Aspect Metal Tile Frequently Asked Questions

It depends on whether you intend to use the peel and stick adhesive on properly prepared wall surfaces or if you do not want to prepare your wall surface. We show both methods in detail in our Aspect Installation Guide.

Generally, Aspect can be installed over most structurally sound substrates if they are flat, clean, smooth, dry, and free of dust, wax, soap scum and grease. Acceptable substrates are drywall, plaster or clean, smooth tile (glazed, porcelain type tile; not porous or textured), concrete, smooth stucco, wood paneling, mirror, glass, metal, etc., Any damaged, loose or uneven areas must be repaired, patched and leveled. Fill cracks and irregularities with wallboard compound or spackling, then sand smooth with fine-grade sandpaper.

If using the peel and stick adhesive on the back of the tiles, the substrate must be primed with a fresh coat of high-quality oil-based primer (not latex, vinyl or PVA-based primer). Applications to latex, PVA-based paints or primers will cause adhesion failure. Consult with your local paint supplier for more information. If you do not intend to prepare the wall surface, you can use an additional adhesive as seen in our Installation Guide.

If installing Aspect over existing ceramic tile, be sure to thoroughly clean old tiles, but priming ceramic tiles is not required. Use isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol two-cloth cleaning method as surface preparation when applying tiles to a nonporous substrate, such as ceramic tile or metal. Failure to properly prepare the substrate may invalidate the warranty.

Yes. An oil-based primer or paint will bond and seal extremely well over a latex or PVA-based primer or paint.

Yes. To ensure years of enjoyment of your Aspect installation, and for installations near sinks or tubs, the substrate to which Aspect is applied must be primed with an oil-based primer to seal it – ensuring a stable substrate. Aspect is impervious to water but substrates such as drywall or plywood are not.

No, the adhesive is not engineered to be used in a wet environment such as a shower.

First, be sure to follow the instructions for substrate preparation. After you have the tile aligned where you want it, firmly press the tile over its entire surface area to be sure it adheres properly. You can test the adhesion by pulling slightly on the tile. It should be securely attached. If not, it might be necessary to add additional adhesive. Use a high-quality construction adhesive. Be sure to allow the adhesive 24 hours to set-up. See below for additional information. Our recommended adhesives are Loctite^® PL Premium^®, Loctite^® PL Premium Advanced^®, LePage^® PL Premium^® (Canada). Carefully read and follow manufacturer’s directions for the adhesive.

Occasionally, even after properly preparing the substrate, the surface can still have bows, high spots, ridges or uneven areas. One way to test the area of the substrate to which the tile is to be applied is to place a tile (with the back liner unpeeled) on the area to see if it “rocks” or if it has a solid, flat foundation. If proper adhesion is difficult or impossible, a tube adhesive can be applied to the back of the tile to allow good adhesion. Be sure to remove the release film on the back of each tile before applying additional adhesive. Apply no more than about five pea-sized dots of adhesive to the back of a full tile. Keep the adhesive a half-inch from the edges. Press the tiles into place. If adhesive squeezes out around the tiles, be sure to wipe it off before it dries.

Use 100% polyurethane (tube) adhesive, such as Loctite^® PL Premium^®, Loctite^® PL Premium Advanced^®, LePage^® PL Premium^® (Canada). Carefully read and follow manufacturer’s directions for the adhesive.

A tile can fall off as a result of improper substrate preparation such as a substrate that is not clean, flat, smooth, dry and free of dust, wax, soap scum and grease. Or, bumpy, wavy surfaces may cause tiles to fall off.

A sand-less grout can be used. A grout containing sand is not recommended as the grout may scratch the surface of the tile in the cleanup process. If you want a grout-line look, colored or white silicone caulking will have the same effect, is easier to apply and provides a water-tight seal. Be sure to remove excess caulk or grout before it dries.

No. Aspect Peel and Stick backsplash tiles are manufactured for indoor use only.

Aspect tiles can withstand heat up to 140^°F without causing any damage to the product. We recommend a minimum 6-inch space between the heat source or burner and the installed tiles. You may also refer to your stove’s (or other heat source) manufacturer for specific information.

The adhesive will not be affect by temperatures of 150^°F or less.

A chop saw (motorized miter saw) is recommended for straight cuts. A jig saw or scroll saw is recommended for non-straight cuts. For circular cuts, a hole saw works well. See Aspect Tile Installation Guide for additional information. All cutting blades should be carbide-tipped or high-speed steel, and made for cutting nonferrous metal. When cutting is complete, use a fine-grit sandpaper or a small metal file to debur the cut edges. Take the cut tile to the work space and place it in its intended location and make sure it fits properly.

Alternative Option:

A utility knife with a sharp blade can also be used for straight cuts on the tiles. Measure and mark the tile where the cut must be made with a marker on the protective film. Using a straight edge, score along the entire tile using a utility knife. Carefully make a few passes with a bit more pressure each pass. Bend back and forth until tile separates.

Inside corners usually look great when tiles are butted together. Outside corners can be hidden with our Aspect Trims.

If you would prefer to route and bend corners, please see this guide (PDF).

Soap, water and soft cloth. A glass cleaner or grease cutter can also be used.

No. Adding and using trims is a personal choice and not required. See product installation guides for ways to finish an edge without trims.

Aspect should be treated like any other tile. Clear or colored caulk is a good option. Caulk can be painted to match wall color if preferred. Wood, plastic or other types of trim also work well depending on your preference and abilities.

These applications are not recommended, as the rubbing could potentially scratch the surface of the tile.

Aspect tiles and panels will last well-beyond the lifetime of your kitchen, bath or wall project. The tiles and panels are virtually indestructible under normal use.

Not easily, but it can be scratched like any coated metal surface.

Working from the center out would balance the working area and ensure your largest tiles in the middle of your space. This could be important when a designer pattern is used. However, you can start at one end and work to the other.

Start by applying pressure slowly underneath the 3’’ side of a tile and increase pressure lifting the tile up. Note: Be careful not to damage the adjacent tile. A 1” putty knife or similar tool that applies even pressure across the surface upon which you are prying is recommended. Note: subsurface material like drywall may be affected due to the aggressive nature of the tile adhesive which may require touch up or priming prior to replacing the tile.

Yes, possibly. Caution is advised when removing tile to eliminate as much old adhesive as possible. Some repairs may be necessary if this happens.

Aspect tiles meet or exceed ASTM E84 Class 1 and Class A Surface Burn Characteristics.

Yes, matching outlet covers for Aspect colors are available here.

You may see a warning on this product regarding California’s Proposition 65, the Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986. It is intended to help Californians make informed decisions about protecting themselves from chemicals known to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm. The Proposition requires the state to maintain and update a list of chemicals known to the state to cause cancer or reproductive toxicity.

Proposition 65 is designed to inform consumers. This is not the same as a regulatory decision that a product is “safe” or “unsafe”. Our products emit no volatile organic compounds (VOC’s) and are in no way harmful if the product is used for its intended purpose. At Acoustic Ceiling Products, customer satisfaction is our number one priority and we will be happy to provide any additional information, technical specs or data you may need on any of our products.

To paint Aspect metal tiles, the recommended paint and preparation steps are below. For proper adhesion, be sure to complete both preparation steps:

Yes, you can use on the interior of your camper and we recommend using method 2 of our installation guide which states to use supplemental adhesive due to road vibrations and temperature swings.