Installation and grout guide

Tiles by Sabine Marcelis are precision-made glass tiles defined by light, tone, and material clarity. Each tile is cut to exact tolerance for a 2 mm grout line — for example, a 10 cm tile measures 9.8 cm. The colour is applied to the reverse of the glass in a uniform layer, ensuring consistency across batches while preserving the material’s luminous depth.

The tiles are available in three formats — 10×10 cm, 10×20 cm, and 10×30 cm — as well as bespoke solutions. For custom dimensions or specific applications, please contact us directly to discuss your project.

Each format is available in two finishes:

— FROSTED MATTE: diffuses light with soft, quiet depth
— GLOSSY: reflects light with sharp clarity and precision.

Tiles by Sabine Marcelis are crafted with precision and care — architectural elements where colour, light, and material converge. Installed with attention to detail, they reveal a quiet depth and luminosity that define both surface and space.

Please note that the FROSTED MATTE surface is delicate and requires careful installation. During mounting, excess adhesive must be removed immediately with clean water and a soft sponge, before drying occurs. Any residue left on the surface will be permanent.

Preparation

The substrate must be clean, dry, and perfectly flat — free from grease, dust, and any loose particles. For wet areas or exterior use, a waterproof membrane must be applied. Before installation, test the surface humidity with an appropriate instrument; it must not exceed 2%. Residual moisture can cause visible marks or discolouration behind the glass.

For optimal colour fidelity, apply the tiles to a consistent, opaque background — ideally white, sealed with PVA or an equivalent primer. Open all boxes before installation and plan the layout on a dry surface to ensure an even balance of tone and proportion. Subtle variations in the material are natural and part of its character.

Adhesives and grout

Tiles by Sabine Marcelis must be installed with a minimum 2 mm grout line. Narrower spacing is not recommended, as glass expands and contracts more than ceramic or stone. Use a high-performance adhesive, ideally in the same colour as the grout to achieve a seamless, consistent finish.

Apply adhesive evenly with a notched trowel, ensuring complete coverage of the tile back. Insert 2 mm spacers as you go, and clean excess adhesive frequently with a soft sponge and clean water. Maintain a 2 mm gap at corners and trims to allow for natural expansion. Once grouting is complete, remove any surface residue before it hardens and finish corners or transitions with a matching silicone or mastic sealant. Preferred professional adhesive and grout systems include Mapei Kerapoxy, Kerakoll Fugalite Color, Fugalite H40 Extreme or Fugalite Invisible, Litokol Starlike EVO and Litokol Power Gel Pro Max.

Because glass is non-porous, grout will take longer to dry than in ceramic or cement installations. We recommend selecting a high-quality epoxy-based system for optimal performance and colour stability. When silicone is required, use only products suitable for mirrors to avoid damaging the back-painted surface of the glass.

For tone-on-tone compositions, neutral or colour-matched grout shades work particularly well — enhancing the tiles’ clarity without interrupting the visual rhythm of light and colour.

Cutting and finishing

Glass tiles can be cut using a glass cutter, wet tile saw, or diamond blade suitable for porcelain or glass. For detailed or angled cuts, use a slow-turning drill with a diamond bit, applying continuous water to prevent heat build-up.

Edges may be lightly sanded with fine glass paper; take care not to mark the visible surface. Always wear protective gloves and eyewear during cutting and handling.

Installation notes

— Maintain 2 mm spacing between all tiles; they must not be butt-jointed
— Allow at least 3 cm clearance from heat sources such as hobs or fireplaces
— Minor dimensional variation (±1%) is inherent to glass and considered normal
— The tapered edge of the tile may make grout lines appear slightly wider once installed.