Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Can the glass tiles be installed outdoors, in pools, or in shower a shower?
  2. Do the foil backed tiles require special mortar and grout?
  3. Will Phenix Glass accept custom orders?

Can the glass tiles be installed outdoors, in pools, or in a shower?

 

Yes, due to the versatile properties of glass, our tiles can be used in a variety of applications both outdoors and indoors. Refer to question #2 for special installation instructions regarding our foil backed tiles. 
The unique properties of glass make it a versatile surfacing material, ideal for many purposes.  Our Phenix Glass art line may be used on vertical surfaces indoors and outdoors.  It may also be used as borders or inserts on interior light duty floors that are not subject to abrasive wear.  Phenix Glass Art should be installed ONLY OVER CURED AND STABLE SUBSTRATES, DO NOT INSTALL ON DRYWALL.  If there is any question about the stability of the substrate, a crack suppression membrane should be used.
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Do the foil backed tiles require special mortar and grout?

Our foil backed tiles must be bonded with a 100% solids epoxy mortar. We have used Custom Building Products 100% Solids Epoxy Grout Laticrete Latapoxy 300 Mortar and Laticrete Epoxy Grout.

Glass tile without foil backing must be bonded with white setting materials.  Use unmodified white thin-set mortar with high solids acrylic additive or white polymer modified thin-set mortar with water.  Epoxy setting materials and grout products may also be used.  We have successfully utilized Premium Plus Thin-Set Mortar White with Custom Crete Latex Mortar Admix.

 

All Tile:

Always back butter each piece of Phenix Glass Art tiles, (foiled or regular) with the mortar to ensure a perfect bond to the mortar bed with no voids.  This will also prevent trowel marks from being visible through the glass tile.

Install with a uniform grout joint. Tiles must not be butt set.

Phenix Glass tiles can be cut easily with a  diamond blade wet saw.  Always use safety goggles and gloves when cutting glass.  Rough edges may be smoothed with a sanding stone.

Relief tiles should be taped off, pre-sealed, or bag grouted to reduce grout grab.

Glass tiles should not be exposed to high abrasion, mechanical, or thermal shock.

Do not clean with abrasive products; use a high quality glass cleaner only.

 

 

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Will Phenix Glass accept custom orders?

We are flexible and adept artisans that enjoy a challenge, and are available to answer any questions from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm Pacific Time.  We have made custom countertops, tables, and vessels.  We also make custom tiles based on color recommendations specified by designers.  We work personally with designers to create a new aesthetic. 

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