IMPORTANT

• Handle tile carefully, with clean hands. • Do not walk, make pencil marks or use masking tape on tiles. • Pull tiles from different boxes to achieve optimal blend. Variation in color or thickness is the nature of cement tile and is not a flaw. • Seal tiles before and after grouting. • Grout joint should be very thin for a traditional and elegant look (1 to 2 mm or 1/16 inch maximum). • Use neutral or grey non-sanded grout; never use epoxy grout. • NEVER use a rubber hammer as it can create micro fissures on the tiles. • Tiles should be leveled by hand and with clean hands. • Never lay tile onto fresh concrete. • Make sure floor is perfectly level prior to starting installation and completely DRY to avoid efflorescence.

INSTALLATION

• Cement tiles must be installed on a well-leveled, clean and dry surface. Humid subsoil may cause efflorescence on the surface. • Pre-wet tile prior to setting by dipping tile into water for 3 to 5 seconds, letting excess drip off. • Apply thin set evenly on the installation surface as well as the back of each tile (back-butter) using 1/2 inch notched trowel. • Position the tiles with your hands, without hammering, leaving a 1 mm to 2 mm grout joint (1/16” maximum). • Immediately wipe off any excess thin set from the surface of the tiles as tiles are installed. • Work in small, reachable sections at a time. • Once tile is installed, clean the floor thoroughly with water to remove any residue.

SEALING

• Make sure the installed floor is thoroughly dry and clean before applying sealer (24 to 72 hours depending upon weather conditions). • Apply at least 2 coats of sealer, one before grouting and one after grouting with a clean white cotton cloth. • Do not over apply sealer. • Wipe off any excess. • Always apply sealer to an uninstalled piece of tile before applying to entire installation in order to measure the grade of absorption.

GROUTING

• Use neutral or grey non-sanded grout. Some colored grouts stain the tile. • Apply grout on joints only; avoid spreading grout over the surface of the tiles. • Clean extra grout immediately with a wet sponge. • Never use acid to remove excess grout or discoloration caused by the grout.

MAINTENANCE

• Apply a solvent-based Terracotta wax such as HMK P-328 to reduce water and dirt penetration, followed by an acrylic conditioner such as HMK P-326 Terracotta Care. (Do not apply in showers or outdoors.) • For everyday maintenance, mop with a mild PH-balanced liquid stone soap such as HMK P-324 or similar. • Never use harsh detergents, acids, or alkaline products on cement tiles.

FOR YOUR CONVENIENCE

We stock the following three products. Please order by part number referred to above and below: • ZZ-HMK-P328-TERRWX: HMK® P328 is a ready to use, natural wax that slightly enhances the color and leaves a satin sheen on unglazed terracotta, cement, clay, and brick surfaces. Water and dirt penetration is reduced and surfaces become easier to maintain and more durable. • Do not use in wet areas such as shower stalls. Note: HMK® P326 Terracotta Care should follow the application of HMK® P328 to help blend in any HMK® P328 unevenness. Allow HMK® P328 to cure for 24 to 48 hours before applying HMK® P326. • ZZ-HMK-P328-TERRCARE: HMK® P326: a modified, water-based acrylic conditioner and maintenance sealer/cleaner that enriches the color and structure of unglazed terracotta, cement, brick, and clay tile floors and gives a brilliant silky shine to the surface without the need for polishing. • HMK® P326: develops a protective film that, with regular use, increases water and dirt resistance and makes textured and rough surfaces more resilient to heavy use and easier to care for. • ZZ-HMK-P324-LIQSOAP: HMK® P324: a 100% natural, PH-neutral, maintenance cleaner and conditioner for all natural and cast stone, agglomerate and ceramic tile, regardless of surface finish. With regular use, HMK® P324 forms a protective and invisible dirt-repellent film, assisting impregnators and sealers in repelling stains. HMK® P324 has a totally natural appearance (cures clear) and colors in the tile become more vivid with repeated use. General cement tile installation instructions have been supplied as a guideline. As with all tile installation, please refer to your TCNA Handbook for complete instructions or consult your professional tile installer. Da Vinci Marble is not liable for tiles that have already been installed. Enjoy the long-lasting beauty and timeless elegance of Indigo Cement Tile!