Starlike® Pro
Decorative epoxy gel for installing and grouting mosaics and other coverings, with grout joints from 1 to 20 mm.
Litokol technical partner for installation, grouting and maintenance
Appiani Academy · Ceramic mosaic
Installation, grouting, cleaning and maintenance of ceramic mosaic
A practical guide to preserving and enhancing Appiani ceramic mosaic over time: from correct grouting to post-installation cleaning, from routine maintenance to technical treatments for specific requirements.
The starting point
Ceramic mosaic: modularity, material expression and design freedom
Appiani ceramic mosaic turns the small tessera into a true design system: its modularity makes it possible to create surfaces rich in rhythm, colour and detail, while the pattern of the grout joints becomes an integral part of the design. Correct installation and maintenance suited to the selected grouting system help preserve its appearance over time.
Modularity
Small mosaic tesserae offer great compositional flexibility and make it possible to work with complex surfaces, details and geometries.
Colour and surface
The repetition of the tessera creates a continuous visual materiality that enhances light, colour and depth.
The grout joint as a design element
In mosaic, the grout joint is not a limitation: its colour, width and the quality of grouting contribute to both the final appearance and performance.
Planned maintenance
With compatible cleaners and correct procedures, routine cleaning is straightforward; specific treatments should be reserved for actual needs.
Guiding principle: the following guidance does not stem from any fragility of the mosaic; it is intended to complete the installation cycle correctly and enhance both the ceramic surface and the selected grouting system.
Step 1 · Complete the installation
Post-installation cleaning: the stage that restores the mosaic to its full visual quality
After grouting, correct removal of residues is an integral part of the installation process. The cleaner must be selected according to the type of grout and residue, always following the contact times, dilution ratios and procedures stated in the latest Litokol technical data sheet.
| Situation | Litokol product | Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| Cementitious grout residues | X-Cleaner | Concentrated acidic cleaner for cementitious residues, efflorescence and mineral deposits on compatible surfaces. |
| Stubborn cementitious residues or deep cleaning | X-Cleaner Forte | High-performance professional acidic cleaner for final post-installation cleaning of ceramic surfaces. |
| Epoxy haze on floors | Starlike® Care | Low-viscosity cleaner developed for epoxy resin residues and haze on floors. |
| Epoxy haze on vertical coverings | Starlike® Wall Care | High-viscosity gel cleaner suitable for controlled cleaning of vertical surfaces. |
| Hardened or aged epoxy residues | Starlike® Care Pro | Deep cleaner for stubborn epoxy deposits, even some time after grouting. |
Step 2 · Installation and grouting
Starlike® Pro and mosaic: the grout joint becomes part of the surface
In the current Litokol range, Starlike® Pro is the decorative epoxy gel for installing and grouting mosaics and other coverings, with grout joints from 1 to 20 mm. On mosaic surfaces, it makes it possible to treat the grout as a genuine design element, selecting colour and finish in relation to the tessera.
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Preparation. Check the substrate, environmental conditions, quantities and mixing procedure according to the Starlike® Pro technical data sheet.
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Installation. Where required by the selected system, apply the product as an adhesive using the tools specified by Litokol and install the mosaic sheets while maintaining alignment and flatness.
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Grouting. Fill the grout joints completely and evenly using a suitable rubber float, working diagonally across the mosaic pattern.
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Initial cleaning while fresh. Remove excess material while the product is still workable, using water and the specified white pad in accordance with the Litokol procedure.
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Finishing. Complete cleaning with a suitable sponge and water, taking care not to wash out or deform the grout joint.
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Final check. Once cured, inspect the surface under raking light. Any haze can be treated with Starlike® Care on floors or Starlike® Wall Care on walls.
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Rinsing and drying. When required by the cleaner used, rinse with clean water and dry without leaving residues.
Step 3 · Routine maintenance
Daily cleaning: simple, regular and residue-free
Once installation has been completed correctly, routine maintenance of ceramic mosaic is straightforward. The aim is to remove dirt without creating films: water, a microfibre cloth and a compatible neutral cleaner form the basis of an effective routine.
X-Cleaner Shine
Litokol recommends it for the daily cleaning of ceramic tiles and ceramic mosaics: it is a water-based neutral cleaner formulated to clean without leaving residues or streaks and, under the conditions stated in the technical data sheet, without the need for rinsing.
- Use clean microfibre cloths or well-rinsed cleaning systems.
- Avoid overdosing cleaners: more product does not mean better cleaning.
- Remove dirt regularly before it builds up in the grout-joint pattern.
- For hospitality, wellness or high-traffic environments, plan maintenance according to actual use.
Step 4 · Targeted treatments
Special cleaning: choose the product according to the type of soiling
Localised stains and deep-seated dirt require a selective treatment, not indiscriminately more aggressive cleaning. Identifying the nature of the residue first makes it possible to treat it more effectively while respecting the surface.
| Requirement | Product | Use |
|---|---|---|
| Organic and pigmented stains: drinks, food, inks, mould and algae | X-Cleaner Pro | Water-based gel stain remover for localised treatment. |
| Stubborn dirt, waxes, oils, silicones and polymer residues | X-Cleaner Scrub | Concentrated degreaser and dewaxer for deep cleaning. |
| Cementitious residues, limescale, efflorescence or rust on compatible surfaces | X-Cleaner Forte | Professional acidic cleaner for deep cleaning. |
| Hardened epoxy deposits | Starlike® Care Pro | Deep-cleaning gel for aged epoxy residues. |
Step 5 · Specific performance requirements
Wet areas and pool surrounds: slip resistance must be assessed for the project
Ceramic mosaic is widely used in pools, spas and wellness areas. Any need to increase surface grip depends on the selected finish, intended use and the project's performance requirements; it is therefore not an automatic treatment for every mosaic.
X-Grip
Litokol presents X-Grip as a professional slip-resistant treatment for ceramic tiles, porcelain stoneware, stone, granite and ceramic mosaic. It acts selectively on the surface micro-texture to increase grip even in the presence of water.
A preliminary test is required before full application on a sample or inconspicuous area to check compatibility, visual result and contact time.
Step 6 · Optional treatments
Protective treatments: only when the project and surface can benefit
Appiani ceramic mosaic does not automatically require an additional protective treatment. On compatible surfaces and finishes, or under particular conditions of use, a protective treatment can however make maintenance easier. The choice must always be assessed according to the Appiani product, the grout joint and the environment.
X-Protector Gres + Stone
Water-based, neutral-effect stain- and dirt-repellent impregnating protector developed by Litokol to reduce dirt adhesion on compatible surfaces and facilitate routine cleaning.
X-Wax Gres + Stone
Water-based protective wax with a natural matt effect, intended for the rough and textured surfaces specified in the technical data sheet.
Important: on glazed ceramic mosaic or a particular finish, do not apply protective treatments as a matter of course. First verify the actual need and compatibility with Litokol and Appiani.
Updated technical references
Litokol products referenced in this guide
The links lead to the official Litokol pages, where intended uses, performance information and up-to-date technical documentation are available.
X-Cleaner
Concentrated acidic cleaner for post-installation cementitious residues, limescale, efflorescence and rust on compatible surfaces.
X-Cleaner Forte
High-performance professional acidic descaling cleaner for deep and post-installation cleaning of ceramic surfaces.
Starlike® Care
Cleaner for epoxy resin residues and haze on floors, also specifically suitable for mosaics.
Starlike® Wall Care
Gel cleaner for controlled removal of epoxy haze from vertical surfaces.
Starlike® Care Pro
Deep-cleaning gel for hardened and aged epoxy deposits, while preserving the integrity of tiles and mosaics.
X-Cleaner Shine
Eco-compatible neutral cleaner for daily cleaning, formulated not to leave residues or streaks.
X-Cleaner Pro
Water-based gel stain remover for organic and pigmented contamination such as drinks, food, inks, mould and algae.
X-Cleaner Scrub
Concentrated dewaxer and degreaser for stubborn general dirt, waxes, silicones, polymer resins and oils.
X-Grip
Professional slip-resistant treatment for ceramic tiles, porcelain stoneware, stone, granite and ceramic mosaic.
X-Protector Gres + Stone
Water-based, neutral-effect stain- and dirt-repellent impregnating protector for compatible surfaces.
X-Wax Gres + Stone
Water-based stain- and dirt-repellent protective wax for rough and textured surfaces specified by Litokol.
Starlike® Remover
High-performance professional stripping gel for very old or polymerised epoxy residues and resistant synthetic deposits.
Long-term installation quality
Best practices for enhancing ceramic mosaic
Design the grout joint too
The colour, width, type of grout and quality of execution decisively influence the visual appearance of the mosaic.
Clean at the correct time
Post-installation cleaning is part of the installation process: removing residues at the correct time avoids more demanding treatments later.
Use compatible products
Cleaner, concentration and cleaning accessory must be suitable for both the ceramic surface and the grout used.
Test special treatments
Slip-resistant and protective treatments must be tested on a sample or inconspicuous area before full application.
Do not use generic acids, solvents or improvised mixtures as alternatives to specific products. For special treatments or particular surfaces, contact a qualified tile installer or the manufacturer's technical support.
Frequently asked questions
FAQ about Appiani ceramic mosaic
Is ceramic mosaic difficult to clean?
No. Correct installation, proper grouting and maintenance with compatible cleaners make routine cleaning straightforward. The greater presence of grout joints is a compositional characteristic of mosaic and should be managed by selecting the right grout and cleaning procedure.
Why is epoxy grout particularly suitable for mosaic?
An epoxy system such as Starlike® Pro provides waterproof, stain-resistant grout joints with resistance to acids and UV rays, together with a wide colour selection. The grout joint can therefore interact with the colour of the tesserae and become part of the design.
Is a protective treatment always required on ceramic mosaic?
No. A protective treatment is not an automatic step. It should only be considered when the surface, finish and conditions of use can benefit from it, and after compatibility has been verified.
Is X-Grip always required in swimming pools?
No. Slip-resistance requirements depend on the selected product, intended use and the performance required by the project. X-Grip is a technical solution for increasing grip when the project assessment identifies the need.
What should be done if haze remains after epoxy grouting?
For recent haze, Litokol offers Starlike® Care for floors and Starlike® Wall Care for wall coverings. Starlike® Care Pro is available for hardened deposits; Starlike® Remover is intended for more specialist treatment of highly resistant synthetic deposits.
Appiani · Gruppo Bardelli
A design material, maintained with care
Appiani ceramic mosaic is designed to create surfaces with identity, colour and precision. Correct installation and maintenance consistent with the system used complete its value, from residential settings to hospitality, wellness and public spaces.
Technical note. The information on this page is provided as guidance. Formulations, intended uses, dosages, contact times and application methods for Litokol products may be updated. Before use, always consult the latest technical data sheet and safety data sheet on the official Litokol website and verify compatibility with the Appiani product used.