Cayo Levantado – pale mint 3D glass ceramic mosaic

Description

Cayo Levantado is a hexagonal mosaic in pale mint – a delicate greenish tone, like sea foam. The chips have embossed translucent faces and give the room a light, fresh look.

The colour is airy and does not weigh down the space, so it looks good in light bathrooms, showers and spa areas.

Why Cayo Levantado is worth it

• Non-porous surface. Water absorption is up to 0.04 %, so there is no mould, staining or odour.
• Lasting colour. It does not fade in sunlight (ISO 4892) or on contact with cleaning agents (class A under ASTM C650).
• Indoors and outdoors. It withstands freeze-thaw cycles under ASTM C1026, so it can also be used outdoors.
• Strength. Flexural strength of 55 N/mm² (EN ISO 10545-4) and a surface free of defects.
• Eco-friendly composition. Recycled glass, with no lead, cadmium or other heavy metals in the pigments.

Specifications

Silicone backing instead of mesh and paper

The Cayo Levantado chips are fixed to the sheet with silicone (polyurethane) dots. They join the chips only at certain points, so over 95 % of the back stays exposed to the adhesive. The bond is stronger, and the sheet is flexible and follows curves, steps and corners. The sheet keeps the same height and withstands the adhesive and the grout without delaminating.

Where to use it

• an accent wall in a bathroom or spa area;
• a kitchen splashback with a striking relief;
• receptions, bars and decorative niches.

Choosing the grout

White grout preserves the airy feel; light grey emphasises the shape of the hexagons. In shower cubicles and other wet areas, an epoxy mix or a C2 grout with a waterproof formula works well – it does not absorb moisture and does not darken over time.

Bonding step by step

1. Preparing the substrate. The surface must be dry, sound, dust-free and level – no more than 2 mm deviation over 2 m. In the shower area, waterproofing is applied first.
2. The right adhesive. Use a white flexible cement-based adhesive, C2TE S1. Glass is slightly translucent, and a grey adhesive would change the colour.
3. Spreading. Spread the adhesive with a notched trowel (3–4 mm) over an area for 2–3 sheets.
4. Setting. Press the sheet in and compact it with a rubber float. Keep the same 2 mm gap between the sheets.
5. Cutting. At corners and around openings, cut through the silicone dots with a utility knife, and cut individual chips with glass mosaic nippers.
6. Grouting. Start after 24 hours. In the shower, opt for an epoxy mix or a C2 grout with water protection.
7. Cleaning. Grout residue is removed with a damp sponge before it dries; epoxy residue is removed straight away with a special cleaner.
8. Putting into use. The shower may be used only after the grout has fully cured.

Materials and tools needed

• light-coloured adhesive of class C2TE S1;
• grouting mix – epoxy or C2 with a water-repellent effect;
• two kinds of trowels: notched (3–4 mm) and rubber;
• a snap-off blade knife, and special nippers for single chips;
• a bucket, a sponge and clean water for cleaning.

Approximate material consumption

To work out the quantity, measure the height and width of each wall and add a reserve for cutting (5–10 %). The figures are a guide. Adhesive: approximately 2 kg per m² for chips up to 25 mm, 2.5 kg/m² for 40 mm and 3 kg/m² for larger ones. Grout: (A + B) / (A × B) × C × D × 1.6 kg/m², assuming in this case a chip of about 3 cm, a thickness of about 6 mm and a 2 mm joint. In practice, quantities vary with the smoothness and absorbency of the substrate, the adhesive and grout chosen, the teeth of the trowel, the width and depth of the grouted joint, the geometry of the room or pool and the skill of the installer. Check the quantities against the technical data sheets of the materials.

Test results

Caring for the mosaic

• Clean with a soft cloth or sponge and a neutral cleaner.
• Do not use abrasive powders, wire brushes or acid-based cleaners on the grout.
• After a shower, go over the surface with a rubber squeegee – no water marks are left on the glass.

Quantity and batch

• The mosaic is sold in whole cartons of 1 m².
• Buy everything at once and add 5–10 % for waste – that way the tiles come from one batch, with no difference in shade.

Questions and answers

Which adhesive is suitable?

A white flexible cement-based adhesive, C2TE S1 – it does not change the colour of the glass.

Which grout is best?

White grout preserves the airy feel; light grey emphasises the shape of the hexagons. For damp rooms, opt for an epoxy or waterproof mix.

Can I order less than a carton?

No, it is sold in whole cartons of 1 m². Buy the whole quantity at once so that it all comes from one batch.

How long does delivery take?

The lead time is up to 20 working days – the goods are made to order and arrive in cartons.

Is it suitable for chlorinated and salt water?

It is intended for walls and wet areas, and the glass is inert to cleaning agents.

Can it go over old tiles?

Yes, provided they are sound, clean and degreased and have been primed with a suitable primer.

Why the colour on site may differ

The shade of the glass changes depending on the surroundings, so on site it may not match the photos exactly. The reasons are:

• the screen of the monitor, phone or tablet – brightness and settings;
• the lighting – sun, clouds, lamps, time of day;
• the viewing angle, as the glass shines differently from different directions;
• the water in the pool – depth, clarity, chemistry and the reflection of the sky;
• the colour of the grout and adhesive and the size of the tiled area;
• the surrounding colours – coping, paving, walls, vegetation;
• the production batch, as the shade can differ slightly between batches;
• the natural differences between chips in mixes and glass with effects.

The visualisations are indicative. If the exact colour is important, contact us before ordering. Send the dimensions of the room or pool and we will calculate the area and the number of cartons.

See also: Wellness, Pools and Equipment, Cladding and Paving, Pools, Pool Chemicals, Pool Accessories.