Since each one is based on your particular needs, please call us for pricing and to discuss your individual mural.
Tile type recommendations:
For outdoor use we recommend porcelain tiles (porcelain is impervious to freeze/thaw conditions). For tiles placed in an area where they are susceptible to scratches, we recommend either glass, satin hard coat or porcelain. For decorative use we recommend glossy. Glossy has a beautiful sheen and looks terrific with any imprinted image, although they are the most susceptible to scratches. Please check the individual tile pages in the Web site for a description of each tile.
Glass - Shower murals, kitchen countertops/backsplash, swimming pool floors, office/restaurant/lobby floors and walls.
Porcelain - Non-porous. Freeze/thaw conditions - outdoor use, exterior murals, outdoor tables. Shower murals, bathroom walls.
Satin Hard Coat - Wall hangings, kitchen backsplash, decorative.
Glossy - Wall hangings, kitchen backsplash, decorative end tables.
All of these tiles are made with a high quality, polymer coating to insure the best UV fade protection and scratch resistance. Depending on your needs, we can obtain other size tiles for you from the ones listed on our site.
Extra scratch-resistance:
For all tiles but glass, you may add a thin coat of Minwax Polyurethane for extra scratch resistance if placing tiles outside, particularly in a water-based setting. Not needed for indoor, decorative use or on glass tiles since the image is imprinted onto the back. Although you may add this if you wish, we find that generally just taking care of your tiles will work fine. The extra coating may also somewhat change the appearance of the tiles, depending upon if you use a glossy or matte finish polyurethane.
Extra UV-resistance:
For additional years of UV resistance (if placing tiles outside), you may add a layer of Matthew's UV coating. This can be found at a local hardware store or Home Depot.
Cleaning:
A soft, damp cloth with a delicate touch will clean the dust and fingerprints off your decorative mural without scratching. Use a soft, dry cloth afterward to prevent water spots. You may also use any non-abrasive household cleaner. Glossy murals should be cleaned with a glass cleaner or multi-purpose cleaner and a soft cloth.
Pool murals:
For swimming pools, we recommend using glass tiles only and installed on the bottom of the floor as opposed to the wall. Since the picture is imprinted onto the back of the tile, it will be safe from chemicals used to clean the pool in addition to the water line which may ultimately wear away at the tile.
To hang your tile mural:
We send you the tiles unassembled. You will need to put the mural together yourself. If you're creating a wall hanging, you may use masonite to make the backing for tile murals. This material is lighter than wood and contains no holes as in peg board.
If working with a contractor (or assembling yourself):
We will provide you with a grid that you may use yourself or give to a contractor. This shows the order and placement of the tiles. Each tile will be labeled on the back with a corresponding number to the grid. This makes for easy installation.
Glass tile adhesive for murals:
We suggest MegaFlex Ultimate Thin-Set Mortar in White for mounting the textured glass tile in any application. This is sold at most Home Depots or Lowe's. If you can't find it, you may go to www.custombuildingproducts.com for a local dealer. Follow the instructions for use. Use a grout specifically formulated for use with glass tile. Tiles can be cleaned with any household non-abrasive cleaner and a soft cloth or sponge.
Other adhesive material for tiles if needed:
A standard thinset mortar is fine for all other tiles but glass. These must be grouted properly.
For small projects, GE Clear Silicon Window & Door Sealant is also good for adhering tiles and glass inserts to various small surfaces if needed, such as wooden gift boxes, cutting boards and other small areas. Follow the instructions for use.
Grout and sealer:
When using a grout and sealer for installation with your tile mural, we recommend the following:
Grout: Sand-free or silicone grout caulking should be used when installing Glossy, Satin Hard Coat and Textured Wall Tile bodies. Other types of grout may scratch the imaged surfaces during fixing.
Use unsanded grouted ceramic tile in vertical applications. This produces a small grout line.
Sealers: Tumbled Stone murals should be sealed if used in any water application. When installing VersaTile on a counter top, it is recommended to use a sealer on the grout.
Mural size/photo requirements:
We will need to see your picture first in order to determine if it is of suitable quality to be enlarged into a mural. Average sizes of murals we create generally do not go beyond 24"w x 18"h. The photos used for these must be at least 300 dpi. (Keep in mind that some amount of pixelation may still occur). If you need a larger mural (ex. - entire kitchen wall, building exterior, etc.) we will work with our tile supplier to produce the final product for you. If needed, we can also offer you a library of high resolution photographs for these murals. Our supplier maintains a library of stock photos suitable for a variety of needs.
Tile replacement:
If a tile should break during installation, we will replace it free of charge (up to 3 tiles for a 24"w x 18"h mural). Shipping on replacement tiles is not included. We will maintain a digital file of your mural for up to three months from date of shipment.
Timeline for receiving your mural:
Length of time to receive your mural from when you first place your with us varies upon stock shipment from our supplier, size of the mural and labor involved. We will work with you to deliver your mural in a timely fashion. If all of our materials are in stock, a general time frame for production is roughly two weeks.
Pricing:
Each mural is priced individually based on the size, materials used and labor involved. Please call us to discuss your details.
Payment methods:
Since each mural is individualized, we cannot accept payment through PayPal. We ask that you pay by money order.
