Tile Installation Instructions

Maniscalco Installation Instructions

Sydney Harbor Metals, including Borders. October 1, 2009

  1. Sydney Harbor Metals are a composite metal made of resin, ceramic beads and metal shavings. This mixture is poured in to a mold and allowed to cure. They are not fired.
  2. Because Sydney Harbor Metal is not fired, the surface is more susceptible to scratching when compared to ceramic tile. Be careful not to scratch the surface with grout or abrasive cleaners, or damage the surface with solvent based sealers. None of the finishes require sealing.
  3. All colors are V2 in shading. This product is intended to have a rustic or hand made look. No two pieces are the same.
  4. Sydney Harbor Metals may be installed on interior wall areas in dry locations. It may be installed in wet locations, such as shower and tub surrounds, ONLY if the product is not cut. Cutting exposes the product to the possibility of corrosion in wet areas.
  5. Please refer to the usage chart for other areas of use.
  6. Keep this product at least eight inches away from a heat source, such as an open flame on a gas burning stove or the edge of a fire box.
  7. Sydney Harbor Metals are resistant to most food born stains, however some acidic foods can stain these products. Merely wipe acidic foods off the product as soon as they are noticed. Because Sydney Harbor Metals are not recommended for countertops, it will be rare that foods will contact this product.
  8. Make sure all product is inspected by the end user before installing. No refunds or adjustments of any kind will be made by Maniscalco or your supplier after the product is installed. The installer is responsible for installing the correct material. Use constitutes acceptance.
  9. To cut, use a tile wet saw with a diamond blade designed for cutting ceramic or porcelain tiles. Target, Pearl, MK, and many other blade manufacturers make blades for ceramic and porcelain. Always cut with the fashion side up. Always wear eye protection.

Suggested Installation Method

  1. Always use a licensed contractor.
  2. Always confirm in person with the end user / specifier that the product being installed is the correct product before installing, and is suitable for the project.
  3. Always inspect the product for unintended flaws that are not part of the fashion or style of the product. Do not install defective or damaged product. If there is a question about the quality of the product, contact your supplier before proceeding.
  4. Make sure the substrate is suitable for tile. Choose and follow the best technique for your project. Refer to the TCNA handbook, page 10, and all pages pertaining to substrate preparation.
  5. Make sure crack isolation membranes and water proofing membranes are considered for your type of installation where necessary. TCNA handbook, page 9, 10. ANSI a118.10, A108.12.
  6. The Sydney Harbor Metals may expand and contract differently than adjacent tile. Make sure expansion joints and movement joints are considered and used when necessary. Keep this product over eight inches away from an open flame. Areas of concern would be fireplace surrounds, and backsplashes behind cook tops. Extra soft joints may be required in these high heat areas. Use a soft (caulking) joint between the tile and any other material in a continuous installation. Use a soft joint where two different planes come together. Use a soft joint every six feet in a continuous run, or according to the TCNA handbook. Use a soft joint where the metal abuts to plumbing fixtures, cabinets, counter tops, window or door moldings, and bath tubs in accordance with the TCNA handbook. TCNA handbook, page 8, 9, 68, 69, and EJ171-05.
  7. Use a flexible modified white thin-set mortar that meets or exceeds ANSI 118.4 (a flexible acrylic mortar system such as those from Mapei, Laticrete, TEC, Customs, C-Cure, Siena, or equivalent). Follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Organic Mastic and Epoxy are not recommended for Sydney Harbor Metals.
  8. Use the correct size notch trowel depending on the size of the product and your desired results. In most cases a 5/32 x 5/32 v-notch trowel will be used. Do not allow the thin-set to rise up in the joints. Make sure you achieve full contact between the back of the tile and thin-set; you may use a clean grout float to embed the tile.
  9. Allow the thin-set to cure according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
  10. Use a modified grout. Grout with flexing capabilities or a flexible additive is preferred.
  11. Non-sanded grout is highly recommended. Be careful not to scratch the tile with the non-sanded grout. The tiles can be damaged by over-rubbing during the grouting process. Perform a test to see if the grout will scratch the tile on a loose piece before proceeding with the installation.
  12. Read and follow all manufacturers’ instructions on the grout.
  13. Buff and cure the grout according to the grout manufacturer’s instructions. Sealing the grout is optional, follow all instructions regarding sealing. The metal does not require sealing and is non-absorbent. Do not use solvent or oil based sealers on Sydney Harbor Metals. The Oil Rubbed Bronze color is very susceptible to solvent (oil) based sealers. Do not use solvent based sealers around the Oil Rubbed Bronze finish.

Care and Maintance
Regular cleaning with a neutral tile cleaner and a soft cloth or sponge is recommended. Use cleaning products that don’t leave a residue behind. Rinse with a soft wet cloth. Buff dry with a soft cloth. Do not use acids or cleaners containing acids or oils, corrosive chemicals, or abrasive cleaners.

Care and Maintenance for Borders Containing Sydney Harbor Metal
Regular cleaning with a neutral tile or stone cleaner is recommended. This will also clean the glass and metal components in some of these products. Use cleaning products that don’t leave a residue behind. Rinse with a soft wet cloth. Buff dry with a soft cloth. Do not use acids or cleaners containing acids or oils, corrosive chemicals, or abrasive cleaners.

Although very tough, all tile can scratch, use common sense when choosing the installed location.
We hope this will give the installer an avenue to become and stay educated with the most current recommendations. Please refer to the TCNA hand book regularly because it is revised each year and techniques can change. Our goal is to have trouble-free long lasting installations that can be enjoyed for a lifetime. Use constitutes acceptance. There will be no credits, refunds, cash settlements, etc. made after the product is installed, regardless of the circumstances. The TCNA website is www.tileusa.com .

Disclaimer: Website photos may not match exact color of actual tiles.