Star Square Honed Marble Mosaic – Dolomite, Ruby Green & Pearl Black

Installation Guide – Touch Polished Marble Mosaic Tile (Dolomite & Bardiglio)

Material Overview

• Blend of natural Dolomite (white) and Bardiglio (grey) marble, both with a polished finish.

• Mesh-mounted mosaic sheets (~12″x12″) with factory chip spacing; some lots may be paper-faced.

• Suitable for walls, backsplashes, shower surrounds, and light-traffic residential floors. Polished surfaces may be slippery when wet.

Step 1: Surface Preparation

• Ensure the substrate is clean, dry, flat (≤1/8″ over 10′), and structurally sound. Patch or skim coat as needed.

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

• In wet areas: install an ANSI A118.10 waterproofing membrane per manufacturer instructions.

Step 2: Dry Layout & Color Balancing

• Dry-lay multiple sheets to evenly distribute light Dolomite and dark Bardiglio chips.

• Snap level reference lines to maintain straight courses; plan perimeter and fixture cuts carefully.

• Trim mesh edges and stagger sheet seams to conceal the grid after installation.

Step 3: Adhesive Application

Recommended Material:

• White, polymer-modified thin-set suitable for natural stone (ANSI A118.4/A118.15). White mortar prevents shadowing of the Dolomite. Avoid premixed mastics, especially in wet zones.

Technique:

• Use a 3/16″ V-notch or 1/4″x3/16″ V-notch trowel on flat surfaces.

• Key in mortar with the flat side, comb in one direction, lightly flatten ridges.

• Work in areas small enough to set tiles within 10–15 minutes to prevent skinning.

Step 4: Setting the Sheets

• Align sheets to layout lines; press in with a rubber float or beating block to ensure full contact and flat plane.

• Maintain factory chip spacing; avoid butt-joint placement. Wedge spacers can help keep seams invisible.

• Back-butter individual chips if needed to correct lippage; adjust immediately.

• Remove excess thin-set from joints and faces with a soft, barely damp sponge.

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

Step 5: Cutting & Detailing

• Use a wet saw with continuous-rim diamond blade; apply painter’s tape along cut lines to prevent chipping.

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

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

Step 6: Grouting (Polished Marble)

• Allow thin-set to cure (≈24 hours).

• Use unsanded grout for joints ≤1/8″ to protect the polished surface.

• Light-to-medium grey grout typically complements the blend; test darker grouts first.

• Optional: apply marble-safe grout release or pre-seal to prevent staining, especially on Dolomite.

• Pack joints diagonally with a rubber float; clean with minimal water to avoid washout or shading.

Step 7: Sealing

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

• Reapply periodically depending on exposure (typically 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 to reduce mineral deposits; use marble-safe scale removers if needed.

Movement Joints

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

• Use 100% stone-safe silicone at corners and where tile meets other materials.

Important Notes & Disclaimer

• Natural stone varies in color, tone, and veining; always blend sheets before installation.

• Slight size and thickness tolerances are normal for mosaics.

• White thin-set is essential to protect the appearance of Dolomite tiles.

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