Dolomite & Royal Beige 0.75″ Penny Honed Marble Mosaic Tile

Installation Guide – Dolomite & Royal Beige 0.75″ Penny Honed Marble Mosaic Tile

Material Overview

• Natural Dolomite (white) and Royal Beige (warm beige) marbles with a honed, matte finish.

• Penny-round chips approximately 0.75″ (3/4″) diameter, factory-spaced and usually mesh-mounted on ~12″×12″ sheets (some lots paper-faced).

• Ideal for walls, backsplashes, shower surrounds, and light-traffic residential floors. Multiple grout joints enhance traction.

Step 1: Surface Preparation

• Ensure substrate is clean, dry, stable, and flat (≤1/8″ variation over 10′). Patch or skim coat as needed—uneven surfaces can telegraph through mosaics.

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

• Wet areas: apply ANSI A118.10 waterproofing membrane; shower floors require a 1/4″ per foot slope.

• Always use white thin-set for light-colored stones to prevent shadowing or discoloration.

Step 2: Dry Layout & Color Blending

• Blend sheets from multiple boxes to evenly distribute white and beige tones.

• Snap level and plumb reference lines; plan perimeter cuts to avoid tiny partial pennies (<1/2″).

• Stagger seams, rotate alternate sheets 90°–180°, and trim mesh edges to interlock sheets.

• Use wedge spacers to maintain factory spacing; do not stretch or compress sheets.

Step 3: Adhesive Application

Recommended Adhesives:

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

Technique:

• Use a 3/16″ V-notch or 1/4″×3/16″ V-notch on flat surfaces.

• Key in mortar with flat side, comb in one direction, lightly flatten ridges to prevent telegraphing through penny chips.

• Work in areas you can cover within 10–15 minutes; aim for ≥95% coverage in wet zones and ≥80% in dry areas.

Step 4: Setting the Sheets

• Align sheets to reference lines; press in with rubber float or beating block for uniform contact and flatness.

• Back-butter individual pennies if needed to correct unevenness; adjust immediately if lippage occurs.

• Maintain factory spacing—do not butt-joint.

• Remove excess thin-set promptly with a barely damp sponge.

• Paper-faced sheets: lightly wet paper after initial grab (~10–20 min), remove paper, then true up joints.

Step 5: Cutting & Detailing

• Cut with wet saw and continuous-rim diamond blade; painter’s tape reduces chip-out.

• For small notches, use mosaic nippers sparingly; dress edges with a rubbing stone.

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

Step 6: Grouting

• Allow thin-set to cure (≈24 hours).

• Unsanded grout for joints ≤1/8″; fine-aggregate marble-safe grout for ~1/8″–3/16″ (test first).

• Light neutral or warm beige grout complements the mosaic; mock up for appearance.

• Optional: marble-safe grout release or pre-seal to limit pigment uptake.

• Pack grout diagonally with a rubber float, especially around rounded edges; clean with minimal water to prevent shading or washout.

Step 7: Sealing

• After grout cures (≈72 hours), apply a penetrating, breathable sealer approved for marble and grout.

• Choose a natural-look sealer to preserve the honed finish.

• Re-seal periodically based on exposure (every 1–2 years in wet or high-traffic areas).

Maintenance

• Clean only with pH-neutral, non-abrasive stone cleaners; avoid acids, vinegar, bleach, and abrasive pads.

• In showers, squeegee or wipe dry after use to limit mineral deposits; use marble-safe scale removers if needed.

Movement Joints

• Respect structural and expansion joints; provide soft joints per TCNA EJ171 at perimeters and plane changes.

• Use 100% stone-safe silicone at corners and where mosaic meets dissimilar materials.

Important Notes & Disclaimer

• Dolomite and Royal Beige are light stones; always use white thin-set to prevent shadowing.

• Blend sheets before installation; minor size and thickness variations are normal for penny mosaics.

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