An unconventional Back splash test for a Customer Requesting LG-40 TILE SET

Can I hang utensils from my Kitchen back splash?

How strong is LG-40 TILE SET

With any new technology, product, or material that comes on the market it takes time for people to truly understand what  it is, how it works, and how it has been tested. This customer was no different as she was concerned about hanging kitchen utensils from her back splash.

We thought about her concerns here at The Link Group and within a couple hours started testing in an unconventional way. 

Although most of our tests on LG-40 TILE SET are done in accordance with ANSI and ASTM methods sometimes you have to think how those tests are representative and how the material will perform in the field under various circumstances.

Having a deeper understanding from the customer,  provided us with a curious challenge that was a little unconventional, but fun.  This is a very rough, unfiltered, video, that was done in real time which the customer truly appreciated and addressed her concerns with our material.  

She also commented that she is glad her cooking utensils don't weigh that much!

Peel and Stick Adhesives for Tile applications is a relatively new  concept (with in the past 3 years) although The Link Group has been actively involved since the inception and testing since 2007.  If you are considering this application please call us as we strive to be the leader and industry expert in this segment.

We will be taking a deeper look into testing methods and comparison of LG-40 TILE SET Self Adhesive to Mortar and Mastic in subsequent blogs.

For more information about Peel and Stick, Self Adhesives for Tile Applications and LG-40 TILE SET Self Adhesive visit us at www.thelinkgroup-intl.com

What you should know about different Self Adhesive Tile Technologies

Does your Mosaic Tile Peel & Stick Self Adhesive Hold Water? 

This relatively new concept has gained much traction with not only DIY's, but with Professionals looking for a faster and cleaner way of installing small to mid size tile projects in one day.

Advantages of Peel and Stick Tile Adhesives.

Labor cost- is the primary driver when considering a Peel and Stick Tile Adhesive as they can be grouted immediately, but as tiles become thinner  this application method provides a significant advantage.  The issue with installing thinner tiles (4mm)  is that the mortar and or mastic placed with a notched trowel on the wall will ooze through the grout joints.   The result is additional mess as the installer must remove the material from the joints prior to applying the grout.

Color-has also been a barrier in the past as many installers were requesting White.  New Products such as LG-40 are available in both white or black for use with glass, stone, porcelain, mosaics, metal, and other types of tile.

Performance- Peel and Stick or Self Adhesives are available on a few technology platforms that should closely be reviewed for performance.  Older technology typically described as gray rubber base adhesives provide fair performance, but lack the strength for holding larger tiles greater than 6"x6".  New materials like LG-40 incorporate a closed cell  core structure that provide excellent initial tack and holding power for even 1/2" thick 12"x 12" marble.

Workability- Not all adhesives are that easy to install and special priming may be required.  Gray based adhesives like Bondera are well known for bonding well to substrate, but if a mistake is made they are impossible to remove resulting in drywall damage or replacement.  In addition they can leave an adhesive residue on cutting materials and tile that can only be removed with solvent based chemicals.
LG-40 helps address this issue as it is a true pressure sensitive adhesive designed specifically for tile that does not leave any gummy residue behind.

All projects have different requirements, but if you looking to install glass tile, mosaic wall tile, or a tile back splash you can feel confident with these newer higher performance Peel and Stick and Tile Self Adhesive materials.

For more information about The Link Group , LG-40 Peel and Stick Adhesive Membrane or this emerging Tile Adhesive segment please feel free to contact us.www.thelinkgroup-intl.com

Emerging Tile Trend for Peel and Stick Tiles creates Demand for New PZ-10 Automated Equipment

The emerging trend of Peel and Stick Technology that has been widely accepted in the United States and Europe among DIY's and Professional tile contractors alike continues to grow with over 1 million square feet sold.

The Link Group-Intl.- based in Boston provides tile manufacturers, importers, and contract manufacturers with the supply of the adhesive membrane and has partnered with Victrix Florence Italy to provide automated and semi automated solutions for applying to the back of the tile. 

The PZ-10 shown in this video offers dual capability for mounting individual mosaics into sheets by applying a clear mosaic film to the face of the tile or can be converted to apply the adhesive membrane directly to the back.

This strategic approach benefits production engineers as each tile manufacturing facility has different production, handling, and space requirements.  The Link Group and Victrix understand these needs and can offer custom solutions to optimize production with both the adhesive material and the equipment.

For more information on the adhesive membrane or if you are looking to outsource production to existing manufacturers please visit our website at www.thelinkgroup-intl.com.

The Link Group-Intl. Peel and Stick Tile installation. So Easy a 4 year old can do it!

Have you ever considered a tiling project, but were unsure if you could do it yourself?  Have you ever wanted to update your kitchen back splash or bathroom tub surround, but thought it would take too much time or cost too much money?

If you have answered yes to either question I think this video will show you how quick and easy you can install tile with out the mixing and mess of traditional methods.  This adhesive membrane is pre-applied to 100% natural stone, glass, ceramic and porcelain  brand name and designer tiles not to be mistaken with low end materials.  The adhesive membrane is water impermeable, mold resistant, contains no VOC's (volatile organic chemicals), requires no special tools, and guaranteed for tile installations in wet or dry applications.

This innovation in tile installation provides greater flexibility as their is no "open time" or worrying about your mortar setting up in the bucket. Simply peel off the release liner as you go- installing as little or as much tile as you can.  The best part is that you don't have to wait 24 hours for drying like other products as this material can be grouted immediately.  Save time on your next tile project by doing it yourself using what many professionals see as the best way to save on installation costs.

Enjoy this video as installing tile is now as simple as peel, stick, grout!

Automated Mosaic Tile Equipment for OEM Tile Manufacturers- Assembling Peel and Stick Tile Technology

As new technologies and trends emerge in our industry it prompts the thought process resulting in many questions.

Over the past 16+ years in the industry and working with this Peel and Stick technology platform I too have had many questions and continue to work on finding answers.

The good news is that most all of these questions have been answered and confirmed by independent testing and due diligence by several manufacturers.  The tile manufacturer's questions are now shifting internally around execution and production to meet the demand and ensure stable flow of inventory in this emerging category.

In anticipation of this milestone The Link Group-Intl. has done a significant amount of analysis on equipment processes, production, output, capital requirements, and ROI on behalf of these manufacturers.  As a industry resource we have validated several solutions to this question that are applicable for small, mid, and large size manufacturers.

The attached video is one solution that simulates a mosaic tray being conveyed on a belt where the adhesive membrane would be applied, pressed, cut, and finally packaged  This custom equipment offers one of many solutions to the question of  production capability.

If you would like to learn more about this customized equipment manufactured by Victrix specifically for The Link Group-Intl. or several other manufacturing options & solutions or have an idea of your own,  we look forward to discussing with you.

Press Release: The Link Group & Victrix announce OEM Manufacturing Solution for Peel and Stick Tile

Boston, Q1, 2011–The Link Group, Boston, MA has announced  an agreement with Victrix Group to produce equipment that will automate the application of Peel and Stick adhesive technology directly to the back of various tiles including ceramic, glass, stone and porcelain.

Victrix Group is a Global leader in manufacturing equipment used to automate the production of all types of mosaic tiles. The patented press application system and an aspirating plate takes the Peel and Stick Technology from the bulk roll feeder and presses it vertically onto the mosaic tile which is then cut to size. 

The technology for Peel & Stick Tile is exclusively represented by The Link Group-Intl for OEM applications. The material incorporates an advanced pressure-sensitive adhesive that provides an innovative way to install tile faster, easier and with less mess than traditional methods such as mortar or mastic.  The tile mat set is self-adhesive, repels water, resists mold and is environmentally friendly because it produces no dust, odors or VOCs.  The product can be applied without using special tools to virtually any clean, flat, level surface, including drywall, plywood, cement board, existing tile, metal, laminate and other solid-surface materials.

Under this agreement the Link Group will co-promote and market the equipment as an authorized worldwide dealer.

“We are very excited to work with The Link Group and provide an automated equipment solution to meet the demand for this new business and application,” said Gianluca Pizzo, General Sales Manager of Mosaic film.

“This equipment provides not only a solution for production, but also an innovative opportunity for tile manufacturers interested in this emerging Peel and Stick Tile market estimated at over 600 million square feet annually,” said Michael Walsh, President of The Link Group- Intl.

For additional information about the PZ-10 and the Peel and Stick technology exclusively represented by The Link Group please visit the company’s website below.

# # #

Contact Information:

The Link Group                                                                         

23 Pinckney Street                                                                     .      

Boston, MA 02114                                                                   

Cell (312) 296-6370                                                                  

Michael Walsh-President                                                            .

mwalsh@thelinkgroup-intl.com  

www.thelinkgroup-intl.com                                                      

http://www.facebook.com/thelinkgroupintl     

Victrix Group S.R.L
610 4th Street S.W
Hickory, NC 28602
Phone (828) 322-3310
Gianluca Pizzo-General Sales Mgr g.pizzo@victrix-group.com www.mosaicfilm.com

Tiling a Backsplash with Bondera Tile Mat-Set Peel and Stick Technology.

As an expert and leader in Peel and Stick tile technology we like to share what others in the industry are saying about this new and exciting method for installing tile.

This is a great video for showing the steps of installing a back splash with Bondera Tile Mat-set: 
Credits to: MyFixitUpLife's Mark & Theresa tile their kitchen back splash.

Tiling with this material can be purchased and installed in the following two methods:
 
1.  Rolls: (12"wide x 10'length) can be cut to size, remove release liner, apply to substrate, remove top release liner, attach tile, and grout.

2.  Pre-applied by Brand name Tile Manufacturers:  remove release liner, stick tile, and grout. 

For pre-applied Peel and Stick tile check with your local tile dealer as this is available to ship in as little as 24 hours from the distributor depending on the type of tile.  Material is also available to purchase online and shipped UPS.

For more information on Peel and Stick tiles visit the following:
www.thelinkgroup-intl.com
http://www.facebook.com/pages/manage/?act=68494892#!/pages/The-Link-Group-Intl/362597049207