ISC metal tile installation instructions

Read these instructions completely before you start. For the typical do-it-yourselfer, the installation of ISC peel and stick tiles is a relatively “easy” project.

If you have doubts about doing this installation, you should contact a qualified contractor, carpenter or a professional installer.

For additional information please refer to the pdf installation guides below.

Tools needed:

• Measuring tape
• Straight edge
• Pencil or other non-permanent marker
• Coping saw or hacksaw with metal-cutting blade (if cutting tiles)
• Soft cloth
• 4′ Level
• Fine-grit sandpaper (400 - 600 grit)
• Router (only if doing bends. See above “ISC Sheet Installation Guide-Full.pdf”

If using the alternative trimming method described below, you’ll also need:

• 4″ brick set chisel if cutting tiles
• Utility knife with sharp blade
• Hammer

Before you begin

Installing ISC peel & stick metal tiles is a simple, exciting project that adds instant style to your kitchen or bathroom. Have fun with this project. It’s going to be pretty easy and look great! That having been said…

ISC tiles can be installed over most structurally sound substrates, if they are clean, smooth, dry and free of dust, wax, soap scum and grease. Acceptable substrates are drywall, plywood, OSB, paneling or clean, smooth tile*. Any damaged, loose or uneven areas must be repaired, patched and leveled. Fill cracks and irregularities with wallboard compound or spackling; sand smooth with fine-grade sand paper.

*Use isopropyl-alcohol two-cloth cleaning method as surface preparation when applying tiles to a nonporous substrate, such as ceramic tile or metal.

The substrate should also be primed with a fresh coat of high-quality primer. If installing ISC tiles over existing ceramic tile, be sure to clean old tiles well, but priming ceramic tiles is not required.

If installing ISC tiles near a water-prone area, such as a sink or tub, be sure the substrate is dry and mold-free. A mold and mildew-resistant primer should be used in this application. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s directions.

Failure to properly prepare the substrate may invalidate the warranty.

1) Design: There are many tile patterns available for backsplash and other applications. Here are some popular examples. If you don’t like any of these, be creative…go ahead and design your own pattern.

2) Layout: Remember what your grandfather said: measure twice, cut once.

A popular layout method is to begin from the center of the area to be covered. This method allows good balance around the perimeter of the work area. Find the center point between the horizontal and vertical measurements and mark on the wall or work area with a pencil. Snap a vertical and a horizontal chalk line as a reference. Be sure the horizontal reference line is level and the vertical reference line is plumb.

Identify the high point(s) of your countertop by measuring from the horizontal reference line or by using a level. Snap a reference line for the first bottom row of tiles after marking 1/8″ above the highest point. The bottom of the first row will be installed along this line. You can caulk the bottom gap after all the tiles are installed.

Measure the first area to be covered by ISC tile material. We recommend you lay out the entire project on a flat surface, like a table or the floor before installing to the substrate, to be sure you have enough tiles and your design is correct.

As each project is different, be sure to plan for cut-outs, corners or edge treatments before cutting.

3) Cutting tiles: The most important thing to remember here is to cut only the tiles, not yourself…be careful.

If cutting tiles is necessary, you can use a circular saw, table saw, router or hacksaw for any necessary straight cuts and a jigsaw or coping saw for circular cuts or electrical outlet cutouts. All cutting blades should be carbide-tipped or high-speed steel, and made for cutting nonferrous metal. When cutting is complete, use a fine-grit sandpaper or a small metal file to debur the cut edges. Take the cut tile to the work space and place it in its intended location and make sure it fits properly before removing the protective film.

Alternative trimming method. A four-inch brick set chisel and utility knife with a sharp blade can also be used for straight trimming perpendicular to the long side.

The chisel maintains the rounded factory edge look. Measure and mark the tile where the trim must be made with a marker on the protective film. Using a straight edge, score along the entire tile using a utility knife. Place the chisel on the line and strike it with a hammer a few times along the line. Then, using the utility knife, make a few passes with a bit more pressure each pass. Bend back and forth until tile separates. Debur the trimmed edge with sandpaper if necessary.

4) Installing your first tile: Here’s where the fun begins.

Be sure the substrate is clean and dry. Remove the backing from a tile to expose the adhesive, and align the tile to the place where you want it on the reference lines and press into place. Be sure to align it exactly as you want, for the peel and stick adhesive is very aggressive. Firmly press the tile over its entire surface area to be sure it adheres properly. CAUTION - Do not stand or walk on release paper or a tile with release paper on the back as it is extremely slippery. Place it in a wastebasket immediately upon removal from tile.

5) Install remaining tiles in the same fashion as above. Pretty easy right? Enjoy!

Tips and Techniques

Fitting Partial Tiles

To fit partial tiles, lay the tile to be cut exactly over the last full tile; place another full tile against the wall and mark the cutting line where the tiles overlap.

Cut tile on line. Before peeling the backing paper of self-adhering tile, check that the cut tile fits. Do not force it into place. Install tile (removing paper from self-adhering tile), and press tile firmly into position.

Fitting Around Pipes

To fit around pipes, make a cardboard pattern as a guide and use it to draw an outline on the tile. Cut to shape. A carbide-tipped hole-saw can also be used. Check fit before peeling backing paper. It should be snug but don’t force into place.