Cement tiles are entirely handmade. This may result in slight color variations in the tiles. Although we strictly inspect the tiles, this cannot always be avoided. The dimensions of the tiles may also slightly vary. Additionally, cement tiles may sometimes show small hairline cracks.
This is precisely the charm of the product. To achieve a beautiful color variation, we recommend selecting tiles randomly from different boxes and checking them before installation.
Sometimes, cement tiles may have a haze or stains. This is a natural phenomenon in cement-based products. It will disappear over time.
STORAGE OF TILES BEFORE INSTALLATION
Ensure that the tiles are stored in a dry place. Leave them in their original boxes. Moisture and sunlight can affect the tiles or cause stains that are difficult to remove. If the tiles are installed but other construction activities are still ongoing, cover the tiles with a cotton or linen cloth. Never cover with plastic, cardboard, stucco cloth, or other non-breathable materials, as this can cause stains that are difficult to remove.
TILE PRE-TREATMENT
Our cement tiles are already impregnated twice in the factory. This protects the tiles during transport. However, after installation, they must be re-impregnated. Keep the tiles clean during installation, do not write on the tiles, not even with a pencil, as this can create permanent stains.
CHECK THE TILES BEFORE INSTALLATION
- Check the tiles before starting the installation. Once laid, no claims will be accepted.
- We recommend ordering 10% extra tiles to account for cutting losses and adjustments.
- The tiles must always be cut with a water saw.
INSTALLATION PROCEDURE
Laying cement tiles is not difficult, but it should be done carefully. We recommend working with professionals experienced in laying this type of flooring. We can recommend skilled tilers.
STEP 1: PREPARATION OF TILES AND SUBFLOOR
- Ensure the subfloor is flat, clean, dry, and free of dust and grease. Use Kiesel Octamus UG 30 primer to improve adhesion.
- Never lay tiles on wet mortar or screed.
- Use Kiesel Servolight adhesive, suitable for natural stone.
- For the best result, apply the adhesive to both the subfloor and the tiles.
- For one square meter of tiles, use 1 kg of adhesive.
STEP 2: INSTALLATION OF TILES
- First, lay a row of tiles dry to determine the pattern.
- Then place three corner tiles and use marking wires to outline the area to be tiled.
- Lay the tiles one square meter at a time and immediately remove any adhesive or cement residues with clean water.
- If residues have already dried, use Lithofin MN cleaner or Lithofin Cement Haze Remover.
- Use a rubber mallet to level the tiles before the adhesive dries.
STEP 3: FIRST IMPREGNATION LAYER
- Apply the first impregnation layer before grouting.
- This prevents cement and grout residues from penetrating the tiles. Use Lithofin Vlekstof W.
- Ensure the floor is completely clean and dry.
- NEVER use bleach, cleaning vinegar, or other acidic products, as they will irreversibly damage the floor.
- Apply the impregnation with a paint roller or rub in with a soft cloth.
- Allow the floor to dry completely (12 to 24 hours). Do not walk on the floor during this time.
STEP 4: GROUTING THE FLOOR
- Grout joints are usually 1 to 3 mm thick. Use Kiesel Servoperl grout in medium grey or silver.
- For one square meter, use 1 kg of grout.
- Immediately clean the tiles of cement and adhesive residues to avoid stains.
- Using a dark grout is possible, but it may create visible stains.
- Proceed with grouting a maximum of one square meter at a time.
- After grouting, rinse the entire surface with clean water.
- After drying, apply a second impregnation layer with Lithofin Vlekstof W.
- A third impregnation layer may be applied if necessary.
- Wipe off any excess impregnation with a lint-free cloth.
- For optimal maintenance, re-impregnate every 2 to 5 years, depending on use.
MAINTENANCE OF YOUR FLOOR
- Wait between 3 and 7 days after the last impregnation before the first cleaning.
- For regular maintenance, use a neutral, acid-free soap, such as Lithofin Wash & Clean.
- For heavy dirt, use Lithofin MN undiluted.
- Clean coffee, wine, juice, or oil stains immediately to prevent absorption.
- If necessary, lightly sand the surface with fine sandpaper.
- For large areas, use a polishing machine with soft pads.
FURTHER INFORMATION ABOUT OUR CEMENT TILES
- Cement tiles can also be used in the shower, provided that the floor and back wall are fully waterproofed beforehand. Use special waterproof, flexible silicone grout and adhesive.
- Cement tiles are particularly well-suited for underfloor heating. In this case, use a flexible adhesive and grout, as the tiles may expand and contract due to heating.
- Cement tiles can be laid outdoors on a patio or veranda. However, avoid direct sunlight, as this may cause the colors to fade, although only minimally. Cement tiles are not frost-resistant. If you choose to use cement tiles outdoors, ensure that they cannot freeze. Outdoor use is entirely at your own risk.
- Cement tiles are not resistant to acids such as lemon juice, vinegar, and chlorine. Never clean the floor with cleaning agents like Antikal, vinegar cleaner, bleach, all-purpose cleaner, chlorine, or similar products, as this can cause irreversible damage to the floor.
*RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS:
- Tile spacers
- Sponge container, grout float, sponge
- Notched trowel
- Primer Kiesel UG 30
- Tile adhesive Kiesel Servolight
- Grout Kiesel Servoperl
- Cleaning/cement residue remover Lithofin MN Basic Cleaner
- Impregnating agent Lithofin Stain Stop W
- Maintenance product Lithofin MN Wash&Clean
Passion for handmade beauty