile. NTCA recommends a minimum of 3/32” continuous thinset thickness.
What setting material do I use for clay-body ceramic tile?
Artistic Tile recommends the use of white thinset for the installation of clay-body ceramic tile. Mastic is only suitable for vertical dry applications.
What setting material do I use for Opera Glass?
Artistic Tile recommends Mapei Kerabond with Mapei Keralastic additive. Please see our Installation Guidelines for complete details.
What setting material do I use for La Leaf Glass?
La Leaf Glass tile may only be installed with Mapei Planicrete W. Please see our Installation Guidelines for complete details.
What setting material do I use for Jazz Glass?
Artistic Tile recommends Mapei Kerabond with Mapei Keralastic additive or equivalent.
What setting material do I use for natural stone?
Artistic Tile recommends Latex-Modified White Thinset for the installation of natural stone. Please verify suitability of your chosen setting material for the installation of natural stone.
What setting material do I use for porcelain?
Porcelain tile has a low absorption rate and requires a latex modified thinset or medium bed mortar, depending on tile size, to achieve bond. Artistic Tile recommends Mapei Kerabond with Mapei Keralastic additive or equivalent, dependent upon tile size and application.
What setting materials should be used for the installation of large format porcelain floor tile?
A latex modified setting material suitable for the installation of porcelain tiles is required in order to achieve proper bond. This may be a thinset or a medium bed mortar, depending on the required depth of the setting bed. Consult your setting material manufacturers instructions relative to your application.
Grout
What is the difference between sanded and unsanded grout?
Sanded grout contains fine aggregate and is often used for wider joints. Unsanded grout is smoother and typically used for narrower joints or materials that can scratch more easily, such as polished stone or glass mosaics.
Sanded Vs. Unsanded Grout?
Sanded Grout: Highly versatile grout with creamy and fluid consistency
Ardex FL Grout 35 Brilliant White 25 Lb. Bag Sanded Grout
Unsanded Grout: High-performance, cement-based grout with ultra-smooth finish
What are the advantages of premixed grout?
Premixed grout does not require mixing. It is ready to use, highly durable, uniform in color, and resistant to mold and mildew. Additionally, it requires no sealing. They are typically polymer based.
Premixed Grout: Ardex DG1 35 Brilliant White 1 Gal Grout
What are the advantages of epoxy grout?
Epoxy grout provides excellent durability, waterproofing, and stain resistance in a material ideal for wet applications. It resists chemicals and stains, while requiring no sealing. Epoxy grout does not crack or discolor.
Epoxy Grout: Ardex WA 32 Baked Terra Cotta 9lb Bag Epoxy Grout & Adhesive
How do I choose a grout color?
Grout color can drastically change the overall look of your tile. For a uniform look, choose a grout that is the same color as your tile. This makes the shape and layout pattern of your tile less prominent, making the overall look seamless. For a bold look, choose a grout that contrasts with the color of your tile. White subway tile with black grout, for example, will make the tile shape and layout pattern stand out more.
The color of your grout will also affect cleaning and maintenance. White and light-colored grout can be more difficult to clean, whereas black and dark-colored grout hides stains more easily.
Dark grout does not work well with certain tile materials and finishes. For crackle-glazed tile or light-colored natural stone tile, dark grout can affect the tile color. For this reason, dark grout should be tested/mocked up before installation. Premixed and epoxy grouts should also be tested/mocked up before installation to ensure compatibility with natural stone tile.
Should I use sanded or un-sanded grout?
Unless otherwise specified by the manufacturer, the choice of sanded or un-sanded grout is determined by the size of the grout joint.
For natural stone tiles and other tiles, the grout joint size specified is a 1/16” (1.5mm) minimum joint and un-sanded grouts are often used.
For porcelain tile un-sanded grout can be used up to 1/8" (3 mm).
For natural stone tile and other tile some un-sanded grouts can be used for joints up to ¼” (6 mm).
Sanded grouts can be used for grout joints from 1/16” to ½” (1.5 mm to 12.7 mm).When working with sanded grout, pay particular attention to not scratch the surface of polished stones or high gloss glass. Always check the manufacturer’s specifications.
What is the advantage of star quartz grout?
Star Quartz is a Urethane based grout that has no pigments in it. This product is easy to apply and stain resistant.
What is the grout joint should I be using?
This varies by product. The more irregular in size and thickness the product is, the larger the required joint for a successful installation. Be careful when setting products, especially glass, with a tight joint, as this may not accommodate expansion and contraction. Once you decide on the grout joint size to utilize, it is advisable to prepare a mock up to test functionality.
What is a ‘soft joint’ and where are they used?
A joint that is filled with flexible sealant (caulk) and not grouted. Also known as Movement Joints, they are a requirement in every tile installation. See the TCNA Handbook for Ceramic Tile Installation, EJ171-09. Soft Joints have become critical for the success and longevity of a tile installation, and should never be omitted.
How do I remove grout haze from my tile installation?
You should immediately contact your tile installer to rectify the problem. If he or she is unable, there are stone and tile care professionals who should be consulted. Depending on the tile or stone you have, there are many possible solutions.
Surface Preparation
What is skim coating?
Skim coating involves the application of a thin layer of setting material to the back of an intricate tile or other item. Unlike back buttering, when skim coating the thin layer is allowed to cure overnight, providing a more rigid, easier to handle piece.
How should backerboards be adhered when used on the floor?
Backerboards should be screwed and glued to an approved sub-strate, according to the backer board manufacturer''s directions.
Can ‘green board’ be used in wet area?
No, green board is not approved by building codes as a tile backer in wets areas.
Wet Areas & Shower Installation
Are there special instructions for the installation of a shower pan?
Absolutely! Installers should consult the TCNA Handbook. All details as outlined in the handbook should be adhered. A leading cause of shower installation failures is the failure to pre-slope the shower pan prior to the installation of the pan liner. This, in conjunction with the proper protection of weepholes, will allow for proper drainage of the shower.
What are weep holes?
These are holes in the drain assembly designed to allow the evacuation of water that penetrates the tile work down to the pan liner. A properly installed shower pan should be pre-sloped, directing sub-surface water to the weep holes, which should be protected with crushed tile or stone during the installation process so that they do not become clogged.
What is the required ceiling slope in a steam shower?
According to the TCA Handbook for Ceramic Tile Installation: 2 inches per foot, in order to prevent condensation from dripping onto the shower occupant.
Mosaic Installation
Are there any special instructions for the installation of my mosaics?
Yes, perhaps many! First, you must determine the type of material you are working with: stone, glass, ceramic, porcelain, and any specific requirements regarding setting materials. Than, you must determine how the mosaic is assembled - face mounted (tape or paper) or mesh mounted (paper, fiberglass, dot mounted, etc). It is imperative to determine which is the finished face of the product prior to proceeding. It is important when working with mosaics to get an adequate bond, but not use too much setting material to cause squeeze through into your joints. Make sure to consult the instructions regarding the required cure period prior to removal of any face mounted tapes or papers.
Sealing & Protection
Is there a difference between a sealer and an enhancer?
Yes. A sealer acts to protect a stone, while an enhancer acts to increase the intensity of the natural color within a stone. Enhancers typically perform best on tumbled or other antiqued surfaces, and may also offer a level of protection similar to a sealer. Sealers should not change the appearance of your stone if properly applied. It is advisable to always test your sealer or enhancer on a left over piece or in a hidden area to ensure desired results.
Standards & Technical Resources
What is the TCNA handbook?
Published annually by the Tile Council of North America, the TCNA Handbook for Ceramic Tile Installation is the industry guide for installation practices. Visit www.tileusa.com to purchase the latest edition.
Cutting Natural Stone
How do I cut Azul Macaubas?
Azul Macaubas is an extremely hard quartzite, that requires a saw blade specifically designed for a material of this type, copious amounts of water, and tremendous patience to cut at a slow speed.
Product Resources
Where can I view a catalogue of all your products?
We're happy to offer you our entire product catalogue here: Product Literature.