Claymonde Installation Instructions

Always stack Claymonde boxes on edge. Do not stack flat. When removing Claymonde from the box, set tiles on edge on cardboard to protect edges. When handling be careful of corners and edges. Use suction cups if handling large pieces.

Shade variation is a characteristic of high-fired ceramic tile. Lay tiles out for installation to check shading and inspect for damage. Mix and match tiles for desired color shading before starting installation. No claims will be recognized after installation.

Silicone Installation—for tub surrounds, bathroom walls, backsplashes and fireplace surrounds. Create a waterproof installation by using silicone as the adhesive and grout and have much less mess than mixing thin sets and grouts.

Install Fiberock Aqua-Tough tm 5/8” board plumb and level to wall studs. Take extra time to shim the wallboard and make sure that walls are straight true and level, because the tile will be glued directly to the wallboard. This board is water resistant and approved for tub surrounds.

The back of tiles and wallboard must be free of dust and dry. Apply silicone in a squiggly line pattern from top to bottom of piece. Leave 1” gap between lines and from top, bottom and sides. Press tile smooth and flat to wall. Use 3/32” grout spacers in between tiles. After all pieces are installed use masking tape around joints, caulk joints with silicone smooth and remove masking tape. Unsanded grout may also be used but will not be waterproof and will have to be sealed after installation when it is thoroughly dry. Use only an unsanded grout that is lighter than or blends with the color of the tile.

Mortar Installation—for steam shower walls, fountains, pools and heavy use bathroom showers.

Apply anti fracture waterproof membrane (Laticrete 9235, C-cure 963 or equivalent) to mortar bed. Follow instructions of manufacturer for membrane application and thin set application. Use an elastomeric thin set (mapei keralastic) with 100 % additive. Spread thin set evenly and push tiles smooth and flat to each other. Space tiles with 3/32” spacers. Grout with unsanded grout. Use a grout color that blends with the tile or has no color added. Do not use a darker grout than the tile. A darker grout may stain the tile. Seal grout after installation when it is thoroughly dry.

Cutting—Use a diamond blade wet tile saw for cutting. A new tile saw blade will make a cleaner cut than an old overused blade. Stone or sand edges. Whenever possible use cut edges against the outside walls or ceiling where they are hidden. Dry tiles after cutting before applying silicone.

Drilling—Use a diamond bit with water to drill holes. Make sure that the faucet flange covers any chipping on the edges of the cut out.

Cleaning—Use non-abrasive cleaners that are recommended for glass or tile. Follow rinsing instructions carefully.

Sealing— Seal annually with a thin coat of penetrating sealer in wet areas and behind cook top areas. Wipe penetrating sealer on with a soft cloth and remove residue before it dries. Sealing will protect tile and make clean up easy.