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Installation guide

Last updated: 30/05/2026

This guide provides essential recommendations to ensure the proper installation, durability, and beauty of your hand-painted ceramic tiles by Gazete Azulejos.
Our tiles are produced using traditional techniques on porous ceramic bodies with a glazed surface. Natural variations in color, size, and texture are inherent to artisanal production and should be expected.

1. BEFORE INSTALLATION

  • Unpack carefully: Open the parcel carefully and avoid using sharp blades directly against the tiles.
  • Inspect all tiles: Verify quantity, model, and condition upon delivery. Do not install any tile that appears damaged, incorrect, or defective. Claims must be submitted within 5 calendar days of receiving the order, with clear photos of the tiles and packaging, and will not be accepted once tiles have been installed.
  • Lighting & environment: Check color and surface under the actual lighting of the installation site.
  • Mix for variation: Blend tiles from different boxes for a natural look.
  • Substrate: Must be structurally sound, flat, clean, and dry. Remove dust, oil, wax, paint, or contaminants.
  • Professional installer: Installation must be performed by a qualified tile installer experienced with handmade or hand-painted ceramic tiles.

2. INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS

Adhesive:

  • Use a high-quality, flexible adhesive for ceramic wall tiles, minimum classification C2TE S1 (EN 12004/12002) or equivalent (e.g. ANSI A118.15 in USA).
  • Adhesive must be deformable to absorb expansion/contraction.
  • Do NOT use cement mortars, rigid glues, or any adhesive without flexibility.

Application:

  • Apply adhesive evenly with a notched trowel.
  • Press tiles gently, ensuring full coverage (no hollow spots).
  • Do not hammer or force tiles into place.

Joints:

  • Leave minimum 1-2 mm joints for interior walls and at least 5 mm for exteriors.
  • Never install edge-to-edge.
  • Respect all structural and perimeter expansion joints.

3. CUTTING & DRILLING

  • Use professional tools designed for ceramic tiles.
  • Test on a spare tile before cutting/drilling.
  • Avoid tools or methods that may chip or damage the glaze.

4. GROUTING

  • Use fine grout suitable for ceramic wall tiles.
  • In kitchens/bathrooms, use water-repellent or waterproof grout to reduce moisture penetration.
  • Avoid dark grouts unless intentionally designed.
  • Remove excess grout before hardening.

5. CLEANING & MAINTENANCE

  • Clean with warm water and mild, pH-neutral soap.
  • Avoid abrasive pads or acidic/alkaline cleaners.
  • For residues of cement or adhesive, use cleaners made for ceramic surfaces; always test first.
  • Never use hydrofluoric acid or products containing it.

6. IMPORTANT NOTES ON SUITABILITY

  • ✅ Suitable for: indoor wall applications, including kitchens and bathrooms, provided waterproof grout and proper substrate sealing are used.
  • ❌ Not suitable for: floors, shower floors, swimming pools, or any installation in permanent contact with water.
  • ❌ Not suitable for exterior facades fully exposed to rain, frost, or extreme weather.
  • ✅ Can be used in covered outdoor areas, provided they are protected from direct weather exposure.
  • ✅ Can be used decoratively around fireplaces and stoves, but not in direct contact with flame or under thermal shock.
  • Tiles are decorative and artisanal; they are not engineered for heavy structural or industrial use.
  • Always order 5-10% extra for cuts, waste, or replacements.

DISCLAIMER

If any tile appears damaged, incorrect, or unsuitable, do not install it. Please contact us before installation so we can review the situation properly.

Gazete Azulejos shall not be held responsible for damages, defects, or claims resulting from:

  • Failure to follow this installation guide.
  • Use of unsuitable adhesives, grouts, or installation materials.
  • Installation on substrates that are not structurally sound, dry, clean, and stable.
  • Exposure of tiles to conditions outside their recommended use (e.g. floors, pools, exterior facades under rain/frost, direct fire, permanent water immersion).
  • Improper maintenance or use of aggressive cleaning products.

If in doubt, contact us before installation:
Gazete Azulejos Lda
Rua Duque de Palmela 230, 4000-372 Porto, Portugal
Email: orders@gazeteazulejos.com

© 2026 Gazete Azulejos