| | | Stone Mosaics Choose the right Stone Mosaics Most of our Stone Mosaics are porous to some extent. If they are laid outside, it is possible water could be absorbed and the tiles manufacturers then become susceptible to frost damage. All stone is a natural product and subject to colour variation, blemishes, size variation and sometimes staining. We strongly recommend you read through the Mosaics or Earthworks Fixing Guidest (both available from www.originalstyle.com) to ascertain if the stone is appropriate for your proposed use. If you are uncertain please ask your Original Style retailer for further information. Original Style cannot accept any responsibility for issues raised in this Important Product Information or the appropriate Fixing Guide once the product has been laid or installed. Colour Variation These stone mosaics are made from natural products. It follows, therefore, that there may be some variation in colour from one tile to another. It also means that a single sample tile should not be taken as a completely accurate indication of colour. The distinctive yet subtle variations in hue within each stone mosaic and between individual pieces enhances the character of the installation. Accordingly, we recommend that your fitter spends some time to achieve the most pleasing distribution of shades. Differences between batches can be even more marked. For this reason we recommend that you buy all the tiles at one time. Blemishes Similarly, due to the natural origins of these products, some of our stone mosaics may have minor chips or blemishes. Such relatively insignificant imperfections should be considered normal and not the result of poor or faulty workmanship. Tile Sizes Nominal sizes and thicknesses for each type of tile are given throughout the brochure. Due to the high degree of hand finishing, however, these should be treated as a guide only. When calculating the number of tiles you will require, do not forget to make an allowance for cutting and wastage. | | |
| | | Installation We strongly recommend that your fitter obtains the Mosaics or Earthworks Fixing Guidest and reads thoroughly prior to commencing any work. Both leaflets explain fully the steps necessary to plan, fix and seal your stone mosaics and how to maintain them in first class condition for years ahead. In particular, it is important that the fitter understands the requirements for surface preparation, the pattern or blended effect you want and protecting newly laid tiles from ongoing work. It is imperative that the substrate is reasonably level and that there should be no flexibility. If fixing on to wooden floors; they should be made as stable as possible with sheets of marine grade plywood. If using underfloor heating manufacturer please refer to the underfloor heating manufacturer when installing.This is important, as different sizes and room settings will need different solutions. In particular, tiles/stone can be damaged (including cracking) if subjected to rapid heat changes causing thermal expansion/contraction. Accordingly, the use of underfloor heating may necessitate the use of expansion joints within the stone being laid on the floor. | | |
| | | Dimensions Nominal dimensions for all Original Style glass mosaics are shown throughout the brochure. Owing to their hand finished character, actual dimensions for individual mosaics may vary from these figures. When calculating the number of tiles you will require, please do not forget to make an allowance for cutting and wastage. Shading As each tile is individually coloured, there may be distinctive yet subtle variations in shade. This is an inherent feature of Original Style's glass mosaics. You may wish, therefore, to spend some time to achieve the most pleasing distribution of shades before fixing. Differences between batches can be even more marked. For this reason we recommend that you buy all the tiles at one time. The thickness of glass will also have an effect on the colour of the tile. Installation As with any other glass product, please ensure glass mosaics are handled with care, in particular, where tiles are being cut or have been broken. Also ensure that the surfaces do not come into contact with each other or sharp/abrasive objects. Appropriate safety precautions should be taken if cutting glass, including the use of protective equipment for hands and eyes. Before commencing installation it is important to read and follow the Mosaics Fixing Guidet available from the Original Style website www.originalstyle.com Slip-Resistance Slip-resistance with glass tiles manufacturers may not be adequate for use in high traffic wet conditions. Please refer to the Original Style Usage Guide on page 64. Adhesive As glass is fully vitrified (impervious to water), it is important to choose an adhesive that has a high polymer content. Please refer to the Mosaics Fixing Guidet. A thin bed furniture of adhesive should be used to prevent the adhesive coming through the joints. Adhesive must be applied evenly due to the transparent nature of some of the tiles. Always use a white adhesive with fully transparent mosaics such as those in the Mixed Blends range. Failure to do this can lead to the adhesive being visible through the tiles in certain lights. | | Grouting Particular care should be taken to use the correct grout. Read carefully and follow the manufacturer's instructions. Original Style does not recommend using coloured grouts unless the adhesive supplier has stated that the coloured grout is suitable for use with glass mosaics. It is important to use a fine grade grout to avoid scratching the surface of glass mosaics. Cleaning Wash down glass mosaic surfaces with clean water, a normal spirit or alcohol based glass or window cleaner. Please ensure a soft cloth is used to avoid scratching. Scratching As with all glass products, glass mosaics can be scratched. We recommend that care is taken in installation and that glass mosaics are not put in high-risk areas for scratching. Use of Glass Mosaics on counter top surfaces Original Style does not recommend glass mosaics are used on counter tops due to the possibility of scratching (see above). Use of Glass Mosaics near heat Original Style recommends mosaics are installed a minimum of 3cm from any direct heat source. Mixed Blends Mosaics Sabober, Butajira, Shala, Garabaldi, Zukwala, Amoissa and Illampu contain transparent pieces. The mesh backing behind the "transparent pieces" should be removed during installation, due to the visibility of the mesh. Always use a white adhesive with this range. Paper Faced Mosaics - The Island and Lagoon Collections The Island and Lagoon Collections (pages 38-41) are paper faced and should be adhered in the usual way, with the paper facing outwards. Wet the paper and peel off before the setting material hardens to allow time to straighten the mosaics before they set. Due to the translucent nature of the glass, we recommend you choose a white adhesive, as it will have an effect on the overall look. | | |