As you know Italian marble is renowned for its unique qualities and attributes, including beauty, toughness, and aesthetic appeal. It is highly sought after for high-end residential and commercial buildings and is considered some of the best marble in the world. Available in various colors and patterns, Italian marble is an excellent choice for countertops and flooring. Additionally, it is heat-resistant and easy to maintain, making it a practical option for busy households.
Step by step Guide of Italian marble
- Screeding: Some Italian marbles are very porous, so it’s essential to ensure the moisture content of the screed is no more than 6 percent. Always use rapid drying screed for the installation process. a normal screed required 10 days dying time of the 10mm thickness layers.
- Adhesive : Avoid using regular cement for installation as it lacks polymers to bind water molecules, which can cause the stone to develop wet patches. Instead, always use white cement-based adhesive, which has a good holding capacity for water molecules.
- Back coat Sealer Coat: It is advisable to use a back coat sealer beneath Italian marbles to prevent wet patches, as it significantly reduces the likelihood of moisture-related issues.
Adhesive Application Procedure for Italian Marble Installation
- The substrate needs to be adequately dry, cured, mechanically robust, and devoid of loose particles, grease, oils, paint, and wax.
- Fresh concrete slab: Make sure bases have had at least four weeks to air dry before starting to tile.
- Let the plastered surface air dry for at least two weeks before starting to tile.
- Adhesive should be added to clean water. Mix well until a uniform consistency is achieved, free of lumps. After mixing the adhesive for 30 seconds, let it polymerise for two to five minutes. The Adhesive is prepared for usage. Don’t add any more water at this time.
- Spread the adhesive only as far as what can be covered by Italian marbles throughout its open period.
- 2. Using a trowel of the appropriate size with a notched square tooth, the mixed glue is spread over the prepared surface.
3. To provide a secure bed fixing, the Italian marble should be put into place while the glue is still open, twisting and sliding as it goes.
4. Verify on a regular basis that each Italian’s back is in good contact.
5. Periodically touch the adhesive ribs; if a skin forms, remove the glue and apply a fresh coat.
6. Provide enough joint space at least 3mm for couplings between the Italian.
Precaution needs to be taken during Italian marbles
- Screed should be dry
- Back coat sealer required
- Adhesive should be used
- don’t add two much water inside the adhesive
- Always use mixing machine for the adhesive application
- Provide proper joint between the stones