Installation 
Installation
Metal Tile Installation Instructions
*For best results, Korel recommends hiring a licensed professional to do your installation.*
Materials:
· Thin-Set Mortar
· Trowel
· Sponge or cloth
· Flexible Sealant/Caulk
· Tile Float
For Cutting:
· Wet Saw
· Diamond rimmed blade (for porcelain tile)
· Tile Blade Dressing Stone
Cautions:
· Do Not Install on Floors where Puddles or Standing Water may exist.
· HIGH TEMPERATURE INSTALLATION
o Backsplashes near stove tops – Maintain a minimum of 4 ½” between tile surfaces and burner elements.
o Fireplaces – Maintain a minimum of 6” from fireplace on all open sides.
o Due to expansion and contraction of the steel, flexible sealant/caulk is required in place of grout.
· Korel Metal Tiles come with a Protective Film on the face of the tile. This is to protect the tile during the course of installation.
o Avoid prolonged exposure to heat or direct sunlight as this can make the removal of the film more difficult and also leave a sticky residue behind.
o Do not remove until the final cleanup after installation.
Cutting:
· Always wear proper eye protection when cutting tile.
· Cuts must be made with a wet saw and diamond rimmed blade designed to cut porcelain tile.
o Miter saws and ceramic tile blades are NOT recommended
· Be sure to cut the tiles Face Up. Apply slow and steady pressure to achieve a smoother cut.
· After 4 or 5 cuts, re-dress the diamond blade with an abrasive Tile Blade Dressing Stone.
· Cut Metal Tile has very Sharp Edges!
o These can be dulled with a dressing stone.
Setting Material :
· For maximum adhesion with minimum slippage, use a Premium Thin-Set Mortar modified with Polymer or Latex. Do Not dilute with water.
· Repair surface cracks and level the are to be tiled prior to installation.
· Work in small areas of 4-5 sq ft to assure bonding mortar is fresh.
· Apply to wall using 1/8” deep sawtooth trowel.
· Allow adhesive to dry approximately 20-30 minutes before installing tile.
o Adhesive should be firm to the touch and not transfer off the substrate when touched.
· Brushed Stainless Steel Tiles have light grain patterns. When installing, peel back a small corner of the protective film to ensure the grain patterns are going in the same direction.
· Use a Tile Float to make final alignment adjustments and also to ensure 100% contact with the tile and the adhesive.
· Any mortar on the tile surface should be washed off immediately.
· Allow to cure for approximately 24-36 hours before grouting.
Grouting:
· You MUST use a flexible sealant/caulk in these areas:
o Perimeter walls
o Inside corners
o Counters
o Ceilings
o Cabinets
o High Temperature Installation areas
o Areas that require scouring or have significant exposure to water and cleaners
· For all other areas, use a Non-Sanded Grout so as not to scratch the face of the tile.
· Ensure that there are no gaps or air bubbles in the grout lines.
· Immediately wipe away all excess grout from the face of the tile.
· After installation, clean the tile with a neutral cleaner.
Maintenance:
· Stainless Steel Tiles may be cleaned with warm soap and water or a mild detergent.
· Antique Copper Tiles have a special finish. Care should be taken when cleaning. You can maintain the finish with copper cleaners, or allow the copper to patina
· Wipe with a soft clean cloth. Do Not use abrasive products, brushes or heavy scouring pads.
Disclaimer
Korel Design Tiles does not manufacture installation products or tile cleaning/maintenance products. Korel provides the information contained herein to its customers as an information source only. The products identified in this website may have chemicals that cause reactions in certain individuals. Korel strongly recommends the use of safety glasses, respirators (masks) and gloves in handling any materials that contain chemicals, recommends the proper disposal of any scrap tile/stone, installation and/or maintenance products discussed herein. Please contact the manufacturer directly, PRIOR to usage, to obtain proper handling instructions, application instructions and warning concerning potential health hazards for any product contemplated for use.
