Installation Guide – Iceberg 2″x2″ Honed Marble Mosaic Tile

Material Notes

• Natural Iceberg White marble with a honed (matte) finish for a soft, low-reflective surface.
• 2″x2″ chips mesh-mounted on ~12″x12″ sheets (some lots may be paper-faced).
• Suitable for interior walls, showers, backsplashes, and light-traffic residential floors. Honed marble provides a subtle slip-resistant texture.

Step 1: Surface Preparation

• Ensure substrate is clean, dry, structurally sound, and flat (≤1/8″ in 10′). Skim/patch as needed.
• Approved substrates: cement backer board, properly cured concrete, or mortar bed meeting ANSI standards.
• For wet areas, apply ANSI A118.10 waterproofing membrane; shower floors must maintain a 1/4″ per foot slope to drain.
• Always use white thin-set mortar under light marble to prevent shadowing or dark bleed-through.

Step 2: Dry Layout & Sheet Planning

• Blend sheets from multiple boxes to evenly distribute natural shade and veining variation.
• Snap reference lines for alignment and plan balanced perimeter cuts.
• Trim mesh edges where needed and stagger sheet seams for a seamless finished appearance.

Step 3: Adhesive (White Thin-Set) Application

Use:

• White, polymer-modified thin-set mortar suitable for natural stone (ANSI A118.4/A118.15). Do not use premixed mastic, especially in wet environments.

Trowel & Technique:

• Apply with a 3/16″ V-notch or 1/4″ × 3/16″ V-notch trowel on flat substrates.
• Key mortar into the surface with the flat side, comb in one direction, and lightly flatten ridges to avoid telegraphing through thin mosaics.
• Work in small sections (10–15 minutes open time) to maintain bonding strength.

Step 4: Setting the Mosaics

• Place sheets along layout lines; press using a rubber grout float or beating block for full contact and a level surface.
• Lift and reset any tiles showing lippage; back-butter individual chips if needed.
• Clean squeeze-through thin-set immediately using a slightly damp sponge or microfiber cloth.
• If paper-faced: install paper out, press in place, moisten paper after initial set (~10–20 min), remove, and adjust joints if required.

Step 5: Cutting & Detailing

• Cut using a wet saw with a continuous-rim diamond blade designed for marble.
• Use mosaic nippers for minor adjustments; smooth edges with a rubbing stone if exposed.
• Finish open edges with marble trim, metal profiles, or matching moldings.

Step 6: Grouting (Honed Marble)

• Allow mortar to cure at least 24 hours before grouting.
• Use unsanded grout for joints ≤1/8″ to maintain a smooth finish without scratching the honed surface.
• Pre-seal the marble with a penetrating sealer to reduce grout pigment absorption and simplify cleanup.
• Apply grout diagonally with a rubber float; clean excess promptly with minimal water to prevent haze.

Step 7: Sealing

• After grout cures (~72 hours), apply a penetrating, breathable stone sealer approved for honed marble.
• Re-seal periodically depending on exposure (every 6–12 months in wet or high-use areas).

Maintenance

• Clean using pH-neutral, non-abrasive stone cleaners only. Avoid acids, vinegar, bleach, or harsh chemicals.
• For showers and wet areas, wipe dry after use to prevent mineral buildup.
• Do not use abrasive pads that can dull the honed finish.

Movement Joints

• Respect all structural and expansion joints per TCNA EJ171.
• Use 100% silicone (stone-safe) sealant at corners and transitions to dissimilar materials.

Important Notes & Disclaimer

• Natural marble varies in tone and veining. Dry-lay and blend sheets before installation.
• Minor thickness variations are inherent to stone mosaics; adjust as needed during setting.
• Stonemarket USA is not responsible for substrate conditions or improper installation. Professional installation is recommended.