What is MusselBound Adhesive Tile Mat?
MusselBound is a white, double-sided mat covered on both sides with a continuous layer of adhesive and is 1/32” thick (about the thickness of a credit card) it replaces mortar (sometimes referred to as thinset or mastic).
Why use MusselBound mat instead of traditional mortar (aka thinset/mastic)?
- MusselBound is quick, easy and clean.
- No rushing to set tiles before mortar dries out.
- No waiting 24 hours for mortar to fully cure before grouting so
YOU CAN FINISH PROJECT SAME DAY.
Can MusselBound mat be repositioned on the wall or reposition tiles on the mat?
MusselBound is designed to be gently positioned on the wall and if needed, removed and repositioned. Pressing firmly on the adhesive mat activates its strong bond. Similarly, gently applied tiles may be repositioned prior to activating the adhesive with firm pressure.
Is MusselBound renter friendly?
MusselBound is intended to be a permanent application of tile. The removal of tile installed with MusselBound is likely to result in damaged wallboard.
How much time do I have to install tile once MusselBound mat has been applied to the wall?
MusselBound allows the flexibility to install tiles immediately or at your own pace. Simply leave the release paper on the mat (or replace it on the mat to keep dust from collecting on the exposed mat) until ready to install tiles. As long as the liner is covering the mat, the adhesive will remain dust/dirt free.
What is the roll size of MusselBound Adhesive Tile Mat?
MusselBound Adhesive Tile Mat comes in a roll that is 12 inches wide by 15 feet in length that yields 15 sq ft of coverage.
How can there be 15 sq ft if there is 8 inches of mat permanently stuck to the roll tube?
All rolls are produced by a highly automated, quality control system that assures each roll contains mat that is a minimum of 15 ft 10 inches long thereby making sure there is always a minimum of 15 feet in length of useable material to always yield a minimum of 15 square feet. Scrap pieces of mat can be used at anytime.
What is MusselBound System Seam Tape?
MusselBound Seam Tape seals MusselBound Adhesive Tile Mat seams to provide waterproof protection for shower walls, countertops and backsplashes. Seam Tape is a clear 2 inch by 37.5 feet roll with adhesive on one side. 1 roll of Seam Tape seals 2 rolls of MusselBound Adhesive Tile Mat. Apply non-adhesive side to the exposed MusselBound mat.
What are MusselBound Tile Spacers?
MusselBound Tile Spacers are designed to work specifically with MusselBound Adhesive Tile Mat for the easy, quick and uniform installation of tile. The tile spacers temporarily adhere to the mat (that means they don’t fall out like traditional spacers) allowing the rapid installation of tile. The spacers travel along to the placement of the next tile. Each roll contains 3 color-coded sizes so you can design the grout area thickness that looks best with your tile (1/16, 3/32 and 1/8 inch thick).
What other tools will I need?
In addition to tile and grout, you will only need; a utility knife to cut the mat, a measuring tape/straight edge, grout float, sponge and bucket. Optional tools may include a tile wet saw, or hand snap tile cutter, a slide snap cutter and a level.
How do I cut tile?
Tile is typically cut in one of three simple ways. Here is a YouTube link for a quick intro to cutting methods:
Tiles cut on wet saw must be dried thoroughly prior to installation. Non-porous tile like glass may be dried with a hairdryer. Porous tile like ceramic, porcelain, stone should be dried in an oven has they can absorb up to 30% moisture and will still contain moisture if dried with a hairdryer and feel dry to the touch.