Installation Guide – Carrara & Dolomite “Touch” Polished Marble Mosaic Tile

Material Notes

• Two-stone blend: Carrara (white with soft grey veining) + Dolomite (clean white), both in a polished finish.
• Mesh-mounted mosaic sheets (typ. ~12"×12") with factory chip spacing; some lots may be paper-faced.
• For walls, backsplashes, shower surrounds, and light-traffic residential floors. Polished stone may be slippery when wet.

Step 1: Surface Preparation

• Substrate must be clean, dry, rigid, and flat (≤1/8" in 10′). Skim/patch 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 & Color Balancing

• Dry-lay several sheets to blend Carrara and Dolomite tones evenly across the field.
• Snap level reference lines to keep courses straight; plan balanced perimeter/fixture cuts.
• Trim mesh edges and stagger sheet seams so the sheet grid disappears after install.

Step 3: Adhesive (White Thin-Set) Application

Adhesive:

• Use white, polymer-modified thin-set (ANSI A118.4/A118.15) rated for natural stone. Avoid premixed mastics, especially in wet zones.
• White mortar prevents shadowing through both light stones—do not use grey adhesives.

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 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 Sheets

• Align to layout lines; press sheets in with a rubber grout float or beating block for full contact and a flat plane.
• Maintain factory chip spacing—do not butt-joint. Use wedge spacers if needed to keep seams invisible.
• Back-butter individual chips as needed to correct plane; lift/reset immediately if lippage occurs.
• Immediately remove 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 trims, 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 avoid scratching polished faces.
• Color tip: light neutral/ivory or soft grey grouts harmonize with both stones—make a mockup first.
• Optional: apply a marble-safe grout release or pre-seal to reduce pigment uptake on white marble.
• Pack joints diagonally with a rubber float; clean with minimal water to prevent 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/high-use areas).

Maintenance

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

Movement Joints

• Honor expansion joints and provide soft joints per TCNA EJ171 at perimeters, changes of plane, and transitions.
• Use 100% silicone (stone-safe) at inside corners and where tile meets other materials.

Important Notes & Disclaimer

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