Stainless Steel Installation Guideline
This beautiful tile is constructed with a heavy porcelain base and a 1mm stainless steel overlay. The tile is mounted on mesh and is ideal for vertical applications such as kitchen backsplashes or bathrooms.
Install using an acrylic modified thinset adhesive and nonsanded, acrylic-modified grout. Use a 3/16' X 5/32' V-notched trowel to install. For grouting, you will need a grout sponge, and a rubberized grout float; if you are installing many tiles, a drill and mixing attachment simplifies the job.
The substrate should be clean, flat, free of cracks, and stable. It is preferable to avoid installing directly on wood or drywall, or on structural walls. Cement backerboard makes an excellent substrate and can protect your investment, but for small thin rows of tiles, cement board is probably impractical. A layer of rubberized, crack suppression membrane is an alternative. Membranes are very thin, can be purchased by the foot and can protect against cracks and some substrate movement.
Mix a small amount of thinset, following the manufacturer's directions. The consistency should be like peanut butter.
Use the notched side of your trowel to spread the tile adhesive. You should also back butter the tiles - spread a thin and consistent layer of thinset on them.
If you are grouting, cover the tile facing with low tack painters tape first. The grout consistency should be less stiff than thinset, but not runny. Use a grout float to press grout between the cracks. Do not use grout to fill abutting (right angle) surfaces - instead, use an acrylic sealer to create a rubberized 'expansion joint.