Is this Resin Backed Tile ?

[zipper]

I have been searching all the threads on resin backed stone. It seems of all the examples no one has really commented on what it was. The 2 pictures are the backside & the front. It is marble and the size is 12x12
So the question is ... resin backed or ?
Next question ... how can you tell ?

Thanks in advance

[jadnashua]

Resin usually makes the back shiney. Now, not positive what they used to glue the mesh to the back, which can be an issue, sometimes when cutting on a wet saw, and when setting the tile. Sometimes, hopefully not too often!, the glue used can soften when the tile is wetted.

That's a pretty tile, but if it's going in a wet area, make sure you are aware that marble can be fussy there. The different stones will tend to absorb moisture at different rates, is easily etched with anything acidic (some cleaners, detergents, shampoos, etc.), and some is softer than others, and could be scratched. Sometimes, you may find it better to use an enhancing sealer, which will approximate the look of the tile being wet so if they do actually get wet, you won't have a splotchy look to it with some darker and some not in an irregular pattern. I'd take one sample, stick it in a pan of water overnight to see what it looks like, and whether the mesh falls off the back. That will give you a good idea of what it will look like if it gets wet, and what the mesh is going to do for you. You can then decide if you like that look, and think about an enhancing sealer or not. Sometimes, using one will make the whole thing just look richer and with more definition, sometimes, it ruins the look. Best to know in advance.

You'll want to use a good modified thinset in white to set the tiles, as with the mesh, you'll not get as much surface to actually bond to. That's especially true because it's really hard to back butter a mosaic tile without filling up the grout joints. You'll want to pull the first few back up after setting to verify that the coverage is actually adequate. Depending on whether it's a floor or wall, or if it is wet or dry, the industry standards differ, but with a mosaic, it's really difficult to get the 100% of the edges of the tile as required for all installs.

[zipper]

Jim… Thanks for the speedy reply
The tile is going on the floor in a bathroom. not in a shower. Hopefully I it shouldn’t get too wet other dripping and or splashing out of the sink.
I will try the overnite soaking & see what happens. When does the enhancing sealer go on, before or after the grout.
As far as the product for securing the tile I had a concern of whether to use thinset or not. I have read that if it is resin backed then you should be using an epoxy… Just what I don’t want to have to do.
If I’m using thinset you say modified white. Any recommendation on trowel size? Would 1/4 x ¼ be appropriate? I have that in both square & V shaped.

[jadnashua]

Trowel size depends a lot on two factors:
- how flat your floor is
- how flat the back of the tile is

With a mosaic, you don't want to use any larger notched trowel than absolutely needed. The mesh will mean a slightly deeper notch. I'd also seriously look for a slant-notched trowel. This will give you a much flatter surface to tile to than either a V or square-notched trowel as the notches literally fall over because of their shape after combing out the thinset. Here's an example, but they come in various sizes https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00MX6OWPI...osi&th=1&psc=1

I'd let a more seasoned pro help suggest the best trowel for your situation.

If you don't see a glossy coating across the entire back of the tile, my guess is that it's not resin coated. That tends to get used on really fragile stuff that, until it is bedded in thinset and cures, could literally fall apart. Your marble doesn't look like that type. Now, some travertine may need resin. What does the box say?

On a bathroom floor, any moisture would not normally stick around long enough to be an issue, but you may like the enhancer anyway. You won't know until you try. As to when, depends somewhat on what grout you choose and how smooth or porous the tile is. A call to the manufacturer should help with that.

Keep in mind that a mosaic can be a pain with getting thinset into the grout joints. Depending on the grout you choose, the end color can vary based on how deep it is as the depth will depend on how it dries during the curing process. Most of the new, one-part or epoxy grouts may not change their ultimate color because of that, and may be a useful choice. Keep in mind also that a mosaic tile will be using lots more grout than a large format one, so there's more to get stained as well. Most of the single component ones out there are much less susceptible to staining than a cement based one.

[zipper]

the box doesn't say anything just warnings of the dust when cutting & safety concerns. The tile co is MSI & I was capable of chatting with someone from their website... That was a waste of time as he had no info on the tile & said they would email me the particulars of my specific tile.I'm not going to hold my breath.

More usfull info... thank you very much

[jerrymlr1]

Hi Brian. What you have is not resin backed tile. Vinyl acetate is used to adhere the mesh to the back of the tile to hold it together until it is set. That particular type of marble mosaic is usually around 3/8" thick and a 1/4" square notch trowel will work for what you're doing. The vinyl acetate can re-emulsify when it's wet so it can be a problem in a wet area like a shower floor. Sometimes they use so much of the VA that very little contact is made to the marble tile itself. In a dry environment that's not a problem.
FWIW resin backed is usually on marble slabs that have a lot of veins running thru and break easy. The resin and mesh are hard and help to keep the slab intact.

[zipper]

Jerry .. thats good news and a great explanation... thank you