Custom tile - ceramic, porcelain, glass,
and tumbled marble tile

Tile Installation and Cleaning

Interior wall & floor tile Except Glass (Glass Tile Installation & Specs)

Install the tile mural using conventional tile adhesives and tools. Care must be taken not to scratch the face of the tiles with hard objects, such as other tiles or metal tools. Normal use of tile backerboard and leveling materials are required as with conventional tile, particularly where moisture or possible leakage could occur.

(NOTE: Tumbled Marble Tile is more porous than other tile types. Prior to installation, it should be sealed with a clear tile sealer, especially if the tumbled marble mural will be exposed to moisture during use. Sealing prior to installation will also aid in grout cleanup. Recommendations: Custom Building Products’ TileLab SurfaceGard Penetrating Sealer (#TLSGSPT) and Aqua Mix’s ‘Sealer’s Choice Gold.’)

Tiles for large murals are numbered on the back and marked for layout, from left to right and top to bottom. Small murals may simply be laid out and transferred to the wall for attachment.

Use denatured alcohol, mineral spirits or glass cleaner for clean up. Do not use extremely strong chemicals such as muriatic acid, acetone, gasoline, or lacquer thinner.

Custom tiles may be used in any interior commercial and residential environment (see our Exterior Grade tiles for extended sun exposure). Installations subject to moisture or temperature fluctuations should be grouted to prevent seepage around the tiles or cracking due to substrate movement. For countertops and bar tops, we recommend our  Glass Tiles.

Grouting

Wall tiles: Use silicone grout or non-abrasive (unsanded) tile grout. Set your tiles with adhesive and grout them in after the period of time recommended by the adhesive manufacturer. (Recommendations: LATICRETES 1600 Series Tri-Poly Fortified Unsanded Grout by LATICRETE International, Inc., Bethany CT 06524-3423 USA, (800) 243-4788 ext. 235, www.LATICRETE.com. For exterior use, mix with LATICRETE 1776 Grout Admix Plus in place of water to provide a dense, colorfast grout joint that inhibits stain causing bacteria, mold and mildew growth; also suitable for interior.) Only porcelain or glass tiles should be considered for exterior use in climates subject to frost. Avoid prolonged direct sunlight exposure.

Ceramic floor tiles: For interior use only. Use unsanded grout. Be careful with tools to avoid excessive abrasion and scratching. Observe all usual precautions for preparation as with conventional floor tiles (leveling, stability, cleanliness). For outdoor use, see our Exterior Grade tiles. For an extra layer of protection, see Floor Tile Protection.

Cleaning and Maintenance

As with any tile, DPI custom imaged tiles should be cleaned using a non-abrasive cleaner, such as Scrubbing Bubbles, Lysol Tub & Tile, Fantastik, glass cleaner or denatured alcohol with a non-abrasive sponge or cloth. The tiles are resistant to dilute bleach. Do not use extremely aggressive chemicals such as muriatic acid or acetone. Our Glass Tiles are resistant to all chemicals and cleansers.

Tile floors are actually rather easy to care for and are nearly maintenance free.  Proactively, keep debris such as sand and/or dirt off of the floor. Debris can be abrasive to a tile floor surface. Regularly vacuuming and/or sweeping with a dust mop will prevent surface scratching. Deeper cleaning of a tile floor can be accomplished using a damp mop and non-abrasive cleaning solution. React to spills immediately by wiping them up and then cleaning the spill area using a sponge, with a soap and water mixture. This will protect the tiles’ appearance and prevent any potential staining from occurring.

Place walk-off mats at entryways and area rugs in high traffic or water susceptible areas to collect dirt and debris. The mats and rugs should be shaken out as necessary to remove debris. Depending on what type of furniture you have, you may want to install feet protectors. Be extremely careful when moving furniture, ensuring the piece is lifted up and then carried to its location. Dragging furniture across a tile floor will result in surface scratches or cause more significant damage to tile.

Q: What if I break a tile during installation?
A: Dependable Printing & Imaging can supply replacement tile. For this purpose, we keep a digital file of every mural produced for at least one month. Shipping on replacement tiles is not included.

Q: Can these murals be installed outside?
A: Imaged tiles should not receive prolonged direct sunlight but can be placed under awnings and on north-side exposures. Our Porcelain Tiles and Glass Tiles are perfect for climates that experience freezing temperatures. Periodic or intermittent sun exposure will not damage the image. For extended sunlight exposure, we have Exterior Grade tiles.