Porcelain Panel Installation Suggestions

Laying slabs requires similar laying conditions to those required for traditional format slabs. requires the adhesive to be applied both on the setting bed and on the back of the slab. slabs for flooring require the following conditions:

• A flat surface;
• Clean and free from dust, scraps and any lumps of cement;
• The setting bed must be uniform and have already undergone the drying shrinkage process;
• Repair of any cracks;
• Any uneven parts on the surface must be filled with suitable levelling compounds.

Instruments required

• Cement-based powder adhesive for full spread, class “C2E according to EN12004 and S1 according to EN12002 standards”;
• 3×3 mm square toothed trowel and 15 mm round toothed trowel;
• Frame with suction cups for handling or double suction cups;
• Non-bounce plastic mallet 170×370 mm;
• Levelling system: base clip + wedge + pliers.

Processing stages

BONDING TO THE FLOOR

1) Ensure that the surface to be covered is solid, flat and free from dust and oil/grease.

2) Use the adhesives described above mixed according to the specifications indicated in the technical data sheet of the chosen adhesive.

3) Spread the adhesive onto the surface to be covered with a 15 mm round toothed trowel across an area of 5/10 cm more than the dimensions of the slab.

4) With the slab in a vertical position on the handling frame, spread the adhesive onto the back of the slab with a 3×3 mm square toothed trowel.

5) Using the frame with suction cups, bring the slab into a horizontal position and lay it.

6) To guarantee uniform bonding of the slab, the special 170×370 mm non-bounce plastic mallet must be used, tapping from the middle towards the edges so as to remove any air pockets between the back of the slab, the adhesive and the surface to be tiled.

7) Using the levelling system.

LEVELLING SYSTEM

The levelling system aims to guarantee perfectly levelled floors simply and quickly, eliminating any unevenness between the slabs. The levelling system is strongly recommended for laying slabs.

Instruments required

• Base clip;

• Wedge;

• Adjustable pliers for installing floors/wall tiles. Application of the levelling system

Positioning the base clip:

a) After spreading the adhesive, insert the base clip below the slab on the 4 sides.

b) Depending on the format of the slab, position one or more supports for each side of the slab.

c) Position the slab.

Inserting the wedge:

a) Insert the wedge in the slot of the support, taking care not to exceed the breaking point.

b) To make inserting the wedge easier, it is recommended to use the adjustable pliers.

Removing the support:

a) Once the adhesive has dried, the protruding part of the support can be separated from the base clip by tapping with your foot in line with the joint.

GENERAL ADVICE FOR GROUTING

Pay attention while choosing joint sealants: check the technical sheets, choose them shadematched and follow carefully the recommended cleaning times, as many new generation coloured sealants contain pigments and additives that can be very strong. For polished/glossy surfaces do not use epoxy grouts or synthetic based flexible mortars (Flexfughe) and do not add additives/ latexes to the grout, as they make the removal of residues with standard detergents very difficult.

However, should you decide to use them, it is recommended to make a previous test off site