FAQ’s
How do I need to prepare the wall before I install Aspect?
Aspect can be installed over most structurally sound substrates if they are clean, smooth, dry, and free of dust, wax, soap scum and grease. Acceptable substrates are drywall, plaster or clean, smooth tile (glazed, porcelain type tile; not porous or textured). Any damaged, loose or uneven areas must be repaired, patched and levelled. Fill cracks and irregularities with wallboard compound or spackling, then sand smooth with fine-grade sandpaper.
The substrate MUST be primed with a fresh coat of high-quality acrylic latex or oil-based primer (not a vinyl or PVA-based primer). Applications to PVA-based paints or primers will cause adhesion failure. Consult with your local paint supplier for more information.
If installing Aspect over existing ceramic tile, be sure to thoroughly clean old tiles, but priming ceramic tiles is not required. Use isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol two-cloth cleaning method as surface preparation when applying tiles to a nonporous substrate, such as ceramic tile or metal.
Failure to properly prepare the substrate may invalidate the warranty.
Can I apply a 100% acrylic-based primer over an existing PVA-based primer?
Yes. A 100% acrylic-based primer or paint will bond and seal extremely well over a PVA-based primer or paint.
Can Aspect be exposed to humidity and/or water?
Yes. To ensure years of enjoyment of your Aspect installation, and for installations near sinks or tubs, the substrate that Aspect is being applied to must be primed with an acrylic latex or oil-based primer (not a vinyl or PVA-based primer) that has antimicrobial or antibacterial properties to seal it – ensuring a stable substrate. Aspect is impervious to water but the substrates like drywall or plywood are not.
How can I make sure the tiles stick properly?
First, be sure to follow the instructions for substrate preparation. After you have the tile aligned where you want it, firmly press the tile over its entire surface area to be sure it adheres properly. You can test the adhesion by pulling slightly on the tile. It should be securely attached. If not, it might be necessary to add additional adhesive. Use a high-quality construction adhesive. Be sure to allow the adhesive 24 hours to set-up.
What do I do if my substrate is bumpy or uneven and a tile pops off?
Occasionally, even after properly preparing the substrate, the surface can still have bows, high spots, ridges or uneven areas. One way to test the area of the substrate where the tile is to be applied is to place a tile (with the back liner unpeeled) on the area to see if it “rocks” or if it has a solid, flat foundation. If proper adhesion is difficult or impossible, a tube adhesive can be applied to the back of the tile to allow good adhesion. Use just enough adhesive to cover the back of the tile, usually about a teaspoon.
What are the recommended tube adhesives that can be used if a tile pops up?
Use a 100% polyurethane (tube) adhesive, such as Liquid Nails, PL400, DAP, Locktite or Titebond.
What are the reasons a tile may fall off?
Improper substrate preparation
Use of a non-recommended primer, such as PVA-based latex primer
Bumpy, wavy surface
If the factory adhesive is not securing the tile to your substrate, and you have followed all of the installation instructions, evenly spreading about a teaspoon of tube adhesive over the tile’s back or the exposed substrate and reapplying the tile will work.
What can I use to cut the Aspect panels?
Can grout be used when working with Aspect tiles?
A sand-less grout can be used. A grout containing sand is not recommended as the grout may scratch the surface of the tile in the cleanup process. If you want a grout-line look, colored or white silicone caulking will have the same effect and is easier to apply and at the same time providing a water-tight seal. Be sure to remove excess caulk or grout before it dries.
Can Aspect be exposed to UV Rays and outside elements?
Yes, Aspect warrants that the product will not under normal atmospheric conditions (which excludes corrosive or aggressive atmospheres such as those contaminated with chemical fumes or salt spray) chip, crack, check, or peel for a period of (5) five years from date of installation.
Can Aspect be exposed to heat?
Aspect has a heat index of 200 degrees (F) without causing any damage to the tile or panel. Refer to your stove (or other heat source) manufacturer for specific information.
Will heat impact the adhesive bond on the 3” x 6” tiles?
The adhesive will not be affect by temperatures of 200 degrees (F) or less.
How should the tiles be cut if a full tile is not needed?
You can use a hack saw, circular saw or table saw for any necessary straight cuts and a jigsaw for circular cuts or cutouts. All cutting blades should be carbide-tipped or high-speed steel, and made for cutting nonferrous metal. When cutting is complete, use a fine-grit sandpaper or a small metal file to debur the cut edges. Take the cut tile to the work space and place it in its intended location and make sure it fits properly.
Alternative Option:
A four-inch brick set chisel and utility knife with a sharp blade can also be used for straight cuts on the tiles. The chisel maintains the rounded factory edge look. Measure and mark the tile where the cut must be made with a marker on the protective film. Using a straight edge, score along the entire tile using a utility knife. Place the brick set chisel on the line and strike the chisel with a hammer a few times along the line until an even indentation exists. Then, using the utility knife, make a few passes with a bit more pressure each pass. Bend back and forth until tile separates.
Another cutting method is to use a router. See the Aspect Sheet Installation Guide-Full.pdf
What should be used to clean the tiles?
Soap, water and a soft cloth. A glass cleaner or grease cutter can also be used.
What should be used as a trim or an edge treatment?
Aspect should be treated like any other tile. Clear or colored caulk is a good option. Caulk can be painted to match wall color if preferred. Wood, plastic or other types of trim also work well depending on your preference and abilities.
Can Aspect be applied to a working surface or to the floor?
These applications are not recommended, as the rubbing could potentially scratch the surface of the panel.
What is the life expectancy of the Aspect Tile?
Aspect tiles and panels will last well-beyond the lifetime of your kitchen, bath or wall project. The tiles and panels are virtually indestructible under normal use.
Does the surface of an Aspect tile scratch easily?
Not easily, but it can be scratched like any coated metal surface.
When starting a project, would I work from one side to the other, or from the center out?
Working from the center out would balance the working area and ensure your largest tiles in the middle of your space. This could be important when a designer pattern is used. However, you can start at one end and work to the other.
If I wanted to remove a tile (or a few), how would I do so and what would I use?
Start by applying pressure slowly underneath the 3’’ side of a tile and increase pressure lifting the tile up. Note: Be careful not to damage the adjacent tile. A 1” putty knife or similar tool that applies even pressure across the surface upon which you are prying is recommended. Note: subsurface material like drywall may be affected due to the aggressive nature of the tile adhesive which may require touch up or priming prior to replacing the tile.
Will the “peel and stick” adhesive used to apply Aspect damage the surface it is applied to if a tile is removed?
Yes, possibly. Caution is advised when removing tile to eliminate as much old adhesive as possible. Some repairs may be necessary if this happens.
Can I paint the Aspect tiles, and if so with what kind of paint?
It is not recommended as the coating applied to the surface is a high durability material.
What is the flame spread rate on Aspect tiles?
Aspect tiles meet or exceed ASTM E84 Class 1 and Class A Surface Burn Characteristics.
Do you offer outlet and switch covers?
At this time we do not sell matching outlet and switch covers. However we recommend using WallPlateWarehouse.com. Their selection of covers match the finishes of Aspect the closest of any we have found. Below you will find the suggestions for each specific Aspect finish.
Brushed Champagne – Antique Brass Steel
Brushed Stainless – Pewter Tone/Stainless Steel
Brushed Copper – Brushed Copper Steel
