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Frequently Asked Questions

QUESTIONS ABOUT PRODUCT INSTALLATION

Below are some of the most frequently asked questions when it comes to installing Oceanside Glass & Tile. Don’t see your question answered? Drop us a line through the Technical or Customer Support forms (links at left).

Product Installation

Recommended usage and acceptable levels of traffic for floors will vary depending on the exact tile line, size, and finish. Detailed recommendations for each tile product we manufacture is available in the “Recommended Applications Chart”.

Yes, every order comes with a copy and you can download your own here.

No, please refer to the current Installation Instructions and refer to the “Thin-Set” section.

No! There are specific thin sets that we recommend for installing Oceanside Glass & Tile. Please see the Installation Instructions and refer to the “Thin-Set” section.

In most cases, sanded grout is totally acceptable to use with our tile products. However, detailed information regarding grout selection can be found in our “Grout Selection Guide. This includes details on when and where you can use other types of grouts including un-sanded, urethane and acrylic grouts (aka pre-mixed).

Grout color is extremely subjective and can be influenced by a number of site factors including lighting and surrounding finish colors. Therefore, we strongly suggest reviewing a grout chart against the installed tile with your designer or installer prior to making your final selection.

Glass tile itself is impervious and does not need to be sealed. However, any natural stone tile components and/or cement-based grout should be sealed to help prevent staining and prolong product life. Check out our General Maintenance Guide for additional information and product recommendations.

We recommend using Oceancare’s line of cleaning and maintenance products. Please reference our General Maintenance Guide for more specific instructions depending on application.

In many cases, yes but it will depend on the exact product line and tile size. Please see the Recommended Applications Chart” and our Pool & Water Feature Installation document. Please note: Tiles with any edge longer than 5” or trim tile with any edge longer than 2.5” are not recommended for use in pools and water features.

Please see the Pool Tile Maintenance Guide for detailed information on pool tile and water chemistry maintenance.

NO! Please see the Pool Tile Maintenance Guide for detailed information on pool tile and water chemistry maintenance.

While all of the tile products we recommend for use in pools are impervious and freeze/thaw resistant it is still critical to protect the tile installation materials and substrate from the potential of freezing damage. Generally speaking, this requires preventing the water from freezing (heating and circulating) or lowering the water level to allow the tile installation materials and substrate to completely dry prior to the first freeze. For specific recommendations, we suggest reviewing the Association of Pool & Spa Professionals’ Winterizing a Pool fact sheet.

Please see the Substrate Build Up” document with detailed instructions on a few different methods to achieve a flush installation.

No. Installing translucent tile over a membrane can cause a situation where moisture becomes trapped between the tile and the membrane. If this happens, it’s possible that the trapped moisture could darken the setting material, which will be visible through the tile as “spots” that never dry out. Translucent tile should be installed over an absorptive substrate. If this is not possible, it may be necessary to use an alternate, non-absorptive tile adhesive to install the tile instead of thin-set.

Check out our step-by-step tutorial video How To Cut Paper-Faced Mosaics.

Check out our step-by-step tutorial video Cutting Film-Faced Mosaics.

Yes! Check out our video tutorial on Paper-Faced Mosaics Installation.

No, it’s really not. Installing paper-faced mosaics only requires a few extra steps during the installation process and a little attention to detail. Check out our How to Install Paper-Faced Mosaics video for a full step-by-step breakdown of the process.