Elon® ALWAYS recommends that all installations be done in accordance with local building codes and adheres to Tile Council of North America specifications.
The etching process achieves a surface cut or abrasive pattern on a stone surface.
Preparation
Prior to installation of Natural Etched Stone:
- Open and inspect all etched stone cartons.
- All cartons should be opened, and material should be separated to allow the installer to layout all pieces and blend them together to give the final installation a uniform color blend, known as "Dry Laid."
- On large jobs, blend material from multiple pallets during Dry Laying.
- DO NOT set etched stone with a “Butt Joint”. For mosaic grout joints, match the manufactured joint found on the mosaic sheet.
- For grout joints 1/16”- 1/8” width, use Unsanded Grout.
- For grout joints 1/8”- 5/8" width, use Sanded Grout.
Installation
When installing Natural Etched Stone:
- Use white thinset for light-colored natural stone.
- Grey thinset may show trowel ridges or shading through the etched stone, affecting the finished installation color.
- On natural etched stone with mesh backing, always use quality Latex Modified Thinset for proper adhesion to the mesh.
- Many manufacturers recommend using latex modified thinset for marble rather than mastics, which may stain and discolor many natural stones.
- Always follow manufacturers' Limitations and Instructions.
- Test for compatibility.
- When used in showers or tubs, Etched Stone should never be set with the bottom course extending into the shower base or tight to tub lip. Always leave a minimum gap of 1/4” above and perpendicular to the floor or lip of the tub or shower base and use a waterproof flexible sealant where they meet per TCNA specification B412-23.
- Prevents water from wicking up the body of the etched stone, causing discoloration.
- For etched stone shower floors, recommend installations with a Complete Water Management System (e.g., Bonded Waterproof Tiled Shower Assemblies - Schluter) instead of Traditional shower installations (Mud job).
Grouting
Grouting Natural Etched Stone:
- Pre-Sealing etched stone before grouting is a MUST.
- The use of products like Aqua Mix's Grout Release or pre-sealing marble prior to grouting helps prevent pigments in grout colors from staining the etched pattern.
- Easier cleanup of grout residue from the etched pattern.
- When using High-Performance grouts, ones which don't require that the joint be sealed, natural stone should be pre-sealed prior to grouting with 2 coats of products like Aqua Mix's Sealers Choice®, Enrich n Seal or Grout Release. This will minimize the polymers in the grouts from discoloring the natural stone.
- When using Epoxy, Urethane, Sanded or Unsanded grout, always conduct a test sample first to determine compatibility with the stone.
- Always confirm the finished look of the grouted product; some grout colors may affect the finished look of etched stone.
- Test samples before grouting.
- Grouting etched material will require approximately twice the amount of grout compared to a honed finish.
- When removing excess grout, multiple diagonal washings following the grain of the pattern are needed.
Prior to Sealing of Finished Work
Remove any excess grout residue from Natural Etched Stone:
- A soft bristle nylon scrub brush may be required to remove grout residue from the etched pattern.
Sealing Finished Work
Sealing Natural Etched Stone and Grout Joints after installation:
- Use a high-quality penetrating sealer like Aqua Mix® Sealers Choice® Gold for the stone's natural color.
- Color-enhancing sealers on natural etched stone may blend the contrasting color of the etched pattern with the natural stone color, giving a less desirable look.
- Test samples first.
- When sealing natural etched stone, apply each coat in a different direction (e.g., first coat Left to Right, second coat Front to Back).
- Multi-sided or 6-sided sealing of material 48 hours before installation will help minimize darkening of Marble on shower floors caused by water absorption and reduce the formation of effervescence and rust.
- Use on material in areas with excessive moisture exposure: shower floors, marble walls along the base of the shower or tub flange, soap niches.
- As per National Tile Contractors Association Reference Manual, Custom, or Mapei technical articles.
Common Problems
Common problems in Natural Etched Stone:
- Stain Removal:
- Sealing etched stone helps reduce staining.
- Always clean up spills promptly.
- Minor stains can be removed using a Product like Aqua Mix® Poultice Stain Remover per the manufacturer's directions.
- Etched Stone will not have perfectly uniform grout joints due to the placement of the etched pattern design.
- This is a characteristic of Etched Patterned material.
- Always inspect material for uniform thickness before installation.
Installation is Acceptance
This Tile Installation Guide provided by Elon® Tile & Stone is intended solely for educational purposes. Users must understand that the information herein is not a substitute for professional advice. Elon® Tile & Stone does not assume any responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or outcomes resulting from the application of the guidelines provided. Users utilize this guide at their own risk. It is imperative to consult with qualified professionals and adhere to specific product guidelines for optimal results. Elon® Tile & Stone, its employees, and affiliates expressly disclaim any liability for direct, indirect, or consequential damages arising from the use of this guide.
For more information, visit www.elontile.com.
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