Carrara White Pixel Mosaic Tile – Honed Marble with Modern Charm

Installation Guide – Carrara White Pixel Honed Marble Mosaic Tile

Material Overview

• Material: Premium Carrara White marble with a honed (matte) finish

• Format: Square “pixel” chips (~3/8″–1″) mesh-mounted on ~12″x12″ sheets (some lots may be paper-faced)

• Applications: Walls, backsplashes, shower floors, and light-traffic residential floors. Numerous grout joints provide extra traction.

Step 1: Surface Preparation

• Ensure the substrate is clean, dry, and extremely flat (≤1/8″ in 10′; ≤1/16″ preferred for mosaics). Patch or skim-coat as necessary.

• Approved substrates: cement backer board, properly cured concrete, or ANSI-compliant mortar bed.

• Wet areas: install ANSI A118.10 waterproofing; shower floors should slope ¼” per foot to the drain.

• Always use white setting materials under light marble to prevent shadowing or picture-framing.

Step 2: Dry Layout & Sheet Planning

• Blend sheets from multiple boxes to distribute natural shade and veining evenly.

• Snap level reference lines; confirm sheet orientation (arrows on the back, if present).

• Trim mesh edges and stagger sheet seams so the grid is invisible.

• Pre-fit around outlets and edges to ensure a seamless layout.

Step 3: Adhesive Application

• Use white, polymer-modified thin-set rated for natural stone (ANSI A118.4/A118.15). Avoid premixed mastic, especially in wet areas.

• Trowel recommendation: 3/16″ V-notch or 1/4″x3/16″ V-notch.

• Key in with flat side, comb in one direction, then lightly flatten ridges to avoid telegraphing through small chips.

• Work in manageable sections (10–15 min open time).

Step 4: Setting the Mosaic Sheets

• Align sheets along reference lines; press with a rubber grout float or beating block for full contact and flat plane.

• Remove any squeeze-through thin-set immediately with a damp sponge.

• Correct lippage by lifting and resetting individual chips; back-butter if necessary.

• For paper-faced sheets: set paper-side out, beat in, lightly dampen after initial grab (≈10–20 min), remove paper, and true up joints.

Step 5: Cutting & Detailing

• Use a wet saw with a continuous-rim diamond blade suitable for marble. Tape cut lines to minimize chipping.

• For small trims, use mosaic nippers sparingly and smooth exposed edges with a rubbing stone.

• Finish exposed edges with stone trim, metal profiles, or coordinating moldings.

Step 6: Grouting (Honed Marble)

• Allow thin-set to cure (≈24 hours).

• Use unsanded grout for joints ≤1/8″ to protect polished surfaces. For wider joints, select fine-aggregate, marble-safe grout and test first.

• Optionally, apply marble-safe grout release or pre-seal to reduce pigment uptake.

• 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.

• Reapply periodically (every 1–2 years) depending on exposure and use.

Maintenance

• Clean only with pH-neutral, non-abrasive stone cleaners. Avoid acids, bleach, vinegar, or abrasive pads.

• In showers, wipe or squeegee dry to limit mineral deposits; use marble-safe descalers if necessary.

Movement Joints

• Provide soft joints per TCNA EJ171 at perimeters, changes of plane, and structural joints.

• Use 100% stone-safe silicone in corners and where tile meets dissimilar materials.

Important Notes & Disclaimer

• Natural Carrara marble varies in tone and veining; dry-lay and blend sheets before installation.

• Always use white thin-set under light marble to prevent shadowing.

• Slight size and thickness tolerances are normal for mosaics.

• Stonemarket USA is not responsible for substrate issues or improper installation. Professional installation is recommended.