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Wall Tiling Installation Guide

AUGUST 2014

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Wall Tiling Installation Guide 1
Important Notes 4
Internal Substrates 5
Surface preparation: 5
Plaster (Gypsum) skimmed walls - (Maximum weight loading 20kg/m2): 5
Plasterboard - (Maximum weight loading 32kg/m2): 5
Timber - (Maximum weight loading 30kg/m2+): 5
Existing tiles - (Weight dependent on substrate type and existing tile weight): 5
Rendered walls - (Maximum weight loading 40kg/m2 +): 6
Unrendered walls - (Maximum weight loading 40kg/m2 +): 6
Papered and painted walls: 6
Tile Backer Board - (Max weight loading 40kg/m2 +): 6
Bumps, hollows, irregularities, uneven surfaces etc.: 6
Hearths and fireplaces: 6
Showers: 6
Planning 7
Fixing 9
Preparation 9
Mixing 9
Application 9
Fixing Glass Tiles and Mosaics: 9
Painted Glass Tiles 11
Mother of Pearl Mosaics 11
Cutting 12
Water cooled diamond cutters: 12
Hand held cutter: 12
Glass tiles: 13
Mitres: 13
Drilling holes for fittings: 14
Glass tiles: 14
Grouting 15
Preparation: 15
Mixing: 15
Application: 15
Sealing 17
Crackle Glazed Tiles: 17
Natural Stone Tiles: 17
Glass and Slate mosaics: 17
Glass tiles: 17
Glazed Tiles: 17
Finishing 18
Commissioning 18
Notes and Details 18
External corners and exposed tile edges: 18
Dados, trims, rails & slips: 18
Random decorated tiles: 18
Product Notes 19
Chips and blemishes: 19
Colour variation: 19
Crazing (or tiny cracks): 19
Decorated Panels: 19
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External tiling: 19
Floor tiles: 19
Pinholes: 19
Size variation: 19
Glossary 20
Fired Earth Tile Essential Products 21
Website - www.firedearth.com 21
Useful Numbers 21
Substrate Preparation Guide 22
Tile Essentials Product Selector Glazed Wall Tiles 23
Tile Essentials Product Selector Glazed Wall Tiles continued 25
Tile Essentials Product Selector Slate and Stone Wall Tiles 24
Tile Essentials Product Selector Glass Wall Tiles and Floor Tiles 26
Sealants and Finishes 26
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Important Notes

The purpose of this booklet is to outline the basic principles of installing Fired Earth wall tiles.

For more detailed technical information, refer to British Standard BS 5385 Wall and Floor
Tiling.

Prior to installation please ensure the tiles purchased are suitable for the application
and thoroughly inspected. Ensure your tiler is aware of the expected finish of the tiles
and there are sufficient tiles for the area. The tiles must be well shuffled by drawing tiles
from all the boxes. Dry lay an area in suitable light as a final check before installation.

For further information or if any doubt exists, please telephone our Technical
Department for advice prior to commencing any tiling.

Fired Earth have tested our range of adhesives, grout and sealants to ensure
compatibility with all of our tiles (see our Product Selector on pages 23 to 27).

We recommend that you treat a spare tile with the appropriate sealer and/or
finisher prior to installation to ensure you have achieved your desired appearance.

Read the instructions on the packaging of Adhesives, Grouts and Sealants very
carefully. Keep everything meticulously clean and orderly as work progresses.

No complaints regarding the appearance of the product will be accepted by the
company once the tiles have been installed.

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Internal Substrates

Surface preparation:

Tiles can be fixed to most walls. The surface must be properly prepared, suitably level, sound,
clean, dry, and free of dust, grease or any loose material. All surfaces must be completely
secure without any obvious deflection and capable of carrying the additional load.

Special care must be taken when tiling areas which may become damp or wet. See our
Waterproofing Showers and Bathrooms Installation guide.

When tiling onto walls with floor tiles consideration must be given to weight, as floor tiles are
often heavier than wall tiles. Our sales teams will be happy to confirm the weight of the tiles so
you can confirm suitability. Please include 3kg per m in your calculation to allow for the weight
of the adhesive and grout.


Plaster (Gypsum) skimmed walls - (Maximum weight loading 20kg/m2):

New plaster should be a minimum of four weeks old and dry prior to tiling. All plaster surfaces
should be primed with undiluted Fired Earth Primer before using Fired Earth adhesive. If the
plaster is dusty, porous or hard and shiny it must be thoroughly dry brushed with a stiff bristled
brush before being primed with Fired Earth Primer diluted 1:4 with water. The Primer must be
completely dry prior to an additional coat of undiluted Fired Earth Primer. All surfaces must be
completely dry prior to tiling.

Plasterboard - (Maximum weight loading 32kg/m2):

Plasterboard can be tiled over provided it is firmly braced and fixed. No deflection should be
evident in any of the boards. Plasterboard must be primed with Fired Earth Primer. The primer
must be completely dry prior to tiling.

Timber - (Maximum weight loading 30kg/m2+):

Timber should be WBP plywood. Other types of timber such as MDF, chipboard etc. may be
used but only in dry areas. All timber must be dry, firmly braced and fixed. No deflection should
be evident in any of the boards. Seal the reverse, front, and edges with neat Fired Earth Primer.
It is important to prime the reverse and the edges of the boards, particularly in a wet area to
avoid the boards swelling and warping due to water ingress. The primer must be completely
dry prior to tiling. Chipboard is the only timber product that must not be sealed; please refer
to manufacturers guidelines and suitability for tiling.

Existing tiles - (Weight dependent on substrate type and existing tile weight):

Tiles often provide a good base for tiling provided they are flat and in good condition. Make
sure they are entirely clean, degreased and are firmly fixed to the wall. Any damaged or loose
areas should be made good. Check that the surface to which the existing tiles are fixed will
take the weight of the additional layer of tiles you are adding. Brush apply a slurry bonding
coat consisting of 2 parts cement-based adhesive to 1 part Fired Earth Primer and allow to dry
before fixing commences. This surface preparation will provide a key for the tile adhesive to
bond to.

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Rendered walls - (Maximum weight loading 40kg/m2 +):

Tiles can be fixed directly onto sand and cement renders this is an ideal base particularly for
very thick handmade tiles and natural materials such as slate and stone etc. New render must
be at least 14 days old (21 days in total immersion areas), or until suitably dry, prior to tiling.
Dusty surfaces must be thoroughly dry brushed. Porous renders must be primed with Fired
Earth Primer diluted 1:4 with water. The primer must be completely dry prior to tiling.

Unrendered walls - (Maximum weight loading 40kg/m2 +):

Most bricks and blocks can be tiled directly onto provided they are sufficiently flat to receive
the tiled finish. Lightweight and medium dense block-work must be primed with Fired Earth
Primer diluted 1:4 with water. In areas which will be subjected to wetting, a render coat must
be applied to lightweight and medium dense block-work. The primer must be completely dry
prior to tiling.

Papered and painted walls:

Fired Earth does not recommend tiling onto papered and painted surfaces. These should be
completely removed and the substrate primed with Fired Earth Primer. The primer must be
completely dry prior to tiling.

Tile Backer Board - (Max weight loading 40kg/m2 +):

Ensure the board is correctly installed according to manufacturers specifications prior to tiling.

Bumps, hollows, irregularities, uneven surfaces etc.:

Defects likely to affect the standard of finished tiling should be rectified prior to tiling. Any
hollows should be filled with a suitable filler and then allowed to dry. Old adhesive must be
removed. In severe cases, the wall finish may require total replacement. Walls should not
deviate by +/ 3mm along a 2 metre straight edge.

Hearths and fireplaces:

Care should be exercised when tiling into hearths or fire surrounds. Ensure that the tiles are
kept a minimum of 300mm away from direct contact with the flames or the main heat source.
Not all tiles are suitable for use in this area. Check with our Sales Team as to which tiles are.

Showers:

Extra care must be exercised when tiling domestic showers. Read and follow our
recommendations in our Waterproofing Showers and Bathrooms Installation guide. Fired
Earth sell Shower Liner for walls and Fired Earth Fleximat for floors, which can be used
successfully to prevent problems with water ingress. If you require any additional information
on projects of this type please contact our Technical Department.

Showers should not be used for at least 14 days after the tiling has been completed.



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Planning

Allow time to study the room and to plan your work. There will always be alternatives and
equally successful ways to tile the same area.

Whenever possible, all furniture, basins etc. should be removed prior to tiling, in order to obtain
the best possible finish.

As a general guide, consider the natural focal point of the area to be tiled, and plan the tile
layout and the starting point with this in mind.

You will require a measuring stick and some timber battens. The measuring stick can be made
easily using a straight edged timber batten measuring approximately 1000 x 30 x 25 mm. Mark
the width of a tile plus a grout joint along the length of the stick. For example, for a tile of
150mm and assuming a joint width of 3mm, mark off equal distances of 153mm. Our
recommended grout joint widths are published in our price list.


Step 1: Fix your straight length of timber batten to the wall you are going to tile. The batten
should run the full length of the wall and be positioned with the top edge one tile width plus
one grout joint width above the floor or work surface. Use a spirit level to check that the batten
is absolutely horizontal. This batten will provide a level from which to start the tiling and will
ensure that the tiling lines are straight, even though the floor or work surface may be uneven.




Step 2: Hold the measuring stick vertically against the wall and check that you will not be left
with a difficult row of very small cut tiles at the top. If necessary reposition the timber batten
further down the wall to even out the cut tiles at the top and bottom.




Step 3: Measure and mark the midpoint of the wall. From this point use the measuring stick
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horizontally to determine where the last whole tile will finish. Mark this point X on the batten.




Step 4: Drop a plumb line from the top of the wall to coincide with point X. Mark the position
of the plumb line onto the wall and using the measuring stick as a ruler, draw in this line. Fix
another timber batten alongside this line and check with a spirit level that it is absolutely
vertical. This corner framed by the two battens will give the position of the first tile.


























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Fixing

Before commencing tiling please ensure you are familiar with the important notes on page 4.

Fired Earth does not recommend the sealing of tiles before fixing.

All Fired Earth Wall Tile adhesives are cement based, flexible and designed for fixing our full
range of tile. They are water resistant and suitable for both internal and external applications.

Preparation

Refer to substrate guidelines on pages 5 and 6

Mixing

Carefully follow the mixing recommendations supplied on the reverse of the product.

Application

Using a suitable notched trowel spread the appropriate adhesive (see Product Selector on
pages 23 to 27) onto the fixing surface. Spread only enough adhesive that remains workable,
we would recommend an area of approximately 1 square metre. The adhesive should
completely cover the back area. A minimum of 2mm should be applied up to a maximum of
6mm. When installing dados, trims and slips please ensure any void at the back is filled with
adhesive to prevent air pockets forming which may lead to a weakness in the installation.

Place the first tile in the corner formed by the timber battens (see Planning on pages 7-8) and
push the tile home firmly with a slight twisting action. Place the next tile adjacent to the first,
allowing for a grout joint, and so on sideways and upwards over the prepared area.

Ensure your tiles are installed flat and level taking into consideration the variable depth and
rustic handmade nature of our tiles.

Once you have completed the wall using whole tiles and the adhesive has set, remove the
timber battens and tile the perimeter with cut tiles (see Cutting on pages 11-12).



Fixing Glass Tiles and Mosaics:

Due to the transparent characteristics of some of our glass tiles, it is imperative that the
following instructions are followed:

The substrate should be uniform in colour and pale or neutral. A dark substrate and/or poor
adhesive coverage will affect the overall finish of the tiling when using transparent glass.

Using a 4mm (3/16) notched trowel, spread the appropriate adhesive (see Product Selector
on pages 23 to 27) onto the substrate. Ensure that good contact is achieved by using firm
pressure and ensure a uniform coat is applied.
Using the flat side of the trowel flatten the adhesive to produce a uniform, ridge-free adhesive
bed. This will avoid unsightly adhesive ridges, voids and colour variation.

The tiles can now be pressed firmly into the adhesive. Paper and cellophane faced mosaics
should be tiled with this side facing outwards. The tiles or sheets should be placed so that all
joints match. With mosaics it is important that individual sheets cannot be distinguished. Check
that the tiles are evenly and uniformly bedded and covered by the adhesive. Use a wooden
beating block to carefully tap across the entirety of each sheet, thereby achieving a flat and
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uniform surface whilst ensuring the mosaics are firmly and fully embedded into the adhesive.

Fixing High Society Glass
Given the extreme thinness of this tile use a 6mm square notched trowel. The trowel should
be kept as shallow as possible to the surface to keep the adhesive bed as thin as workably
possible. The trowel lines should then be smoothed over with the flat edge, the tile can then
be fixed to the adhesive. Apply light pressure to bed the tile into the adhesive, ensuring no
bleeding to the surrounding grout joint.

With paper faced mosaics the adhesive should be allowed to partially set but before they
have become fully bonded, the paper must be removed. Setting time will vary according to
wetness of the mix, ambient temperature, type of substrate etc. The average is 30 to 60
minutes.

The paper is secured with water soluble glue and can be removed by wetting. Moisten the
paper with a damp sponge, do not use a spray bottle as the water does not penetrate as
thoroughly making the paper removal more difficult. Dampen a few times prior to peeling it off.
If removal is difficult, dampen further and leave for another 5 to 10 minutes before trying again.

The glue residue must be removed from the surface of the tile prior to grouting by using a small
nylon scrubbing brush and water, then wipe clean with a damp sponge. Any residue adhesive
may darken the intended colour of the mosaic.

Any adjustments can now be carried out. Check and if necessary: eliminate any sheet lines,
adjust any crooked pieces, remove any damaged pieces, or any unacceptable colour variation,
check the background for colour uniformity etc.

The adhesive must cure adequately (24-48 hours) or set before any further work is undertaken.

Iridescent Glass Mosaics Prose (Flirt, Summer Affair, Soulmate, Encounter, Transfix,
Sixth Sense) This particular style of Iridescent Glass has been specifically designed with
very tight grout joints and for this reason to familiarize yourself with the product and installation
we would recommend dry laying a few of the sheets prior to full installation. You may encounter
resistance in interlocking the sheets due to these tight grout joints. We would recommend softly
forcing the sheets together. If there is still difficulty in fitting the sheets together we would
recommend slightly dampening the paper with a damp sponge, this will enable some
movement in the tile enabling you to interlock the sticks of glass. Finally lightly tap with a
beating block and hammer to ensure complete interlocking tile.

Iridescent Glass Kaleidoscope Mosaics To ensure the correct placement of each sheet
all arrows printed on the paper facing must be placed in the same direction. Prior to installation
it is the responsibility of the installer to check the reverse of the tile to ensure correct placement.

With cellophane faced mosaics, the sheets should be correctly aligned as they are being
fitted. The cellophane is clear so the tiles can be checked as they are installed.

Damaged or unacceptable mosaic pieces can be cut out of the sheet with a sharp knife and
replaced.

The adhesive MUST be allowed to cure prior to peeling off the cellophane film, no water is
required. If the film is peeled off before the adhesive has set correctly, the bond will be severely
weakened which can cause tiling failure.

The glue residue must be removed from the surface of the tile prior to grouting by using a
small nylon scrubbing brush and water, then wipe clean with a damp sponge. Alternatively
white spirit can be used sparingly over limited areas and then rinsed with warm soapy water.
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Care should be taken to avoid contact with tile other than glass mosaic as it may damage the
surface.

The mosaic pieces cannot be adjusted once the adhesive has set.



Painted Glass Tiles

Some of our Glass tiles are painted on the back of the tile (Liquid Glass and Glass Elements).
For the optimum fixing of these tiles we would recommend that a slurry bonding coat consisting
of 2 parts adhesive to 1 part Fired Earth Primer is applied to the back of the tile and allowed to
dry. The tile can then be installed as per the instructions above.

Fixing Mother of Pearl Mosaics:

Use a 6mm square notched mosaic trowel to apply Fired Earth Flexible Standard Set or Fast
Set adhesive. Ensure the trowel is kept as shallow as possible to the substrate to ensure a
very thin bed of adhesive. Smooth over the trowel lines with a flat edge, with the tile being
applied at the same time.
Apply light pressure to bed in the tile, ensuring no bleeding into the surrounding grout joint.
Once the adhesive is fully dry, grout using a soft face float to work the grout into the joints
taking care not to scratch the tiles when removing excess grout. Given the thinness of the tile
apply only light pressure when removing excess grout to avoid the risk of removing the grout
in its entirety.


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Cutting

The following is offered as a general guide to the cutting equipment to be used with different
wall tile types, followed by notes on special types of cutting.

We would recommend that appropriate safety goggles or glasses are used when cutting tiles.

Water cooled diamond cutters:

Due to the nature of our tiles it is often necessary to use a suitable diamond cutter if a
professional finish and minimum wastage is to be achieved. These can be hired from a tool
hire company. The quality of the machine and blade will vary enormously. Check with the
supplier that the equipment you are hiring is suitable for the product being installed.

All crackle glazed tiles must be sealed with Lithofin KF Stain-Stop prior to cutting. After cutting
with a diamond saw, wash the tiles immediately with clean water to avoid staining.

The following cutting alternatives are available:

Hand held cutter:

Some machine made tiles can be cut with a hand held cutter.

Step 1: Mark the tile surface where it is to be cut, and firmly score down this line with the
Tungsten Carbide wheel.




Step 2: Use the jaws of the cutter to make a clean break.



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Step 3: Curves and other more complex shapes can be cut out with a pair of tile pincers or a
hacksaw fitted with a multi-directional Tungsten Carbide blade.




Glass tiles:

Glass tiles with painted backs must be cut differently.

These tiles should be cut from the back.

Stick masking tape or similar where the cut will be, make an appropriate mark, and cut through
the masking tape and the back of the tile, this will minimise any roughness to the edge of the
tile and its backing. The surface edge of the tile may require light sanding with a rubbing block
or similar to remove any obvious roughness.


Mitres:

This refers to the cutting of an angle across the edge or face of the tile in order to provide a
precise corner finish. The hire of a diamond cutter is advisable. Note: not all tiles are suitable
for mitreing.


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Drilling holes for fittings:

Modern porcelain tiles are becoming increasingly hard and dense. Fired Earth recommends
the use of the ARMEGrange of porcelain drill bits and core drills.

Glass tiles:

Measure carefully and mark the hole position on both the front and back of the tile. Always drill
the hole 2-3mm wider than required to avoid fixtures putting pressure on the glass tile.

Securely clamp down the tile.

Using a diamond core drill bit designed for glass and a variable speed portable hand drill; begin
drilling from the back of the tile whilst continuously cooling the surface with water.

Do not apply excess pressure, but allow the drill to gradually drill the hole.

Drill no more than 5mm deep before flipping the tile over.

Continue drilling from the front, attempting to drill the glass from one side only will cause the
tile to crack.

Once the drill is through gently run the drill around the hole edge to smooth the edge.

When using wall plugs drill the hole bigger than the plug to ensure the plug can be pushed
through the tile. It is important that the plug is not in contact with the glass and is firmly secured
in the substrate of the wall. This will prevent the glass tile splitting when the plug expands.

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Grouting

It is important to have a grout joint between tiles to allow for movement in the structure.

All Fired Earth Grout is suitable for internal and external applications and in fully immersed
situations such as pools. It is water resistant but not impervious to the passage of water. In
situations where the background needs to be protected against water ingress the use of a
suitable tanking membrane should be considered.

All Fired Earth grouts are flexible therefore no additive is required when tiling glass tiles or
areas subject to movement e.g. timber.

The range is suitable for joints of between 1-5mm for Fired Earth Wall Grouts and 2-20mm
for Fired Earth Wall and Floor Grouts. Please note the Fired Earth Mould Resistant Grout
and the Wall Grout are only suitable for tiles up to a maximum depth of 10mm. Fired Earth
Wall and Floor Grout should be used for tiles of greater depth.

Our range of Grout is available in a selection of colours. Please ensure you have the correct
colour for your tile project.

Preparation:

Prior to grouting the adhesive bed should be dry and the grout joints clean, dry and free from
adhesive residues, dirt, dust and other loose debris. Various factors including: adhesive type,
substrate, tile type, temperature etc will affect the drying time of the adhesive. Porous tiles
should be sealed before grouting (see page 16).

Grouts may lodge in the crackled surface of some tiles, which will highlight the crackle effect -
ideal if an antique look is required. If not, the tiles should be sealed with 1- 2 coats of KF
Stain-Stop, prior to grouting.

Grouts can contain strong colour pigments and this should be taken into consideration when
selecting the colour. Lighter coloured tiles can be affected by dark coloured grouts bleeding
into the tiles resulting in dark patches around tile edge or possibly over tile face if slurry
grouted which may permanently stain the tile. If you are using a mixture of dark and light
tiles we would recommend using limestone or cream. Always test a small area of tiles prior
to grouting the entire area.

Mixing:

Carefully follow the mixing recommendations supplied on the reverse of the product.

Application:

Using a soft rubber squeegee or float apply with diagonal sweeping movements to the grout
joints taking care to fully compress the grout into the full depth of the grout joints so that no air
pockets exist and the joints are fully filled. A timber dowel of an appropriate diameter can be
used to compact the grout within the joints.

Work in manageable areas and clean off any residues when the grout has begun to firm up in
the joints, but before it sets on the tile face. Cleaning with a damp but not overly wet fine
textured foam sponge will provide the best results. Do not over wash the grout as this may
cause a white bloom (efflorescence) and discolour the grout. Ensure your grouting is
completed in one continuous sequence, particularly with mosaics, to avoid colour variation.
Changing the cleaning water as it becomes contaminated will also aid cleaning. When the
grout has set, any remaining grout can be removed from the surface with a clean, damp cloth.
Finish by polishing with a soft, clean, dry cloth.
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Due to the impervious nature of glass the grout will take longer to set than with more porous
materials.


Should efflorescence form, these salts can be removed once the grout has fully dried and
cured by frequent washing with clean water or suitable efflorescence cleaner.

The surface of some tiles can be easily scratched so the application and cleaning of the grout
must be carried out carefully.
Ensure that any tools used for grouting are completely clean and free of any hardened grout
etc.

All perimeter joints must be finished with a good quality silicone sealer and not with grout. This
will allow for expansion and contraction in the tiles during normal heating and cooling cycles.
Please note a neutral cure silicone is recommended for all natural stone.

To protect the grout from staining seal with KF Grout Protector. This can be applied once the
grout is completely dry.

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Sealing

Crackle Glazed Tiles:

Apply 1-2 coats of KF Stain Stop prior to grouting and again once grouting is complete. Wipe
any surplus KF Stain Stop off the tiles before it dries with a soft cloth.

Maintain your tiles with Lithofin Easy Care as a day to day cleaner. If there are problems with
ingrained dirt or other contaminations to the grouted or tiled area, please contact our Technical
Department for the correct product advice.

Natural Stone Tiles:

Fired Earth would recommend all Natural stone tiles are sealed. Most natural stones may
need cleaning prior to their first coat of sealant. Most stones can be cleaned with MN Power
Clean, diluted with water and rinsed after application. This will remove general greases and
release quarry dusting from the surface of the tiles.

When the tiles are completely dry, they can be sealed and grouted.

Prior to grouting seal with MN Stain Stop or MN Eco (these products will not alter the surface
appearance). Ensure that faces and edges are sealed and all excess removed. We would
recommend allowing 12-24 hours for curing prior to grouting. Once the wall is completely dry
we would recommend a further thin coat of MN Stain Stop or MN Eco to protect the grout.

If a colour enhancer is required we would recommend MN Colour intensifier prior to the first
coat of MN Stain Stop. Please note MN Colour is unsuitable for use with MN Eco.

Clean and maintain your tiles with Lithofin Easy Care.

Glass and Slate mosaics:

Prior to grouting seal with MN Stain Stop (this product will not alter the surface appearance).
Ensure that faces and edges are sealed and all excess removed. We would recommend
allowing 12-24 hours for curing prior to grouting.
Once the wall is completely dry we would recommend a further thin coat of MN Stain Stop to
protect the grout.

Clean and maintain your tiles with Lithofin Easy Care.

Glass and Mother of Pearl tiles:

We would recommend sealing the grout joints with KF Grout Protector. This will render the
grout joints oil and water resistant.

Maintain your tiles with Lithofin Easy Care.

Glazed Tiles:

Glazed wall tiles require no special maintenance due to their closed surface structure. We
would recommend that the grout joints are protected with Lithofin KF Grout Protector. This will
render the grout joints oil and water resistant.

Maintain your tiles with Lithofin Easy Care.
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Finishing

Wherever one plane of tiling meets another or another material, or where a waterproof sealer
is required, silicone sealer must be used. Please note a neutral cure silicone is recommended
for natural stone.

Commissioning

Major heat sources e.g. an Aga should not be turned back on (or up to normal working
temperature) for at least 24 hours.

Notes and Details

External corners and exposed tile edges:

Where two tiled surfaces meet at right angles to form an external corner, finishing will be
required to dress or hide the exposed edges of the corner tiles.

Some of our tile ranges have glazed edges and the simplest solution is to overlap and carefully
grout as shown.

In the case of glass, rough edges can be overcome by building up the grout so as to cover the
exposed edge.

When using thicker, rustic and handmade tiles with partially or unglazed edges, a corner
grouted in this way may leave unglazed edges exposed. In this case it may be necessary to
mitre (see Cutting pages 11-12)


Dados, rails & slips:

These tiles should not be fixed in alignment with the rows of tiles above and below. They are
intended to give emphasis to the horizontal axis and should be staggered or brick bonded
relative to the surrounding tiles. When tiling into internal and external angles and also when
forming a right angle, these tiles will need to be carefully mitred (see cutting pages 11-12).



Random decorated tiles:

As a general guide, we suggest that the decorated tiles are used in a minimum ratio of 1:10,
and a maximum ratio of 1:6 to the plain tiles.
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Product Notes

Chips and blemishes:

In particular, handmade tiles will display various chips and blemishes which should either be
placed in less conspicuous areas or be used for cut tiles.

Colour variation:

To ensure tonal variations are well mixed, tiles should be shuffled by drawing from all boxes
prior to installation.

Crazing (or tiny cracks):

These occur in many glazed tiles prior to, during or after installation. This is a normal
characteristic and will not affect the longevity or durability of the tile. Crazed tiles should be
sealed with KF Stain Stop prior to cutting and again prior to grouting.

Decorated Panels:

Grout joints must be included in panels which may affect the accuracy of the picture.

External tiling:

Should you wish to tile externally please contact our Technical Department for tile suitability.

Floor tiles:

When fixing suitable floor tiles onto walls please refer to our Floor Tiling Installation Guide.

Pinholes:

These are tiny imperfections in the glaze of the tile. These tiles are unsuitable for use in wet
areas.

Size variation:

Our handmade tiles will be subject to size variation. This variation can be accommodated by
using a wider grout joint.



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Glossary

Adhesion The ability to stick
Adhesive Spreader Tool used to apply measured depth of adhesive
Bedding Depth of material to seat tiles
Butter Applying a thin bed of adhesive to the back of the tile
Chipboard A composition of fibrous wood material
Coatings Material applied to a surface
Compacting Pressing material firmly into position
Crazing Tiny hairline fractures in a glaze
Curing Improvement in strength, hardness, durability and other properties of a
material
Damp Proof
Membrane (DPM) Material to prevent ingress of damp
Diamond Cutter Electrical tile cutting tool
Expansion J oints A space allowed for movement
Efflorescence - The formation of soluble salts on the surface of tiles or grout
Fired Earth Primer A liquid used as a primer or sealer
Grout Float Tool used to apply grout
Grout J oints Channel formed between tiles to be filled with grout material
MDF Medium density fibre board
Mitre Cutting two angles to form a joint
Pinholes Tiny imperfections in a glaze
Primed Providing a treatment to aid adhesion
Sealing Applying a liquid to prevent ingress of moisture
Shadowing Light refraction where two panes of glass abut; or where water has
seeped behind clear glass tiles that is visible through the tiles
Silicone Sealer An elastic material to seal joints
Slurry Coating A system used to prepare a surface for the application of a floor
adhesive
Squeegee Rubber edged tool to aid application and removal of excess grout
Stud Partition Non load bearing wall built of timber construction
Substrate The surface onto which the tiles are to be laid
Tile Backer Board Mortar faced glass reinforced board.
Wet Locations Showers, steam rooms, etc.
WPB Plywood High quality water-resistant board

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Fired Earth Tile Essential Products

A full range of high quality fixing and sealing products, researched and developed to meet
Fired Earth standards, are available for both professional and DIY use. Read the instructions
on the packaging of Adhesives, Grouts and Sealants very carefully.



Website - www.firedearth.com

All our installation guides are available to download from our website: Floor Tiling, Underfloor
Heating, Wood Flooring and Waterproofing Showers and Bathrooms.



Useful Numbers

UK & Export Sales 0845 366 0400
Technical 01295 814271
Home Deliveries 01295 814313
Customer Care 01295 814396
Lithofin Technical 01962 732126





Disclaimer
The specifications and technical information given in this publication are intended for guidance and
although they are to the best of our knowledge correct, they are given without warranty. We cannot
accept any responsibility for reliance placed upon the advice contained herein since practical expertise
and site conditions are outside of our control. Neither do we accept liability for the performance of the
product arising from such use. This does not affect your statutory rights.


Fired Earth is a trading name of AGA Consumer Products Limited.
Registered in England and Wales under Registered Number 3872754.
Registered Office Address: AGA Rangemaster Group plc, J uno Drive, Leamington Spa,
Warwickshire, CV31 3RG
22
Substrate Preparation Guide

Substrate Gypsum Plaster Plasterboard
Timber - WBP /
Marine Grade
Plywood
Existing Tiles
Render /
Unrendered
Papered and
Painted
Surfaces
Tile Backer
Board
Weight
Loading
Maximum weight 20kg per
m*
Maximum weight 32kg
per m*
Maximum weight 30kg
per m*
See notes on page 5 ** Weight 40kg per m +
See notes on
page 6 **
Weight 40kg per
m +
Watch Points
New plaster must be
allowed to dry for at least 4
weeks
Ensure rigid and non-
flexing
Ensure rigid and non-
flexing
Ensure tiles are firmly
bonded.
New render must be
allowed to dry for at
least 2 weeks. New
brickwork or
blockwork must be at
least 6 weeks old
before a render coat
is applied or tiles are
fixed
Must be
mechanically
removed.
Must be securely
fixed according to
manufacturer's
instructions
Preparation
dry areas
Surface must be clean and
dry. On new plaster,
thoroughly dry brush with a
stiff bristled brush before
priming with FE Primer
diluted 1:4 with water. The
Primer must be completely
dry prior to an additional
coat of undiluted FE
Primer.
Surface must be
thoroughly clean and
dry. Prime with
undiluted Fired Earth
Primer
Surface must be
thoroughly clean and
dry. Prime the
underside, edges and
face of the board with
neat FE Primer
Surface must be
thoroughly clean, dry
and de-greased. Apply
slurry bonding coat as
below
Surface must be
thoroughly clean and
dry. Prime porous/
dusty surfaces with
FE Primer diluted 1:4
with clean water
Prime exposed
underlying
substrate with
undiluted FE
Primer
Surface must be
clean and dry
Preparation
for wet areas
Follow instructions above and follow with FE Shower liner fitted in accordance with our Waterproofing Guide n/a
Primer
(PRIMER1L)
Diluted 1:4, 1 litre covers
approximately 60m, used
neat 1 litre covers
approximately 12m
Undiluted 1 litre covers 12m
Mix 2 parts FE cement
based adhesive with 1
part primer and apply
to the tiles using a soft
bristled brush and
allow to dry. 1 litre
covers approximately
3m
Diluted 1:4 1Litre
covers 60m
Undiluted 1litre
covers
approximately
12m
n/a
* Please pay particular attention to the weight loading of your substrate if you intend using floor tiles for wall tiling.
** It is important to identify to underlying substrate and check the relevant weight loading before tiling
23
Tile Essentials Product Selector Glazed Wall Tiles
Product Range Preparation Tile Size
Adhesive
Sealant
Grout
Maintenance
Most suitable adhesive
Approximate
Coverage
Most suitable
grout
Approximate
Coverage

Prepare
substrate as
per guide

2.75kg per m

All Fired Earth
Grouts are suitable

Clean with a
soft cloth
and Lithofin
Easycare
Anatolia
20 x 20
Fired Earth Standard Set or
Fast Set White or Grey
Adhesive
KF Stain Stop

0.5kg per m
20 x 10 0.7kg per m
Andalucia
10 x 10 0.9kg per m
20 x 20 0.5kg per m
10 x 20 0.7kg per m
Arabesque
6.5 x 10
N/A
1.0kg per m
12 x 20 1.0kg per m
Architecture
10 x 10
Fired Earth Standard Set or
Fast Set White Adhesive
KF Stain Stop

We recommend
Fired Earth White,
Cream or Limestone
Wall grout with
these tiles
1.0kg per m
10 x 20 0.8kg per m
10 x 30 0.8kg per m
15 x 15 0.8kg per m
7.5 x 15 1.0kg per m
Atelier Hexagon 11 x 12.5
Fired Earth Standard Set or
Fast Set White or Grey
Adhesive
All Fired Earth
Grouts are suitable

0.8kg per m
Barcelona Brick 6.3 x 24.9 1.3kg per m

Bazaar
Tieta 0.8kg per m
Khamees 2.22kg per m
Cross 1.11kg per m
Star 0.5kg per m
Bilbao
23 x 33 Fired Earth Standard Set or
Fast Set White Adhesive
N/A
0.5kg per m
30 x 60 0.3kg per m
Bon Bon



7.5 x 15
Fired Earth Standard Set or
Fast Set White or Grey
Adhesive
0.7kg per m

Casablanca

15.24x15.24
KF Stain Stop
0.7kg per m
24.8x24.8 0.5kg per m
Casino
20 x 20
N/A
0.6kg per m
25 x 75 0.4kg per m
Cotignac 10.5 x 10.5

KF Stain Stop

1.6kg per m
Domino
7.5 x 15
KF Stain Stop
1.0kg per m
5 x 10 Mosaic 1.3kg per m
24

Product Range Preparation Tile Size
Adhesive
Sealant
Grout
Maintenance
Most suitable adhesive
Approximate
Coverage
Most suitable
grout
Approximate
Coverage
Early English Delft
Prepare
substrate as
per guide
12.5 x 12.5
Fired Earth Standard Set or
Fast Set White or Grey
Adhesive
2.75kg per m
N/A
All Fired Earth
Grouts are suitable
1.4kg per m
Clean with a
soft cloth
and Lithofin
Easycare

Edwardian
15.2 x 22.8
KF Stain Stop
0.7kg per m
Empress
15.2 x 15.2 0.7kg per m
7.5 x 15.2 0.7kg per m
Fenlands
10 x 10
N/A
1.0kg per m
7.5 x 15 1.0kg per m
Forecast 7.5 x 15 1.0kg per m
Giralda 7.5 x 15 0.8kg per m
Graphix 22.5 x 26 0.5kg per m
Forecast 7.5 x 15 1.0kg per m
Giralda 7.5 x 15 0.8kg per m
Graphix 22.5 x 26 0.5kg per m
Kennington 7.6 x 22.8
Fired Earth Standard Set or
Fast Set White or Grey
Adhesive
KF Stain Stop 0.6kg per m
Landmarks
Prepare
substrate as
per guide
15.1 x 15.1
Fired Earth Standard Set or
Fast Set White Adhesive
2.75kg per m
KF Stain Stop 1.2kg per m
Ladrillo 21.5 x 51.5
Fired Earth Standard Set or
Fast Set White or Grey
Adhesive
N/A
All Fired Earth
Grouts are suitable
2.0kg per m
Clean with a
soft cloth and
Lithofin
Easycare

Hexagon 12.7 x
14.7

1.2
kg per m
Marrakech & Paris
Paris Shaped
KF Stain Stop
1.95kg per m
11.75x11.75 1.0kg per m
17x17 0.7kg per m
25
Tile Essentials Product Selector Glazed Wall Tiles continued
Product Range Preparation Tile Size
Adhesive
Sealant
Grout
Maintenance
Most suitable adhesive
Approximate
Coverage
Most suitable
grout
Approximate
Coverage
Metropolis
Prepare
substrate as
per guide
7.5 x 15
Fired Earth Standard Set or
Fast Set White or Grey
Adhesive
2.75kg per
m
KF Stain Stop
1.0kg per m
Metropolitan
15 x 7.5
All Fired Earth
Grouts are
suitable
0.7kg per m
Clean with a soft
cloth and
Lithofin
Easycare
7.5 x 7.5 1.0kg per m
Moustier 11 x 11 1.2kg per m
National Trust 15 x 15
n/a
0.8kg per m2
Packwood Delft 12.5 x 12.5 1.4kg per m
Portland 5.7 x 19.4
KF Stain Stop
1.25kg per m
Potteries 12.5 x 12.5 1.3kg per m
Retro Metro
7.5 x 15 0.8kg per m
10 x 30 0.7kg per m
Renaissance
15 x 15
n/a
1.0kg per m
7.5 x 15 1.4kg per m
Stonelustre 13 x 13
KF
Stain Stop
1.3kg per m
Suede
7.5 x 15
n/a
0.8kg per m
10x20 0.7kg per m
Trellis 14.8x14.8 0.9kg per m
Tuscania Mosaic 30 x 60 x 1 n/a 1.0kg per m
Valencia
12.5 x 12.5
KF
Stain Stop
1.3kg per m
7.2 x 15 1.6kg per m
10 x 30 1.1kg per m
Woodland Animals 12.6 x 12.6 1.3kg per m


All coverages stated are approximate and should be considered as a guideline only.
26
Tile Essentials Product Selector Stone/Slate and Mother of Pearl Wall Tiles Please see page 30 for sealing detail

Product Range Tile Size

Grout Grout Coverage Up to 30 x
30cm
Over 30 x 30cm
East Hampton
Hexagon Mos
FE Standard Set
or FE Fast Set
White
adhesive
n/a

We recommend Fired Earth White Wall Tile
Grout with these tiles
1.6kg per m
2.3x4.8 Mos 2.3kg per m
7.3x15 0.8kg per m
9.9x30.5 0.8kg per m
30.5x30.5 0.7kg per m
30.5x61 0.4kg per m
Exhibition 61 x 30 All Fired Earth grouts are suitable 0.4kg per m
High Society
Marble
Rockefeller 30.2 x 26.1
n/a
1kg per m
Guggenheim 27.6 x 27.6
We recommend Fired Earth White Wall Tile
Grout with these tiles
1kg per m
Vanderbilt 27 x 32.8 1kg per m
Astor 28.5 x 28.5 1kg per m
Library 61 x 30 0.4kg per m
Mother of
Pearl Mosaics
Both Brick and Rectangle sheets All Fired Earth grouts are suitable 0.8kg per m
Milanese
Mosaics
10 x 10
We recommend Fired Earth Limestone or
Cream Wall Tile Grout with these tiles
1.2kg per m
15 x 15 0.9kg per m
20 x 20 0.9kg per m
Offset Mosaics
22.7 x 30
All Fired Earth grouts are suitable
0.7kg per m
30.1 x 31.1 0.7kg per m
Pacific Heights
Presidio/Van Ness/Octavia 30 x 8
We recommend Fired Earth White Wall Tile
Grout with these tiles
0.9kg per m
Fillmore 30 x 7 1.0kg per m
Pacific/Lafayette 30 x 6 1.0kg per m
Shelter Island
Harbour View 31.2 x 27.5 1.2kg per m
Island Heights 30.2 x 30.2 1.2kg per m
Montclair 26.5 x 27.5 1.2kg per m
Westmoreland/Smith Cove 28 x 31.2 1.2kg per m
Structure
Mosaics
29.6 x 27.9 1kg per m
29.8 x 29.8 1kg per m
Temple 10 x 20 1kg per m
Venetian
Stone Mosaics
2.3cm mosaic sheets 4.1kg per m
10 x 10 1.8kg per m
4.8cm mosaic sheets 2.2kg per m
27
Tile Essentials Product Selector Stone and Slate Wall Tiles Continued
Product
Range
Tile Size

Grout Grout Coverage
Up to 30 x 30cm Over 30 x 30cm
Urban slate

FE Standard Set or FE Fast Set
Grey adhesive
N/A
We recommend Fired Earth Light or Dark
Grey Wall and Floor grout with these tiles


10 x 10 2.7kg per m
12 x 60 1kg per m
20 x 40 0.7kg per m

All ranges
All sizes - only suitable for wall
tiling if 12.5mm thick or less
FE Standard Set or FE Fast Set
Grey adhesive
FE Standard Set or FE Fast
Set Grey adhesive
Please refer to the floor tiling guide
Please refer to the floor
tiling guide

Please see table on page 30 for sealing recommendations.
28
Tile Essentials Product Selector Glass Wall Tiles and Floor Tiles

Product Range Preparation Tile Size
Adhesive
Sealant
Grout
Maintenance Most suitable
adhesive
Approximate
Coverage
Most
suitable
grout
Approximate
Coverage
GLASS
Deco Glass
Prepare substrate as
per guide. Brush
apply slurry bonding
coat consisting of 2
parts adhesive to 1
part Primer to back of
tile and allow to dry.
10 x 20
Fired Earth
Standard Set White
Adhesive
2.75kg per m
Seal grout joints
with KF Grout
Protector
All Fired
Earth Grouts
are suitable,
check that
grout does
not scratch
the glass tiles
1.1kg per m
Clean with a
soft cloth and
Lithofin
Easycare
30 x 40 0.7kg per m
Glass Elements
11 x 11 1.1kg per m
7.5 x 15 1.2kg per m

High Society Glass

Prepare substrate as
per guide
Kennedy Mosaic
Seal grout joints
with KF Grout
Protector
0.8kg per m
J ohnson Mosaic 2kg per m
Indian Ocean
Prepare substrate as
per guide.
Mosaic Sheets
Seal grout joints
with KF Grout
Protector
1.1kg per m


Iridescent Glass
Mosaics


Prepare substrate as
per guide
Square Mosaics
Seal grout joints
with KF Grout
Protector
2.95kg per m
Fusion Mosaics 2kg per m

Hexagon Mosaics 2.5kg per m
Prose/Stick Mosaics 2kg per m
Kaleidoscope mosaic 2.5kg per m
Brick 1.25kg per m
Iridescent Glass / slate
Mosaics
Seal tiles with MN
Stain Stop

Square Mosaics 2.95 per m
Liquid Glass
Prepare substrate as
per guide. Brush
apply slurry bonding
coat consisting of 2
parts adhesive to 1
part Primer to back of
tile and allow to dry.
11 x 11
Seal grout joints
with KF Grout
Protector
1.1kg per m
7.5 x 15 1.2kg per m
10 x 30 0.8kg per m
Malacassa Squares
and Trapezium
Prepare substrate
as per guide
Mosaic sheets
4.0 kg per m2
Malacassa Bricks 2.5kg per m
Neutrals Lustre
Mosaics
Mosaic sheets 4.0kg per m
Oyster Mosaics
Square Mosaics 2.8kg per m
Rectangle Mosaics 2.1kg per m
29


FLOOR TILES - ONLY SUITABLE FOR WALL TILING IF 12.5MM THICK OR LESS
All ranges
Prepare substrate as
per guide paying
particular attention to
the maximum tile
weight
n/a
Fired Earth Flexible
Standard Set
Adhesive White or
Grey. White
adhesive is
recommended
when a light
coloured tile is to be
used
3.3kg per m
Please refer to the
floor tiling guide
Please refer
to the floor
tiling guide
Please refer to
the floor tiling
guide
Please refer to
the floor tiling
guide

30
Sealants and Finishes
Product
Preparatory
Product
Impregnator /
Sealant
Finishing Product
Day to Day
Cleaner
Occasional /
Intensive
Cleaner
Comments
Stone MN Power Clean
MN COLOUR
Intensifier (if
desired) and MN
Stain Stop.ECO
MN Cobble Wax (If
desired) Excludes
Roman Mosaics
Easy Care Wexa
If a sheen is required, finish with MN Cobble Wax. This finish
is not suitable for Roman Mosaics, external or wet areas. If
colour intensifier is required apply MN Colour prior to MN Stain
Stop. MN ECO is not suitable for use with MN Colour
Slate
MN Builder's
Clean
MN COLOUR
Intensifier (if
desired) and MN
Stain Stop.ECO
Multi Seal if desired Easy Care Wexa
If a sheen is required, finish with Multi Seal. This finish is not
suitable for wet or external areas. If colour intensifier is
required apply MN Colour prior to MN Stain Stop. MN ECO is
not suitable for use with MN Colour
Terracotta
KF Cement
Residue Remover
(if required)
TC Classic
Primer
TC Classic Wax (and
TC Eversheen if
desired)
Easy Care Wexa
Apply TC Eversheen over TC Classic Wax for easy
maintenance. Initial sheen will dull over time
Pre-Sealed Terracotta Not required Not required
TC Classic Wax (and
TC Eversheen if
desired)
Easy Care Wexa
Apply TC Eversheen over TC Classic Wax for easy
maintenance. Initial sheen will dull over time
Marrakech,
Casablanca and Paris
Glazed Terracotta
Not required Not required Not required Easy Care Not required
Unglazed Porcelain
KF Cement
Residue Remover
(if required)
KF Protective
Impregnator
Not required
KF Conditioning
Cleaner
KF Intensive
Cleaner
Unglazed porcelain tiles Arboreto, Lombardia, Moderna,
Neutrals, Northbeach, Riverbed
Glazed Porcelain Not required Not required KF Grout Protector
KF Conditioning
Cleaner
KF Intensive
Cleaner
Abbey*, Almeria, Barbican, Casino, Cotto, Furnace, Giotto,
Hex, Malmo, Masini, Mono, Newlyn, Obelisk, Patisserie*,
Reykjavik, Rhombus, Rye Harbour, Trellis*, Tuscania, Umbria,
York
Geometric Not required KF Stain Stop Not required Easy Care Wexa
Glass Not required Not required KF Grout Protector Easy Care Not required
Wall Tiles Not required KF Stain Stop KF Grout Protector Easy Care Not required