Installation Guide – Vanilla 2″ Hexagon (Honeycomb) Honed Marble Mosaic Tile

Material Notes

• Natural Vanilla beige marble with a honed (matte) finish.
• 2″ hex (“honeycomb”) chips, mesh-mounted on ~12″×12″ sheets.
• Suitable for walls, backsplashes, shower surrounds, and light-traffic residential floors. The honed surface provides improved slip resistance.

Step 1: Surface Preparation

• Substrate must be clean, dry, sound, and flat (≤ 1/8″ variation in 10′). Patch/skim coat as needed.
• Approved substrates include cement backer board, properly cured concrete, or a mortar bed meeting ANSI standards.
• For wet areas: install an ANSI A118.10 waterproofing membrane; ensure shower floors have 1/4″ per foot slope.
• Use white thin-set under beige marble to prevent shadowing or discoloration.

Step 2: Dry Layout & Planning

• Blend sheets from multiple boxes to evenly distribute natural color variation.
• Snap reference lines and plan perimeter cuts to maintain a balanced layout.
• Trim sheet edges so hexagons interlock seamlessly; stagger mesh sheet seams to avoid visible grid lines.

Step 3: Adhesive (White Thin-Set) Application

Adhesive:

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

Trowel & Technique:

• Use a 3/16″ V-notch (or 1/4″×3/16″ V-notch) trowel on flat substrates.
• Key in thin-set using the flat side, comb in one direction, then lightly flatten ridges to avoid telegraphing through mosaics.
• Cover small workable sections (10–15 minutes) to avoid skinning.

Step 4: Setting the Sheets

• Set sheets along layout lines, interlocking hex edges for consistent spacing.
• Use a rubber grout float or beating block to press sheets evenly and achieve full mortar contact.
• Maintain factory joint spacing; do not butt-joint.
• Lippage check: lift and adjust sheets if needed; back-butter individual hexes if some areas sit low.
• Clean thin-set squeeze-out immediately using a barely damp sponge or microfiber.

Step 5: Cutting & Detailing

• Use a wet saw with a continuous-rim diamond blade for clean marble cuts.
• Apply painter’s tape over cut lines to minimize chipping.
• Smooth cut edges with a rubbing stone.
• Finish exposed edges using stone trim, metal profiles, or matching marble moldings.

Step 6: Grouting (Honed Marble)

• Allow thin-set to cure for 24 hours before grouting.
• For joints ≤ 1/8″, use unsanded grout. For joints ~1/8″–3/16″, use a fine-aggregate, marble-safe grout (always test first).
• Optional: Apply a marble-safe grout release or pre-seal to prevent pigment staining.
• Pack grout diagonally with a rubber float; use minimal water during cleanup.

Step 7: Sealing

• After grout cures (approx. 72 hours), apply a penetrating, breathable marble sealer.
• Re-seal every 1–2 years depending on use and exposure.

Maintenance

• Clean only with pH-neutral, non-abrasive stone cleaners.
• Avoid acids, vinegar, bleach, or abrasive pads (they can etch marble).
• In showers, wipe tiles regularly to prevent mineral buildup.

Movement Joints

• Honor all structural and perimeter joints in accordance with TCNA EJ171.
• Use stone-safe 100% silicone at changes of plane and where tile meets different materials.

Important Notes & Disclaimer

• Natural marble varies in tone and veining—dry-lay and blend sheets for uniformity.
• Expect normal size/thickness tolerances common to mosaic sheets.
• Avoid topical sealers or glossy coatings unless an enhanced effect is desired.
• Stonemarket USA is not responsible for substrate problems or improper installation. Professional installation is recommended.