Instructions / Assembly

1
Inspection:
Always inspect your tiles before they are installed, as installation of material constitutes
acceptance. Any questions as to acceptability must be resolved before installation. Always
layout your material prior to installation to ensure the appearance meets desired results. Apollo
Tile is in no way responsible for the installation of our tiles or thereafter. The responsibility for
correct installation rests with the end user.
Installation:
• To prolong the life and beauty of your installation, it is best to secure a licensed installer
familiar with the industry standards established in the NTCA, ASTM, M.I.A. and ANSI
handbooks for tile and trade installation.
• Crackled glazed ceramic may vary in absorption. It is recommended to pre-seal crackled
glazed ceramic prior to installation. This will help prevent setting materials and grouts
from staining the surface and bleeding into the body of the ceramic.
• Penetrating type sealers that leave the material looking natural are recommended for this
purpose. Suggested sealer brands include but are not limited to: Dupont™ Stonetech®
Professional Sealer and Aqua Mix. Please refer to sealers Manufacturer instructions prior
to sealing. Test in a small area before sealing entire surface to ensure suitability. Contact
your purchase location for additional information on these types of sealers.
• We recommend installing ceramics over a clean, sound, and flat concrete or mortar
substrate. The surface should be free of contaminates or any condition that could
compromise the bond of the tile.
• Use a high quality, well maintained wet saw with a diamond blade designed for cutting
ceramic tiles. Using a poorly maintained tile saw or a blade will cause the tile to chip
during cutting. Always cut tile very slowly to avoid chipping.
• Grout joints should be packed full and free of all voids and pits. Excess grout should be
cleaned from the surface as the work progresses, while grout is fresh and before it
hardens. Prior to grouting, test in a small area to make sure that the right color grout is
chosen and that the surface does not scratch during grouting.
Care and Maintenance:
To maximize the life of your hand-crafted ceramic and retain its artistic integrity, please consider
the following:
• Use only a mild, pH-neutral detergent cleaner and damp sponge or rag to clean your
mosaic.
• Do not use acid, alkaline, and solvent-based cleaners. They can damage and/or discolor
the tiles and the grout.
• Do not allow soap, bleach or other cleaning solutions set on the surface.
• Do not wax any part of your mosaic.
• Do not let stains sit on your mosaic’s surface for extended periods. Clean promptly.