Royal Beige Marble Mosaic Tile – 2 inch Honeycomb Polished

Installation Guide – Royal Beige 2″ Honeycomb Polished Marble Mosaic Tile

Material Notes

• Natural Royal Beige marble with a polished finish.
• 2″ hex (“honeycomb”) chips, mesh-mounted on ~12″x12″ sheets.
• Suitable for walls, backsplashes, shower surrounds, and light-traffic residential floors (confirm slip needs in wet areas).

Step 1: Surface Preparation

• Substrate must be clean, dry, sound, and flat (≤1/8″ in 10′). Patch or skim-coat as needed.
• Approved substrates: cement backer board, properly cured concrete, or mortar bed meeting ANSI standards.
• Wet areas: install an ANSI A118.10 waterproofing membrane per manufacturer instructions.

Step 2: Dry Layout & Planning

• Blend sheets from multiple cartons to distribute natural shade/vein variation.
• Snap level reference lines; plan balanced perimeter cuts and around fixtures.
• Trim mesh edges so sheets interlock and the hex pattern continues seamlessly; stagger sheet seams to avoid a visible grid.

Step 3: Adhesive (White Thin-Set) Application

Use:

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

Trowel & Technique:

• 3/16″ V-notch (or 1/4″ × 3/16″ V-notch) on flat substrates.
• Key in with the flat side, comb in one direction, then lightly flatten ridges to prevent telegraphing through the mosaics.
• Work in small areas (10–15 minutes open time) to avoid skinning.

Step 4: Setting the Sheets

• Set along layout lines, interlocking edges so hex joints align uniformly.
• Embed 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 damp sponge.

Step 5: Cutting & Detailing

• Use a wet saw with a continuous-rim diamond blade suitable 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).
• Use unsanded grout for joints ≤1/8″ to prevent scratching the polished surface.
• On light beige marble, consider a marble-safe grout release or pre-seal to reduce pigment uptake.
• Pack joints diagonally with a rubber float; clean with minimal water to avoid washout or shading.

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, bleach, vinegar, or abrasive pads.
• In showers, wipe/squeegee after use to limit mineral deposits; use marble-safe scale removers if needed.

Movement Joints

• Honor 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

• Always use white thin-set under light Royal Beige marble to prevent shadowing/picture framing.
• Natural stone varies in tone and veining; dry-lay and blend sheets before setting. Expect slight size/thickness tolerances common to mosaics.
• Stonemarket USA is not responsible for substrate issues or improper installation. Professional installation is recommended.