Iceberg 0.75″ Penny Honed White Marble Mosaic Tile

Installation Guide – Iceberg 0.75″ Penny Honed Marble Mosaic Tile

Material Overview

• Premium Iceberg white marble with a honed (matte) finish.

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

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

Step 1: Surface Preparation

• Ensure substrate is clean, dry, stable, and flat (≤1/8″ over 10′); patch or skim coat as needed to avoid telegraphing through mosaics.

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

• For wet areas, apply an ANSI A118.10 waterproofing membrane; shower floors require a 1/4″ per foot slope to drain.

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

Step 2: Dry Layout & Sheet Planning

• Blend sheets from multiple boxes for even distribution of white tones and subtle veining.

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

• Rotate alternate sheets 90°–180°, trim mesh edges to interlock, and stagger seams so the sheet pattern blends seamlessly.

• Maintain factory spacing using wedge spacers; do not stretch or compress sheets.

Step 3: Adhesive Application

Recommended Adhesive:

• 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 the 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, ≥80% in dry areas.

Step 4: Setting the Sheets

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

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

• Keep factory spacing; do not butt-joint. Clean excess thin-set immediately with a barely damp sponge.

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

Step 5: Cutting & Detailing

• Cut using a wet saw with continuous-rim diamond blade; painter’s tape over cut lines minimizes chip-out.

• Use mosaic nippers sparingly for small notches; dress exposed edges with a rubbing stone.

• Finish exposed edges with stone trims, 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 grout works best for a soft, uniform appearance. Optional: marble-safe grout release or pre-seal to reduce pigment uptake.

• Pack grout diagonally with a rubber float, ensuring grout fills curved 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 depending 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, or 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 where mosaic meets corners or dissimilar materials.

Important Notes & Disclaimer

• Iceberg is very light; always use white thin-set to avoid shadowing.

• Blend sheets prior to installation; minor size/thickness variations are normal for penny mosaics.

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