Description
Ematite is a grey glass-ceramic mosaic with hexagonal chips and a three-dimensional pattern. Every tile is divided into dark and light triangular planes, so the light glides along the edges and creates a sense of volume. With light and water, the surface gains depth.
It suits an accent wall in the living room, a bar and a modern bathroom. The sheets measure 300 × 290 mm, and 13 of them are needed per square metre.
Why it's worth it
- Non-porous material. Glass absorbs no more than 0.04% water, so it does not attract mould, stains or odours.
- Lasting colour. The shade does not fade in sunlight (ISO 4892) or from cleaning products (class A per ASTM C650).
- Frost resistance. The material withstands freeze-thaw cycles (ASTM C1026), so it is also suitable for outdoor areas.
- Strength. Flexural strength is 55 N/mm² (EN ISO 10545-4), and the surface is smooth and free of defects.
- Convenient sheet. The silicone dots on the back hold the chips together and bend around curves and corners.
- Lower environmental impact. The raw material is fully recycled glass (100%), and the pigments contain no lead, cadmium or other heavy metals.
Ematite specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Model | Ematite |
| Code | MOSFBDJ104 |
| Chip shape | hexagon with printed pattern |
| Material | glass ceramic made of 100% recycled glass |
| Colour and pattern | grey with three-dimensional elements |
| Sheet backing | silicone (polyurethane) dots |
| Sheet size (L × W) | 300 × 290 mm |
| Sheets per 1 m² | 13 |
| Joint width | 2 mm |
| Water absorption | up to 0.04% (EN ISO 10545-3) |
| Flexural strength | 55 N/mm² |
| Freeze-thaw | withstands (ASTM C1026) |
| Chemical resistance | class A (ASTM C650) |
| Packaging | carton of 1 m² |
| Where it is used | bathrooms, showers, kitchens, spa areas, hammams and wall decoration |
What the silicone backing offers
The chips of the sheet are joined at the back by small silicone (polyurethane) dots that do not cover the back. Over 95% of the surface of every chip remains open to the adhesive, so adhesion is good. The backing adds no thickness, tolerates contact with adhesive and grout, and does not warp while stored in a warehouse.
| Backing | Adhesive reaches the back | Visibility when laying | Curves and corners |
|---|---|---|---|
| Silicone dots | over 95% of the surface | chips and joints are visible | very easy, the sheet is flexible; nothing is removed after laying |
| Mesh | less, part of the back is covered | chips are visible | easy; nothing is removed after laying |
| Paper | the whole back | chips are under the paper | difficult, the paper tears and later has to be soaked and peeled off |
Where Ematite will serve you
- Accent wall in the bathroom
- Cladding behind the kitchen worktop with a pattern
- Wall decoration in spa centres, hotels and restaurants
How to choose a grout
A grey grout emphasises the geometry, while a white one makes the volume more distinct.
In shower cubicles and other wet areas, an epoxy or waterproof C2 grout is best, because it does not absorb moisture and does not darken.
Installation steps
- Preparation. The substrate must be dry, sound, dust-free and level – up to 2 mm deviation over 2 m. In the shower area, waterproofing is applied first.
- Adhesive. Use a white flexible cement-based adhesive C2TE S1. Glass is slightly translucent and a grey adhesive would dull the colour.
- Spreading. With a notched trowel (3–4 mm), apply adhesive over an area big enough for 2–3 sheets.
- Laying. Press the sheet evenly with a rubber float and keep the same 2 mm joint between the sheets.
- Cutting. Around corners and nozzles the silicone dots are cut with a utility knife, and individual chips are cut with special pliers for glass mosaic.
- Grouting. Start after 24 hours; in wet areas, use an epoxy or waterproof C2 grout.
- Finishing. Before it dries, wipe off the excess grout with a damp sponge, and the epoxy grout immediately with a special cleaner. The shower may be used only after the grout has fully hardened.
Tools and materials
- white C2TE S1 adhesive
- grout – epoxy or waterproof
- notched trowel with 3–4 mm teeth, plus a rubber float
- utility knife and special pliers for cutting glass mosaic
- bucket, sponge and water
How much material to set aside
Measure the height and width of every wall to be tiled, add up the areas and add a reserve for cutting. The mosaic is bought by cartons of 1 m²; it is advisable for the whole quantity to come from one batch, with a 5–10% surplus.
The figures below are only a guide. For the adhesive, count on about 2 kg per m² for chips up to 25 mm, 2.5 kg for 40 mm and 3 kg for larger ones. The grout is calculated with (A + B) / (A × B) × C × D × 1.6 kg per m², the formula being for a chip of about 3 cm, a 2 mm joint and a mosaic thickness of about 6 mm. The actual consumption varies with the evenness and absorbency of the substrate, the chosen adhesive and grout, the teeth of the trowel, the joint dimensions and the skill of the installer. Therefore check the quantities in the technical data sheets of both products.
Laboratory tests
| Standard | What is tested | Result |
|---|---|---|
| EN ISO 10545-3 | water absorption | not more than 0.04% |
| EN ISO 10545-4 | flexural strength | 55 N/mm² |
| EN ISO 10545-2 | surface defects | none, on 100% of the chips |
| ASTM C650 | chemicals | class A, the surface does not change |
| ASTM C1026 | freeze-thaw cycles | withstands |
| ISO 4892 | light and UV | the colour stays the same |
| EN ISO 10545 | temperature change | withstands |
Surface care
- Clean with a soft cloth or sponge and a neutral cleaning product.
- Do not use abrasive powders, metal brushes or acidic products on the grout.
- After a shower, wipe with a silicone squeegee and no water marks will remain.
Frequently asked questions
Which adhesive is suitable?
White flexible cement-based adhesive C2TE S1 – it does not change the colour of the glass.
Can it be laid over old tiles?
Yes, if they are sound, clean and degreased and have been primed with a suitable primer.
Can it be used in a salt-water and chlorine environment?
The mosaic is intended for walls and wet areas, and the glass does not react with cleaning products.
Can I buy less than a carton?
No, it is sold in whole cartons of 1 m².
Colour in the photo and in real life
Glass mosaic behaves differently in different light, so the shade on site may differ from that in the photos and visualisations. Influencing factors are the screen (brightness, settings), daylight or artificial light, the viewing angle, the colour of the grout and adhesive, the surrounding surfaces and the size of the tiled area. The shade may differ slightly from batch to batch, and with mixes and effect glass the chips naturally differ from one another. Visualisations are for guidance only. If the colour is decisive, contact us before ordering.
See also: Wellness, Pools and Equipment, Cladding and Paving, Pools, Pool Chemicals, Pool Accessories.
