Installation Guide – Bottocino 2″x2″ Polished Marble Mosaic Tile

Material Notes

• Natural Bottocino (Beige) marble with a polished finish.
• 2″x2″ chips mesh-mounted on ~12″x12″ sheets (some lots may be paper-faced).
• Suitable for walls, backsplashes, shower surrounds, and light-traffic residential floors. Polished stone can be slippery when wet.

Step 1: Surface Preparation

• Substrate must be clean, dry, sound, and flat (≤1/8″ in 10′). Skim/patch as needed for mosaics.
• Approved substrates: cement backer board, properly cured concrete, or mortar bed meeting ANSI standards.
• Wet areas: install an ANSI A118.10 waterproofing membrane; shower floors require 1/4″ per foot slope to the drain.
• Always use white setting materials beneath light beige marble to avoid shadowing/picture-framing.

Step 2: Dry Layout & Sheet Planning

• Blend sheets from multiple cartons to distribute natural shade/vein variation.
• Snap level reference lines; plan balanced perimeter/fixture cuts.
• Trim mesh edges and stagger sheet seams so the sheet grid becomes invisible after setting.

Step 3: Adhesive (White Thin-Set) Application

Adhesive:

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

Trowel & Technique:

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

Step 4: Setting the Mosaics

• Place sheets along layout lines; press with a rubber grout float or beating block to achieve full contact and a flat plane.
• Lift and reset if lippage occurs; back-butter individual chips where needed.
• Immediately clean squeeze-through thin-set from joints and faces with a soft, barely damp sponge/microfiber to protect the polish.
• If paper-faced: set paper out, beat in, lightly wet 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 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 (Polished Marble)

• Allow thin-set to cure (typically 24 hours).
• For joints ≤1/8″, use unsanded grout to avoid scratching polished faces.
• Consider a marble-safe grout release or pre-seal on Bottocino to reduce pigment uptake; always mock up first.
• Pack joints diagonally with a rubber float; clean with minimal water to prevent washout/shading and reduce grout haze.

Step 7: Sealing

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

Maintenance

• Use pH-neutral, non-abrasive stone cleaners only; avoid acids, vinegar, bleach, and abrasive pads (they will etch/dull the polish).
• In showers, squeegee/wipe dry after use to minimize mineral deposits; use marble-safe scale removers if needed.

Movement Joints

• Honor building/structural joints and provide soft joints per TCNA EJ171 at perimeters, changes of plane, and large expanses.
• Use 100% silicone (stone-safe) at inside corners and where tile meets dissimilar materials.

Important Notes & Disclaimer

• Natural marble varies in tone and veining; dry-lay and blend sheets before setting. Expect slight size/thickness tolerances common to mosaics.
• Protect polished faces during installation/cleanup with soft sponges and microfiber cloths.
• Stonemarket USA is not responsible for substrate issues or improper installation. Professional installation is recommended.