About our metal and mosaic tile medallions and accents Product info and care Installation Instructions Stone and Metal color choices   See Installation Instruction for tile murals

Cleaning and Care of Metal Accents:  Never use harsh cleaners , soap and water is best. Certain foods and acids may cause changes to the finish. The metal coating has the same aging qualities as real metal and needs to be cared for as such. You can bring back the Shine using GoJo original hand cleaner

Tile medallions can be used indoor or outdoors.  They are amazing quality and created by hand by mosaic artisans. Our mosaic tile medallions come with all parts mounted on a mesh backing as in the picture to the left. The marble or travertine stones of the medallion are hand cut to fit around the metal accents. The stones and the metal accents of the medallion are all mounted on a mesh backed sheet and arrive as one piece that you glue to the wall and grout. Medallions and any mesh backed mosaics must be grouted. They depend on the application of grout for their strength and resistance to the elements.  You can use sanded or unsanded grout. (Do not use acrylic, eposxy or stainproof grouts. They are are very difficult to remove from the stones or metal pieces   Install medallions using a high-grade thin-set mortar such as Custom EBMLite™ Epoxy Bonding Mortar.  If not using mortar, construction adhesive such as  SikaBond®  may be used. Omni grip from Home depot also works well. It is recommended that you use a professional tile installer who has installed mosaics. Tile cut or mitered using a wet saw should be wiped dry with a soft cloth to prevent spotting. Use non-abrasive GOJO® hand cleaner sparingly with extra fine steel wool to remove water spots and unwanted green patina.

GROUTING: Once the mortar has set and is dry, you can grout the mosaic portion.

Mask off tile to eliminate grout on all relief pieces and avoid scratching the finish. Using a small brush and water only, remove excess grout from tile before it dries. Towel dry to avoid water spots. All grout must be removed from the surface before it dries to eliminate damaging the finish. Start with a small area and get it perfect before moving on to another area. Make sure all grout is cleaned off of the area you are working on before moving on. Non-abrasive GOJO® hand cleaner may be applied lightly before grouting as a grout release and to remove grout haze on all surfaces after grout dries. Make sure you wipe off all excess grout and do not allow grout to dry on mosaic surface or the metal accents.

You can use a soft toothbrush to remove wet grout from the crevices of metal pieces

Grouting Tip from Linda Paul :You can use a cake icing bag or a disposable squeeze bottle to create a thin filling of grout between the stones. Smooth out the grout with your finger or small piece of wet sponge.  Do not spread grout over the medallion with a float.

Set backs from Heat:  All High relief metal coated tile accents installed above a cook top, outdoor kitchen or fireplace must be set 5 to 6 inches above and 3 to 4 inches back from heat source and have a minimum 2 inch set back from the profile (face of the tile). Failure to do so may result in damage and will void the warranty. This includes the oven heat vents.

Mosaics should be kept flat in an enclosed box in a cool dry place until installation begins. Never expose mesh-backed mosaics to moisture or temperatures above 95 degrees. To move or transport a mosaic, leave plastic sheet on back and carefully place on a piece of plywood or other solid surface. Always remove plastic sheet before installation.

 Lift mosaic straight up and place the opposite end of the mosaic in the mortar first. Always take care to align piece in exact location so as not to require adjustment later. Then proceed with mosaic stone installation techniques.

You will receive installation and care instructions with the products that you purchase

 A sealer is recommended  for the stones after installation. A sealer/enhancer really brings out the color of the stones

Decorative onlays  may be mounted over an existing substrate. Adhere to stone, glass and ceramic using a quickset 2-part epoxy and seal around edges with a clear bead of silicone. Pieces may also be adhered to metal or wood and can be used for exterior application or around a heat source (see warning) using the appropriate adhesive or wood bond such as SikaBond® Construction Adhesive.

Warning:  Onlays installed above a cook top, outdoor kitchen or fireplace must be set 5 to 6 inches above and 3 to 4 inches back from heat source and have a minimum 2 inch set back from the profile (face of the tile). Failure to do so may result in damage and will void the warranty. Note : If using an adhesive allow to off-gas (5-7 days) first, then run a clear bead of silicone around outside edges to keep moisture out. Failure to do so may cause piece to delaminate from substrate.

 Materials needed for installing decorative onlays on top of tile using epoxy glue:

Rubber Gloves
wooden coffee stir sticks
2 part 5 minute quick set epoxy such as Loctite
disposable container for mixing the epoxy gluebr> clear silicone sealant

Important: Try a test first to see how the glue that you purchased adheres to your particular surface

1. Plan out exactly where the onlay will be applied to the tile or other surface

2.  Make sure both surfaces are clean and dry.

3. Wear rubber gloves and squeeze out the 2 part gel epoxy into a disposable container. Make sure to mix the 2 part together very well. I like to use wooden coffee stir sticks for this.

4. When possible apply the mixed epoxy to both surfaces. For some of the intricate decorative onlays , this may not be possible. Apply glue to the back of the onlay (but not so much that it oozes out the sides) and press it against the surface you are glueing to. Hold each piece for  at least 10 minutes without moving it. Even though it says 5 minute epoxy, it takes 10 minutes to hold and a full 24 hours to set. Remove any excess glue that squeezes out the side with a coffee stir stick. (check what color your epoxy will dry to to make sure it is a good match for your application surface.
Tip: use one bead of Simplemat ( or glue beads you buy at home improvement store) at the top of the accent to prevent it from slipping while is sets

After 5 to 7 days, runs a bead of silicone around  the outside edges to keep out moisture.

Tip: its much easier to glue an tile accent piece on a horizontal surface, than a vertical one. so if you are glueing the accents onto a sheet of mosaic to, try to do this on a flat table top, then adhere the whole piece to the wall.