TECHNICAL INFORMATION
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NOOHN MOSAICS
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TERRACOTTA MOSAICS
The following instructions are intended to guarantee the correct installation of terracotta mosaics. All installation work must be carried out by a qualified professional. The following installation instructions should be carefully read and the mosaics checked before they are laid.
1. PREPARING THE SUBSTRATE Surfaces where the material is to be laid must be smooth and consistent, and dry and clean. They should be levelled to create a white background, using specific products for levelling layers thicker than 2mm. To keep the levelling material in good condition, the environmental temperature must be between 5ºC and 30ºC.
2. LAYING THE MOSAICS To ensure that the mosaics are correctly laid, we recommend the use of white One-Flex, a high-performance cement-based adhesive which is specially designed for laying terracotta mosaics, glass mosaics and porcelain tiles. Use the smooth side of a notched trowel to spread the adhesive evenly over the wall or floor, and then “comb” it with the notched side (minimum notch size 3mm). The adhesive should not be spread all at one go over large surfaces to prevent it from drying before the mosaics are laid. To lay the mosaic sheets, press them down evenly with a rubber trowel and make sure that the distance between each sheet is the same as the joint between the mosaic chips to ensure a uniform appearance and joints of the same width. Before grouting them, leave the adhesive to dry for at least 24-48 hours. After this drying time has elapsed, clean the surface with a moist cloth and leave to dry before grouting.
a wax emulsion that forms a surface coat. It prevents staining, brings out the colour of the mosaics, increases their resistance to scratching, and gives them a glossy finish. The FILALONGLIFE should be spread evenly over the surface to be treated, using a wide paintbrush. Eight hours later, a second coat should be applied. This protective treatment should ideally be the last building work carried out on site. If a more matt finish is required, FILAMATT should be used, following the same procedure as for FILALONGLIFE.
5. CARE INDOORS: When the mosaics are waxed, they should be regularly cleaned with water and a neutral detergent. Depending on their use, they might need cleaning thoroughly and re-waxing, if the effect of the wax has disappeared. OUTDOORS: If the surface is heavily exposed to the weather, each year it should be given a light acid clean with DETERDEK to remove any lime scale that has built up due to the effect of atmospheric agents. When terracotta mosaics are used outdoors, they tend to change in appearance over the course of time. Traffic, rain and sun are factors that affect the terracotta, enhancing it in a unique, natural way. If you wish to improve the terracotta’s resistance to outdoor stains, apply a coat of FILA ES/82 every two or three years, cleaning the mosaics first with DETERDEK.
3. GROUTING We recommend the use of Colorstuk Rapid, a fast setting grouting mortar available in different colours, with an excellent mechanical resistance, low water absorption and anti-fungal qualities. Colorstuk in black or anthracite should not be used, as it may be difficult to clean the tile joints. Application: Spread the grouting material using a rubber trowel, filling in the joints completely. Use the same trowel to remove any excess material. Cleaning after grouting: Before the grouting material sets, any remains must be removed with a sponge or cloth. The grouting material must not be allowed to dry too much before doing this or it will hinder the cleaning of the mosaics. This operation must be repeated at least two or three times to ensure perfectly clean mosaics, rinsing the surface thoroughly with water, using a sponge or cloth.
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4. WAXING: INDOOR MOSAICS To ensure optimum care of terracotta mosaics, they should be treated with FILALONGLIFE 48 hours after the joints are grouted. FILALONGLIFE is
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