DALLE DE MOSELLE

***ALWAYS USE A LICENSED INSTALLER***

Natural stone, when installed correctly, will wear beautifully with minimal maintenance. As a natural material with a glorious color range, striation, and fossilization, natural stone has inherent variation within each piece and between batches, adding to the overall beauty of the installation.

INSPECTION, STORAGE & USAGE
Upon receipt of your order, please inspect all materials carefully. Rock Mill will not be responsible for product issues once tiles have been installed. Please report any issues to Rock Mill within 30 days. Exercise care when handling each piece during inspection and installation, as edges can chip, and surfaces can scratch. Keep paper in between each tile to protect the face of the tile. Keep tiles dry and store boxes in a dry area, away from dampness, to avoid staining/damage.

SUBSTRATE & MEMBRANES
Rock Mill recommends that a licensed tile contractor should ALWAYS be consulted for complete and proper installation guidance. With all-natural stones, please expect slight color variations within each order. For the best look, mix pieces/tiles from different boxes or crates throughout the installation process. Wipe any residue from tiles before installation.

The substrate or surface upon which the stone will be installed should be clean, solid, and even without cracks. For vertical surfaces, the wall should be plumb. Installation should not begin until the substrate meets these conditions. Depending on the location and usage of stone, an uncoupling/anti-fracture or water-proofing membrane can be used. This will help with vapor management and efflorescence reduction. Follow specific manufacturer instructions.

Stone should be installed using a high-quality thin-set product, applied by a licensed tile contractor. Apply thin-set/ mortar to the substrate, with the appropriate trowel. Use a proper sized notched trowel to ensure full bedding of the stone and leave no trowel marks. To avoid moisture absorption through the stone and for optimal adhesion, it is essential that each tile be back-buttered and fully-bedded for firm support. Follow installation instructions as outlined by the Tile Council of North America.

SEALING PRIOR TO GROUTING
After the tiles are clean and dry, apply a high-quality, penetrating sealer that will help protect the natural stone from damage caused by water, salts, and oil-based stains. Treated surfaces are easier to clean and maintain longer. Apply the sealer according to the manufacturer’s specific instructions.

GROUTING
Grout should not be applied until a minimum of 24 hours of curing time at 70°F (21°C) has occurred.
Grout-free: Mosaics that are butt-jointed or have varying heights & thicknesses within the pattern do not need to be grouted, and installation can proceed to the sealing step.

SEALING
After the grout has dried and the stone surface has been thoroughly wiped clean, apply a 2nd coat of a high-quality, penetrating sealer. It is important that the sealer be applied according to the manufacturer’s specific instructions. Due to the nature of natural stone, it is recommended that the first coat of sealer be applied BEFORE grouting and that the second coat be applied AFTER grout has been allowed to set.

CLEANING GUIDELINES
Keep all acids away from stone and sealed surfaces.

Toothpaste can etch polished marble on a counter, so wipe it clean after use to prevent etching.

Common acids Found in Kitchens: tomatoes, lemons, limes, wine, bleach, orange juice, and lemonade.

Never use acidic chemicals, as they can etch a polished finish & remove any sealer present on the stone.

95% of the cleaners in the stores are acidic. Be careful. Provide all cleaners to cleaning staff to avoid using the wrong products.
A diluted solution of Simple Green can be effective, but it should be tested on lighter stones before actual use.

Never use any abrasive scrubbing pads on stone.

To test a cleaner for acidity, you can purchase pool testing strips. These will indicate the acidity level. If the pH is not balanced, DO NOT USE.

For more information on cleaning and maintenance of natural stone, please visit:
“The Natural Stone Institute” - https://www.naturalstoneinstitute.org/consumers/care/

Please inspect ALL material upon receipt. Claims will not be honored after installation. Rock Mill considers the actions of the installer/contractor/3rd party that customer authorizes to pick up the material to be the responsibility of the customer.

Rock Mill will not honor claims made by the customer, due to unauthorized or improper installation by customer’s installer/contractor. Please ensure that a sufficient quantity of stone is initially ordered to complete the job.

Add-on orders purchased later may vary slightly as new batches may come from different parts of the quarry and will not be guaranteed to match the original order.

All items that are stocked are located at the Rock Mill Gardena, California warehouse.

For more information, please contact your Rock Mill rep. Thank you!