How to:  Clean  |  Seal  |  Restore                 Mosaic Tile (or Glass Tile)         Sealing - Cleaning - Problem Solving - Protection - Care     The term "Mosaic" really refers to how small pieces of tile are installed in designs, more than the actual composition of tile pieces. Mosaic tile are treated the same way as the larger porcelain tiles.  They are the same hard fired material and color all through the body and are generally not glazed. Typically small (1" square) square, hex, rectangle with a mesh backing for easier installations. Glass tile fit the same description with the exception that they are glass and not porcelain. Both types are treated the same way and are referred to as mosaic tile herein.

There is no need for confusion or problems brought about by misidentification of a surface type, yet it happens all too often. If you would like to see why this is the case and how to properly identify a surfacing material ..... Click here

If you are concerned about doing it yourself - consider that the satisfaction of a project is directly related to your knowledge of what needs to be done and how. Who actually does the work is less important. We estimate that 25% of the usage of Aldon products is by "do it yourself" homeowners and we know they are happy because we hear from them.

MATERIAL DESCRIPTION - With Identifying Characteristics Typical absorption range = very low to low Testing your surfacing for absorption rate Testing for acid sensitivity Note this on your worksheet for later reference High fired and very tough and durable. Small size provides traction created by the close spacing of the grout joints.  Therefore, considered beneficial for wet area safety. Used to create artworks for centuries by placing one tile at a time. Now, they come pre patterned on mesh backing and are as fast and easy to install as regular tile. Even if the tile is so smooth and dense that it does not need to be sealed, the grout does need to be sealed.  See below.

Following are recommendations for products you may need (in sequence of use ) for whichever of the categories applies to you. Please review each and mark your printed worksheet accordingly.

Layed, But Not Grouted  Grout Easy Efflorescence            Treatment        Grout Residue            Remover   (should not be needed after using Grout Easy)

Grouted, But Not Sealed Grout Residue            Remover       Efflorescence            Treatment        .............Sealer ( see below ) Lifeguard Care ...........

Sealer Has Been Applied Important! - First - Click here!  Premium Stripper ...........Cleaners   ? ...........Sealer ( see below ) Lifeguard Care ..........

Typically, Mosaics do not need to be sealed, but may benefit from a surface coating to impede dirt collection and improve ease of cleaning. Aldon

 "Tile Cover" will provide this surface coating without changing the tile appearance. However, first the grout must be sealed. See sealer recommendations below.

For the higher textured mosaics, a technique to fill and seal the surface is to seal the tile and grout with Aldon

 "S-B-S Sealer". This will usually create a light gloss on the tile face. If desired, this gloss can be removed with lacquer thinner so that the end result is a filling of the pores without creating a glossy finish.

 

"Same Day Sealer"     Water Based - Penetrating Type One application to seal the grout and wipe from the tile face. No change to color No gloss

"Crystal Glaze Sealer"     Water Based - Coating Type One Application High Gloss to tile and grout Some color enhancement Gloss provides easier cleaning, especially in commercial applications.

"S-B-S Sealer" Solvent Based - Penetrating Type One Application Some Color Enhancement Medium (matte) finish on the tile and little or no gloss on the grout unless multiple applications build up to higher gloss. Creating gloss provides easier cleaning, especially in commercial applications.

Other care products you might need for this surface type

Insta-Clean

Maintain

Dust Whiz

* Note:       will add another level of gloss to any of the above sealed surfaces.
It also prevents traffic wear to the sealers finish.

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