full installation instructions

Here’s an installation video

If you need more information, read on.

Tools needed:

• Measuring tape
• Straightedge or Speed Square^®
• Pencil or other non permanent marker
• Loctite® PL Premium® or LePage® PL Premium® tube adhesive (if using Method 2 installation)
• Soft cloth
• Chalk line
• Level (2′ to 4′ recommended)
• Fine-grit sandpaper (400–600 grit)

If cutting tiles, one of the following tools will be needed:

• Chop saw
• Miter box
• Hack saw
• Coping saw
• Utility knife

Installing Aspect peel & stick metal tiles is a simple, exciting project that adds instant style to your kitchen or bathroom. We have deliberately over explained the tile installation. Have fun with this project. It’s going to be easy and look great!

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*.

Preparation

Any damaged, loose or uneven areas must be repaired, patched and leveled. Fill cracks and irregularities with wallboard compound or spackle, then sand smooth with fine-grade sandpaper. *Use isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol two-cloth cleaning method as surface preparation when applying tiles to a nonporous substrate, such as ceramic tile or metal.

The substrate to which you are applying Aspect tiles must be primed with a fresh coat of high-quality oil-based (not latex, vinyl or PVA-based primer). Tile application to latex -based paints or primers will cause adhesion failure. Use KILZ™ Interior Oil-Based Sealer/Primer/Stainblocker, Zinser™, or B-I-N Shellac-Base/Primer/Sealer, or Behr™ Interior/Exterior Oil-Based Primer & Sealer.

If installing Aspect over existing ceramic tile, be sure to thoroughly clean old tiles, but priming ceramic tiles is not required. Failure to properly prepare the substrate may invalidate the warranty.

If installing Aspect tiles near a water-prone area, such as a sink or tub, be sure the substrate is dry and mold-free. A mold- and mildew-resistant primer must be used in this application. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s directions.

For additional information on substrate preparation in a water-prone area, see the Aspect FAQ’s.

1) Design: There are many tile patterns available for backsplash and other applications. Here are some popular examples. If you don’t find what you are looking for, be creative — go ahead and design your own pattern.

2) Layout: Remember what your grandfather said: Measure twice, cut once.

A popular layout method is to begin from the center of the area to be covered. This method allows balance around the perimeter of the work area. Locate the center point between the horizontal and vertical measurements and mark on the wall or work area with a pencil. Snap a vertical and a horizontal chalk line as a reference. Be sure the horizontal reference line is level and the vertical reference line is plumb.

Identify the high point(s) of your countertop by measuring from the horizontal reference line or by using a level. Snap a reference line for the top of the first row of tiles after marking 1/8″ above the highest point (at 3-1/8″). The top edge of the first row will be installed along this line. You can caulk the bottom gap after all the tiles are installed.

Use a level or measuring tape to mark the vertical termination point of your installation.

Measure the first area to be covered by Aspect material. We recommend you lay out the entire project on a flat surface, like a table or the floor, before installing to the substrate, to be sure you have enough tiles and your design is correct.

As each project is different, be sure to plan for cutouts, corners or edge treatments before applying tiles.

3) Installing your first tile: Here’s where the fun begins.

Aspect allows for two easy installation methods:

• Method 1 requires wall preparation as described above in the preparation step.
• Method 2 requires an additional tube adhesive. Use only Loctite® PL Premium®, PL Premium Advanced® or LePage® PL Premium®. Carefully read and follow manufacturer’s directions for the adhesive.

Method 1

Be sure the substrate is primed as described above in the preparation step. Remove the film backing from both sides of the tile. Align the tile where you want it on the reference lines and press into place. Be sure to align it exactly where you want it. Lightly place the tile against the substrate. The tiles may be removed within a minute or two and reset if they are only lightly placed on the substrate. If it is in the right position, firmly press the tile over its entire surface area to be sure it adheres properly. CAUTION: Do not stand or walk on release paper or a tile with release paper on the back as it is extremely slippery. Place it in a wastebasket immediately upon removal from tile.

 

Method 2

If you do not intend to prepare, sand and prime the surface, an additional adhesive should be used. We recommend Loctite® PL Premium®, PL Premium Advanced®, or LePage® PL Premium®. Carefully read and follow manufacturer’s directions for the adhesive. Remove the release film on the back of each tile before applying additional adhesive. Apply no more than about five pea-sized dots of adhesive to the back of a full tile (see below). Keep the adhesive a half-inch from the edges. Firmly press the tiles into place. If adhesive squeezes out around the tiles, wipe it off before it dries.

4) Cutting tiles: The most important thing to remember here is to cut only the tiles, not yourself — be careful.

If cutting tiles is necessary, you can use a chop saw, miter box, or hack saw for any necessary straight cuts, and a coping saw for circular cuts or electrical outlet cutouts. 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, ensuring it fits properly before removing the protective film on either side of the tile.

Alternative trimming method: A utility knife with a sharp blade can also be used for straight-trimming perpendicular to the long side.

Measure and mark the tile with a marker on the protective film where the trim must be made.

Using a straightedge, score along the entire tile using a utility knife.

 

Using the utility knife, make a few passes with a bit more pressure on each pass. Bend back and forth until tile separates. Debur the trimmed edge with sandpaper if necessary.

5) Install and/or cut remaining tiles in the same fashion as described above. When tiles are installed to your satisfaction, press each again firmly with your hand. This will ensure that the adhesive bonds to the substrate.

Allow 24 hours for the tiles’ adhesive to set before exposing them to a heat source (such as a stovetop or oven). Clean or touch-up tiles with a glass cleaner and soft cloth or paper towels.

6) Caulking/sealing

If desired, apply a 1/8″ bead of caulk or silicone sealant in the gap under the bottom row. Wipe off excess sealant. Choose clear or colored caulk according to your preference. Termination points or other exposed edges can also be caulked to provide a finished appearance.

Tips and Techniques

Fitting Partial Tiles

To fit partial tiles, lay the tile to be cut exactly over the last full tile. Place another full tile against the wall and mark the cutting line where the tiles overlap.

Cut tile on line. Before peeling the backing paper off self-adhering tile, check that the cut tile fits. Do not force it into place. Install tile (removing paper from self-adhering tile), and press tile firmly into position.

Fitting Around Pipes

To fit around pipes, make a cardboard pattern as a guide and use it to draw an outline on the tile. Cut to shape. A metal-cutting hole saw can also be used. Check fit before peeling off backing paper. The tile should fit snugly but don’t force it into place.