INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
The METHALDONE collection, designed for indoor wall cladding applications, is manufactured using an advanced, craft-based production process. A matrix foil is first calendered directly onto the porcelain stoneware slab. The decorative pattern is then applied by means of high-definition digital inkjet printing. Subsequently, a transparent top-coat glaze is applied to enhance surface resistance and is fixed by high-temperature firing, ensuring long-term durability and colour stability. Any minor surface irregularities or imperfections are to be regarded as an inherent characteristic of the product, directly related to the specific production process, and not as defects.This innovative decorative technique significantly improves image definition and colour rendering; however, it results in a lower surface abrasion resistance compared to traditional, non-decorated porcelain stoneware.When handling the slabs, avoid contact with abrasive materials as well as friction against other slabs or work surfaces. Do not place tools or any other objects that may damage the product on the slab surface.Regardless of whether you perform dry cutting or wet cutting with a water-cooled angle grinder, it is essential that the work surface is perfectly flat, which should be verified using a spirit level. All work operations must always be carried out on a flat, clean surface. Exercise maximum care during all processing operations to avoid damaging the slabs through impact against sharp objects.This material may be cut and drilled using the same machinery and tools commonly used for standard porcelain stoneware. Angle grinders must not be used to perform straight cuts on the slabs. All other cutting operations, cutouts and edge modifications may be performed from the finished face of the slab using an angle grinder fitted with diamond cutting discs and diamond tipped drill bits.Throughout the entire cutting process, ensure the cutting blade makes consistent, even contact with the slab surface. Before starting work, always verify that the supporting surface is completely clean and free of any raised imperfections that could damage the material.Self-levelling tile spacers must not be used during installation. The recommended grout joint width is 1 mm.Before proceeding with installation and grouting operations, it is recommended to inspect the decorative pattern of each slab.Apply masking tape to all slab edges prior to grouting. It is recommended to exclusively use cement based grouts and plastic grout floats.Remove the masking tape slowly immediately after grouting, within a maximum time frame of 5 minutes, or after any edge tinting work. If two separate coats of edge tint are applied, make sure to replace the masking tape between applications.When removing masking tape, do not use metal tools such as utility knives or metal trowels, as these may scratch and permanently damage the slab surface. Any grout residue shall be removed using clean water and a non-abrasive sponge.Acetic silicone sealants and epoxy products must not be used for sealing joints around window and door frames, shower enclosures or sanitary fixtures. Neutral cure silicone sealants shall be used for these applications instead.To ensure optimal installation results, preserve consistent aesthetic appearance and guarantee the maximum long term performance of the product, we strongly recommend ordering custom cut to size porcelain stoneware slabs directly from our production facility, in order to avoid cutting or trimming operations on the construction site.To preserve the integrity of the product, the material must be stored exclusively in covered, dry indoor storage facilities, protected from exposure to weather elements. It is also mandatory to protect all slabs with the supplied protective edge caps. Failure to comply with these storage requirements may cause permanent, irreversible damage to the slab surfaces.If water or moisture penetrates the sealed product packaging, the low oxygen, confined environment inside the shipping crate may cause condensation to form between stacked slabs as well as oxidation processes, resulting in permanent damage to the material.For routine day to day cleaning, use water and/or pH neutral cleaning products available from standard retail outlets, together with microfibre cloths or soft sponges. Limescale remover products may be used if required, provided that the surface is thoroughly rinsed with clean water immediately after application. Do not use solvents including alcohol or similar chemical products, abrasive scouring sponges, or any other abrasive objects that may scratch the surface.Exercise maximum care when handling slabs throughout the entire installation process, and avoid impacts or scraping of hard sharp objects against the finished surface. This precaution applies even for slabs specified for floor installation, as all products in this range are rated for light residential use.The manufacturer accepts no liability for damage to these premium materials caused by impacts or abrasion. No claims for damage occurring during or after on site installation will be accepted.Approved products for installation include products such as Mapei ULTRACOLOR PLUS, as well as all other products with equivalent technical specifications.Prior to grouting, apply masking tape to all slab edges. Grout joints shall only be filled with cement based grouts or neutral cure silicone sealants. Epoxy grouts and acetic silicone sealants are strictly not approved for use.Any excess grout residue shall be removed using lukewarm water and a microfibre cloth within 30 minutes of grout application. Abrasive sponges must never be used for this operation.For wall installations, apply the tile adhesive to the wall surface using a notched trowel with a minimum tooth depth of 5 mm, before placing the slab in position. For internal wall cladding applications, it is not required to apply a back buttering coat of adhesive to the rear face of the slab.To achieve the best aesthetic result, it is recommended to install slabs with a maximum grout joint width of 1 mm.Self-levelling mechanical spacer systems must not be used, as their removal may cause permanent scratching to the finished surface.Gently tap the slab surface using a rubber grout float to correctly align adjacent slabs and ensure even adhesion.Before proceeding with installation and grouting, it is recommended to inspect the decorative pattern of each slab. For wall installations, never start laying slabs directly against the finished floor level: leave a minimum 4 mm gap above the floor surface, and use levelling shims to ensure the slabs are perfectly horizontally aligned.Apply masking tape to all slab edges prior to grouting.Remove the masking tape slowly immediately after grouting, within a maximum time frame of 30 minutes, or after any edge tinting work.When removing masking tape, do not use metal tools such as utility knives or metal trowels, as these may scratch and permanently damage the slab surface. Any grout residue shall be removed using clean water or pH neutral cleaning products and a non-abrasive sponge.Cutting operations for slabs with a VELVET TOUCH finish shall be performed using tools specifically designed for porcelain stoneware processing, fitted with a 1.2 mm thin diamond cutting disc, for example the Tyrolit Premium DCT 1A 1R model. Cuts may be performed using a guide rail tile saw such as the Sigma Kera-Cut, or manually using a water cooled angle grinder. For slabs with CRYSTAL, CIPRIA, ORO CRYSTAL, OROPURO, TACTILE, METHALDONE and AMNESIA finishes, all cutting operations must be performed exclusively from the finished top face of the slab, using a water cooled angle grinder fitted with 1.2 mm thin diamond cutting discs. Step by step video tutorials for this procedure are available for consultation.Once the cut is completed, remove any residual decorative coating from the cut edge using the same fine abrasive sponge used to clean and smooth cut edges. All other cutting methods are not recommended, as they may cause chipping and delamination of the decorative surface layer along the cut edges. To drill holes, use a non-percussive rotary drill fitted with a tungsten carbide drill bit, and apply water to the bit and working surface at regular intervals throughout the drilling process. For larger diameter holes, use continuous rim diamond hole saws fitted to an angle grinder.For general cleaning, use water or commonly available pH neutral cleaning products. To remove stubborn stains, any general purpose degreasing product may be used, provided it does not have a high alkaline pH value.Clean the surface using water and/or pH neutral detergents, together with microfibre cloths or soft sponges. Acid based limescale remover products may be used if required, provided that the surface is thoroughly rinsed with clean water immediately after application. Do not use solvents or abrasive scouring sponges.

PRODUCT REPRESENTATION
Due to colour rendering variations between different web browsers, display settings and screen technologies, an exact colour match between products displayed on our official website and the physical product cannot be guaranteed.All product images and colour representations published on our online and offline promotional channels are to be considered indicative only. They do not constitute an exact reference for the final product colour or surface texture, as digital representations cannot accurately replicate the actual surface properties, ambient conditions and lighting environments where the product will be installed by the end customer. Minor variations in colour and texture between the final delivered product and previously provided physical samples or prototypes do not constitute manufacturing defects, and will not be accepted as valid grounds for claims. These tolerance ranges are an inherent characteristic of the digital ceramic printing production process. Minor variations in colour and texture may occur as a result of normal process variables and the specific properties of the raw materials used in production.

WARRANTY
No claims will be accepted for products that have already been installed.The manufacturer accepts no liability for alterations or damage caused by external factors, including accidental events, defects of the underlying installation surface, or environmental conditions. Examples of such damage include discolouration or deterioration caused by moisture exposure, mould growth, scratches, surface damage, adhesion failure, or heat damage.The manufacturer accepts no liability for colour variations or shade differences that fall within the standard tolerance ranges established for this product category. The manufacturer accepts no liability for damage resulting from use of the product for purposes other than its intended application. The manufacturer accepts no liability for alterations or damage resulting from the use of unsuitable, corrosive cleaning products, or any cleaning products other than those specified in these instructions.The manufacturer accepts no liability for defects resulting from non compliant installation work, installation performed not in accordance with best construction practices or the instructions provided by Bulbo, or damage caused by the use of unsuitable or low quality tile adhesives. Products must be stored in a dry location, protected from weather elements, and all slabs must be fitted with the supplied protective edge caps. The manufacturer accepts no liability for damage to products that are stored or handled in non compliance with these requirements.