Installation guidelines

Care and inspection

1. Inspect your order carefully. Original Mission Tile will not be responsible for any material that has been installed — installation of material means full acceptance.
2. Store material in a dry area and do not let boxes or tiles get wet. Moisture or dampness might cause stains, color fades, cracking, pitting or efflorescence.
3. During installation and handling, be careful not to damage the finished surface, edges and corners of the tiles. Carry tiles face to face to avoid scratches.
4. As a cement-based product, tiles may have residues on the surface. Before starting the installation, use a clean cloth to remove any residues.

Installation

5. Cement tile is subject to color and shade variations — mix tiles from different boxes during setting for a naturally rich appearance.
6. Install over a flat, level, stable and completely cured subfloor. Moisture or excess water can cause stains, pitting, cracking and efflorescence — a natural reaction of cement-based products. An isolation membrane is recommended to prevent cracking from subfloor movement; a waterproof membrane is recommended in all wet areas. Radiant heating systems can be used — be sure subfloor, mortar bed and tiles are completely dry.
7. Place the center tiles first, then the borders, and finally the field tiles that surround the pattern.
8. Use a high-quality cement-based thin-set adhesive (Laticrete or Mapei). A 3/8″ mortar bed is recommended — follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
9. Apply adhesive to the full back of each tile (100% coverage). Back-buttering is recommended for better adherence.
10. Do not beat tiles with a mallet or rubber hammer — level them using hand pressure only. Cement tiles cannot be polished down. Remove excess adhesive with a damp cloth while fresh.
11. Cut with a sharp diamond blade and water to avoid chipping the edges.
12. Allow tiles and mortar bed to dry out completely before sealing or polishing. Do not cover the tiles; do not step on them until the mortar bed is dry.
13. For outdoor installations, a roof is highly recommended to avoid color fading from direct sunlight. Tiles may also be polished with wax for extra protection.

Cleaning after installation

14. Wash the floor with a pH-neutral detergent. Use a single-disc floor machine with a white pad to remove residues. Never use acids or alkalines on cement tile.
15. Use a pH-neutral cleaner and fine sandpaper to remove stains or residues. Do not allow water or other liquids to spot, pond or ring on the surface.

Sealing, grouting & waxing

16. Treat only when tiles are completely dry, after installation. Test on a single piece first to check the desired finish.
17. Cement tiles are porous and not pre-sealed — seal with a penetrating sealer before grouting. We recommend Miracle 511 Seal & Enhance, Stonetech, Fila and Drytreat. Apply 2 thin coats of penetrating sealer plus a final coat of topical sealer; remove all excess from the surface. For extra protection, polish with wax.
18. Do not use dark or dyed grouts unless they match the tile color — they stain light colors. Use un-tinted grout; on solid-color tiles, use grout of a similar color. Test on a single piece first.
19. Install edge to edge with a minimal grout line using unsanded grout (1/16″–1/8″ joint). Remove excess grout immediately as it dries. Never affix duct, gaffer or acid tape directly to the tile surface.
20. Different sealers offer matt, enhanced or gloss finishes. For a glossy finish, tiles can be wax-polished by a professional. Never grind or buff with an abrasive pad — it damages the color surface.
21. After cleaning is complete, re-seal tiles and grout lines for extra protection, especially in wet areas.

Ongoing maintenance

22. Clean regularly with a neutral detergent and buff with a soft white pad — add a capful of liquid wax to the water for extra protection.
23. Heavy foot traffic or outdoor installations may need additional maintenance. A natural patina will develop as the floor wears.
24. Use properly sized walk-off mats at entrances, and sweep or dust-mop regularly to remove abrasive grit.

If you have any questions, contact your vendor before starting installation. Provide a copy of these guidelines to the customer and installer before starting, to avoid unnecessary claims.