Carrara White Marble Mosaic Tile – Pixel Honed

Installation Guide – Carrara White Pixel Honed Mosaic Tile (Marble)

Material Notes

• Natural Carrara White marble with a honed (matte) finish.
• Square “pixel” chips (typically 3/8″–1″) mesh-mounted on ~12″x12″ sheets (some lots may be paper-faced).
• Ideal for walls, backsplashes, shower floors, and light-traffic residential floors. Numerous grout joints add traction.

Step 1: Surface Preparation

• Substrate must be clean, dry, and very flat (≤1/8″ in 10′; ≤1/16″ preferred for mosaics). Patch/skim as needed.
• Approved substrates: cement backer board, properly cured concrete, or mortar bed.
• Wet areas: install ANSI A118.10 waterproofing; shower floors require ¼” per foot slope to drain.
• Use only white setting materials under light marble to prevent shadowing/picture framing.

Step 2: Dry Layout & Sheet Planning

• Blend sheets from multiple boxes to distribute natural shade/vein variation.
• Snap level reference lines; confirm “grain”/orientation (arrows on backs when present).
• Trim mesh edges and stagger sheet seams so the sheet grid disappears. Test-fit around outlets and edges.

Step 3: Adhesive (Thin-Set) Application

Use:

• White, polymer-modified thin-set rated for natural stone (ANSI A118.4/A118.15). Avoid premixed mastic, especially in wet areas.

Trowel & Technique:

• 3/16″ V-notch (or 1/4″x3/16″ V-notch) on flat substrates.
• Key in with the flat side, then comb in one direction and lightly flatten ridges so they don’t telegraph through small chips.
• Work in areas you can cover within 10–15 minutes to avoid skinning.

Step 4: Setting the Mosaics

• Place sheets along layout lines; press with a rubber grout float or beating block for full contact and a flat plane.
• Check for squeeze-through; clean thin-set from joints and faces immediately with a damp sponge.
• Lift and reset if lippage occurs; back-butter individual chips where needed to maintain plane.
• If paper-faced: set paper out, beat in, dampen paper after initial grab (≈10–20 min), remove paper, then true up joints.

Step 5: Cutting & Detailing

• Use a wet saw with a continuous-rim diamond blade rated for marble; tape the cut line to minimize chip-out.
• For tiny trims, use mosaic nippers sparingly; dress exposed cuts with a rubbing stone.
• Finish exposed edges with stone trim, metal profiles, or matching moldings.

Step 6: Grouting (Honed Marble)

• Allow thin-set to cure (typically 24 hours).
• For joints ≤1/8″, use unsanded grout to protect the stone; for slightly wider joints, use a fine-aggregate, marble-safe grout (test first).
• Optional: apply a marble-safe grout release or pre-seal the stone to reduce pigment uptake.
• Pack diagonally with a rubber float; clean with minimal water to avoid washout or shading.

Step 7: Sealing

• After grout cures (typically 72 hours), apply a penetrating, breathable sealer approved for marble and grout.
• Re-seal periodically based on use and exposure (e.g., every 1–2 years in wet zones).

Maintenance

• Use pH-neutral, non-abrasive stone cleaners only; avoid acids, vinegar, bleach, or abrasive pads.
• In showers, squeegee/wipe dry to minimize mineral deposits; use marble-safe scale removers if needed.

Movement Joints

• Provide soft joints per TCNA EJ171 at perimeters, changes of plane, and over structural joints.
• Use 100% silicone (stone-safe) in corners and where tile meets dissimilar materials.

Important Notes & Disclaimer

• Natural marble varies in tone and veining; dry-lay and blend sheets before setting.
• Always use white thin-set under light Carrara; avoid gray or dark adhesives.
• Stonemarket USA is not responsible for substrate issues or improper installation. Professional installation is recommended.