UNPACKING:

Inspect the delivered tiles before installation, and let us know as soon as possible if there is anything wrong – all complaints must be made before installation.

Cement tiles can be a little damp upon delivery. The moisture presents as dark areas or spots on the tile surface. This is perfectly normal and is caused by the steam curing process. The spots will evaporate and become less distinct over time.

Small scratches and dust on the tiles are completely normal and can be removed during installation.

INSTALLATION:

Make sure that the surface is clean and level before installation. Apply the adhesive evenly to the surface with a 10-14 mm large-toothed comb trowel.

NOTE: To make the most of the natural color variations and to avoid some areas looking too similar, we recommend mixing tiles from different boxes prior to installation.

Position and adjust the tile only by hand, without hammering. Hammers and similar tools may chip or damage the tiles. We recommend installing Cement tiles as close together as possible, leaving only around 2 mm for grouting.

NOTE: In rooms with floor heating, the distance between the tiles should be minimum 2 mm to allow for heat expansion.

For cutting the tile, we recommend using a wet saw. Alternatively, you may use an angle grinder for special cuts. Make sure to use a blade/disc for natural stone.

Once the tiles are installed and the adhesive is dry, thoroughly clean them with water and a sponge, and carefully protect them from dirt and liquid before they are sealed.

WET ZONE:

In wet zones, we recommend the tiles exposed to water (typically tiles close to the drain), to be sealed on all sides and the underside before installation. Also, these tiles should be given one more surface protection layer, making it a total of three layers of FILA MP90 EcoExtreme.

Important – The grouting in wet zones has to be performed very well, to prevent humidity from entering the tiles from the sides.

In wet areas, e.g. on the floor in the shower niche, we only recommend installing cement tiles if you appreciate the often somewhat rough patination, that can occur on the tiles around floor drain.

GROUTING:

Pre-seal the tile once before grouting with FILA MP90 EcoExtreme, following the manufacturers instructions. Apply enough amount of sealant, as the tiles are quite absorbent.

When you are ready to grout, start by applying grout over a small area at a time (approximately 1-2 m2). Remove any excess grout from the tile with a sponge and clean water before you grout the next area to avoid potentially staining the tile.

IMPORTANT: Avoid using a grout that is much lighter or darker than the color of the tile. Because Cement tiles are matte in appearance, it is possible for grout pigments to stain the tile.

NOTE: Cement tiles often come with a natural deposit of lime and salts on the surface that give them a distinct lime-washed look. This is completely normal and part of the patina that makes the Cement tiles so unique. However, if you want your Cement tiles to appear “cleaner,” and have a more uniform look, you can remove the deposits with “Borup Kemi Rengøring til Marmor og Terrazzo” before the first sealing. Follow the manufacturers instructions.

SEALING:

For pre-sealing the tile we recommend using Fila MP90 EcoExtreme. It is a superior concrete sealer that ensures the durability of the tile. Apply the sealer according to the manufacturers instructions.

IMPORTANT: The surface of the tile must be dry, clean and free of dust in before sealing.

The tile is best cleaned with a microfibre cloth or a soft kitchen sponge.

Any tougher spots can be removed by wet-sanding them with 400-grit sanding paper in a solution of “Borup Kemi Rengøring til Marmor og Terrazzo”.

After grouting, seal the tile a second time with Fila MP90 EcoExtreme. Apply enough amount of sealant to fully saturate the tile. After 5 minutes, thoroughly massage the sealant into the tile with a suitable cloth. Never allow it to dry on top of the tile, and carefully avoid any wet spots to dry up.

Finally, apply two layers of Fila Matt Wax after the final sealing.

NOTE: For an extra robust sealing in wet areas, apply three layers of both Fila MP90 Eco- Extreme and 3 layers of Fila Matt Wax.

MAINTENANCE AND CLEANING:

Never use acid- or alkaline-based detergents, such as Ajax, Cillit Bang, etc., as these can damage the surfaces of the tile. For regular cleaning, use a natural pH-neutral soap, such as Probat Klinkesæbe. If the tiles have been waxed, add approximately 2 cl of wax to the soap water every second wash.

NOTE: Lime residues and tougher stains can be removed with “Borup Kemi Rengøring til Marmor og Terrazzo”. For tougher stains, you may wet-sand the spot with 400 grit sandpaper. Clean the tile immediately after with clean water and let them dry. Re-wax the spot with two layers of wax after the stain has been removed.

COLOR AND PATINA:

MAROKK Cement tiles come with an open, unglazed surface, which means that the color can fade subtly over time (maximum 10-20%). This is normal and a part of the character and charm of Cement tiles. In wet rooms, Cement tiles on the floor will develop more of a patina than in dry rooms.

Used on the floor in a shower – a normal households most exposed area – you should expect the tiles to get visible microcracks and other “scars”. These are a part of the charm and natural beauty of handmade Cement tiles. After years of use, you can renew and clean your tile in-depth, as described above.