Issue:

• Tiles exhibit a persistent haze after grouting.

Solution:

• Thoroughly clean tiles using Athena’s Heavy Duty Cleaner by Tile Armor, which helps remove grout haze.
• If needed, gently buff the surface with 220-grit sandpaper—but results may vary
• Once the tiles are clean, it must be sealed with the Zeus' Tile Sealer.
• If powdered grout was used during installation, the color pigments in such grout may permanently stain the tile surface. To mitigate this risk, it is recommended to utilize a ready-mix grout product such as Mapei Flexcolor CQ or Laticrete Spectralock 1.
• It is essential to follow the installation guidelines provided with the tile product, which typically emphasize the importance of selecting an appropriate grout.
• Ensure that grout residue is removed promptly after application to prevent it from drying and adhering to the tile surface.
• It is critical that tiles be properly primed prior to the application of grout, as this significantly reduces the likelihood of staining and facilitates easier cleaning.
• Grouting should proceed using an appropriate grout product as recommended, taking care to clean all excess grout immediately.
• Once grouting is complete and all residue has been removed, a final thorough cleaning should be performed.
• Sealing must occur at the end of this process to protect the tile surface, enhance durability, and ensure ease of maintenance over time.
• Please reach out to the Grout company for a suggestion of a Grout remover product (e.g. Mapei contact is: Jason Glogolich, jglogolich@mapei.com 609-915-3502)

Issue:

• Residue and discoloration appeared after removing protective covering from cement tiles.

Solution:

• Make sure the tiles were sealed prior to covering, as unsealed cement tiles can absorb moisture and pigments.
• Apply Athena’s Heavy Duty Cleaner either undiluted or mixed 1:1 with water.
• After the reaction time, use a melamine pad to gently scrub the surface.
• Avoid abrasive tools during initial cleaning to prevent surface damage.
• Rinse thoroughly with water. Repeat if necessary.

Issue:

• White staining between tile joints.

Solution:

• Most likely caused by low-quality adhesive.
• Recommend using high-quality adhesives and experienced installers to avoid this issue.

Issue:

• Concern about brass patina affecting grout color in wet environments

Solution:

• Grout Recommendation: Use only quartz-based, ready-mixed grout (e.g., Mapei Flexcolor CQ). These grouts do not stain or absorb moisture, so they will not affect the tile color.
• Tile Layout: Plain color tiles or Plain white tiles. We generally advise against cutting the brass frequently unless your tile installer is experienced in doing so. For guidance, there is a helpful video on our website demonstrating how to properly cut the brass.
• Brass Maintenance: Our brass inlays are very easy to maintain. While they are highly durable, they may develop a brown patina over time (not green). This can be easily cleaned with 400-grit sandpaper, which will restore the original shine as if brand new.

Issue:

• The color of Zellige tiles appear different than on the website.

Solution:

• The actual tone of the tiles may vary due to factors such as lighting conditions, screen settings, and the handmade nature of Zellige tiles. Each tile is individually crafted, resulting in subtle variations in shade, texture, and finish, which contribute to their unique character and authenticity.
• While every effort is made to ensure that website photographs accurately represent the tiles, it is not possible to guarantee complete consistency across all screens and devices.
• To provide additional clarity, images on the right side illustrate examples of typical color variations that may occur.
• To make an informed decision regarding color selection, it is recommended to order multiple samples, as tone and color may differ from tile to tile.

Issue:

• Tiles appear uneven or not flat post-installation.

Solution:

• Regarding the surface variation, the natural bumpy and uneven texture is a distinctive feature of Zellige tiles. These subtle irregularities are part of their handmade, artisanal design, giving the surface a rich, organic character that many of our clients value for its warmth and uniqueness.
• You can view the attached video to see how these tiles are crafted.

Issue:

• Black spots appear on the terracotta tiles surface

Solution:

• The Terracotta tiles are crafted from natural clay and fired in a traditional wood oven. Unlike other terracotta tiles that are sun-dried or baked in gas ovens, this method results in a unique finish. The black dots are actually natural ash deposits from the burning wood during the firing process. This is a characteristic feature of the tile and part of what gives it its authentic, rustic appearance.