The width of tile joints varies according to the location of application. For internal environments, 2mm should be used, while for external environments it should be 4mm.
For products in the Quarter Line, which have a frieze in the ceramic and must be grouted, the joint must be 4mm to match the alignment.
To keep your tiles in good condition for longer, it's important to take certain precautions, such as keeping them clean and free of abrasive dirt that could scratch them, as well as avoiding heavy or sharp objects that could damage the enameled surface of the product. It is also advisable to protect the feet of furniture and use doormats on entrance doors to prevent damage to the coverings if they come into contact with abrasive residue.
As soon as the tiles have been applied, remove as much mortar and grout residue as possible with a clean sponge and water. It is also recommended that you use a tube when applying the grout to avoid the product sticking to the surface of the tile. Check out how to clean below:
1. Remove loose debris with a broom or vacuum cleaner;
2. Clean the surface with a sponge or cotton cloth dampened in clean water;
3. If necessary, use neutral detergents or alcohol vinegar and leave to act for 15 minutes;
4. Finish cleaning with plenty of water and a clean dry cloth.
If the residue is not completely removed with water and detergent, it is advisable to:
1. Dampen the surface beforehand;
2. Apply muriatic acid-based products with a soft sponge, diluted in the proportion indicated by the product manufacturer;
3. Leave the mixture to act, according to the recommendations on the product packaging;
4. Scrub the surface with a soft bristle brush or broom;
5. Rinse the floor or panel with enough water to completely remove the solution and residue;
6. Finish cleaning with a clean, dry cloth.
Do not use steel bristles or any other metal (such as steel sponges). They can scratch, damage and remove the shine from the enamel coating.
Do not use products such as: pure bleach, oven cleaner, aluminum cleaner or caustic soda.
Do not use washing powder as it creates a film and makes it easier for dirt to adhere.
Ceramic tiles are ideal for their practicality and ease of maintenance. For this reason, the use of neutral detergents is recommended for daily cleaning. The products should be diluted in water and used in their neutral versions, following their instructions for use. Afterwards, clean with water and dry with a clean cloth.
To ensure the durability of the tiles, it is necessary to follow the technical laying standards ABNT NBR 13753, ABNT NBR 13754 and/or ABNT NBR 13755.
Before applying the coating, check that the installation surface is:
Level, even and free of cracks;
Fully cured and dry;
Free of moisture and dirt, ensuring the coatings adhere properly;
Has been properly laid; and
The necessary structural joints have been made.
Once all the items have been checked, consider:
In rooms where wall and floor coverings will be applied, it is advisable to start laying the walls;
Do not lean the tiles against the floor and wall, leaving a 5mm joint;
Apply the tile in place, press it down with your hand and hit it with a rubber hammer, ensuring perfect adhesion;
Fit the spacers and levelers/ wedges to ensure leveling and alignment between the tiles, as well as to form the joints that will receive the grout.
Some lines of tiles have a deliberate variation in tone, in order to reproduce the wealth of detail found in the materials. To achieve the best result, we recommend a good distribution of tiles, mixing tiles from different boxes.
Tip: select pieces with different textures and tones when placed side by side.
For products with varying surfaces, i.e. products that have unique designs on each piece, the same guidelines should be followed, generating naturalness and personality to the panel.
Before applying the coatings, it is expressly important to check the labels on the packaging to ensure that the batch, date of manufacture, code, name, shade and gauge are the same on all the boxes; as well as the use and location indicated for each type of product.
Remember to keep a box containing the product information in case you need to buy more. However, be sure to buy as much as you need in one go, guaranteeing the uniformity of the batch.
Check that the product is free of breaks or splinters caused by transportation; if there are any, separate them for trimming. Visual defects must be reported to the store before laying, as the product has been applied and is accepted.
As far as visual defects are concerned, it is extremely important to inspect each tile before laying it. Any that show defects should be separated or used in cut-outs to eliminate them. Please note: a laid product is considered to be accepted and, as a rule, ceramic products classified as EXTRA are allowed to have up to 5% of parts with defects.
The specification and preparation of the mortar should follow the mortar manufacturer's recommendations. To apply the product correctly, a thin layer of mortar should be applied, using the smooth side of the trowel and then the toothed side to form strands of mortar.
Remember: never apply the mortar in drips, as the product will not adhere properly, leading to future breakages. In addition, each application site has a specific mortar for this use, which should be consulted with the product manufacturer.
The purpose of grouting is to prevent future leaks and guarantee the durability of the coverings. In addition, in order to compensate for the expansion of the tiles, it is essential that the grout is flexible. There are different types of grout, and depending on where it is applied it can vary, so you should check with the product manufacturer.
Remember: grout dries in 15 minutes and begins to harden 2.5 hours after preparation. So make sure you clean up any excess as soon as possible.
Tip: Put masking tape around the edges of the tiles before grouting to make it easier to clean up afterwards. The Natural tile cod. 660 is not glazed, so we do not recommend using dark grouts.