Application and Function

Schlüter-DECO is a profile with a 6 mm wide visible surface for decorative joint design in tiled coverings, which not only complies with functional requirements, but also meets the high aesthetic demands of showrooms, lobbies, galleries or trade fair stands. Schlüter-DECO is also ideal for finishing the perimeters of tiled surfaces or for transitions to different types of coverings, e.g. from tile to carpet or parquet. Schlüter-DECO not only has a decorative effect, but also provides protection against mechanical damage around edges.

Schlüter-DECO-M and -MC can also be used as finishing profiles for external wall corners. Matching pre-fabricated parts are available to create simple and elegant connections of DECO-MC profiles to external corners.

Installation

1. Select Schlüter-DECO according to the tile thickness.
2. Using a notched trowel, apply tile adhesive to the area where the tile covering will end or where a decorative joint element is to be placed.
3. Press the trapezoid-perforated anchoring leg of Schlüter-DECO firmly into the adhesive and align it.
4. Trowel additional tile adhesive over the trapezoid-perforated anchoring leg to ensure full coverage, filling all chambers of the profile.
5. Firmly press the adjoining tiles into place and align them in such a way that the upper profile edge is flush with the tile (the profile should not protrude over the surface of the covering; preferably, it should be approx. 1 mm below the top level of the covering). The tiles must be fully embedded in the area of the profile.
6. Leave a joint of approx. 2 mm between the tile and the profile and fill it completely with grout.

Material

Schlüter®-DECO is available in the following materials:

• E = stainless steel V2A (material no. 1.4301 = AISI 304)
• MC = chrome-plated brass
• A = aluminium M = brass
• AE = anodised aluminium

Material properties and areas of application:
The suitability of a profile for the application must be verified, based on anticipated chemical, mechanical, and/or other stresses.

Schlüter®-DECO-M brass profiles are resistant to most chemicals used in tiled environments. Solid brass that is exposed to air will oxidise, resulting in a natural patina. If exposed to moisture or aggressive substances, heavy oxidation and spotting may occur. Minor manufacturing flaws are unavoidable on their untreated surfaces.

Schlüter®-DECO-MC is particularly suited for coverings, e.g. to match chrome plated bathroom fixtures. Visible surfaces should be protected against abrasion. Remove mortar and grout residue immediately.

Schlüter®-DECO-E is made of roll formed V2A stainless steel (material no. 1.4301). The profile structure therefore varies slightly from the extruded brass and aluminium versions. Stainless steel is particularly well suited for applications that, in addition to high mechanical stresses, require resistance to chemicals such as acidic or alkaline substances or cleaning agents. Even stainless steel is not resistant to all chemical stresses, and may be affected by hydrochloric and hydrofluoric acid or certain chloride and brine concentrations. In certain cases, this also applies to seawater pools. Special anticipated stresses should therefore be verified in advance.

Schlüter®-DECO-A are profiles made of aluminium. Minor manufacturing flaws are unavoidable on their untreated surfaces. The suitability of the profiles should be reviewed based on the anticipated chemical stresses. Aluminium is sensitive to alkaline media. Cementitious materials, in conjunction with moisture, become alkaline, which may result in corrosion depending on the concentration and length of exposure (aluminium hydroxide formation). Therefore, it is important to immediately remove mortar or grout residue from visible surfaces. It must be ensured that the profile is solidly embedded in the setting material to prevent alkaline water from accumulating in small cavities.

Schlüter®-DECO-AE, made of anodised aluminium, has an anodised surface finish that will not change under normal circumstances. The finish may be damaged by aggressive substances or abrasive stresses. Aluminium is sensitive to alkaline media. Cementitious materials, in conjunction with moisture, become alkaline, which may result in corrosion depending on the concentration and length of exposure (aluminium hydroxide formation). For this reason, remove mortar or grouting material immediately from all visible areas and do not cover freshly installed coverings with foil. In addition, ensure that the profile is solidly embedded in the setting material to prevent water from accumulating in small cavities.

Maintenance

Schlüter®-DECO requires no special maintenance or care. Do not use abrasive cleaning agents on the sensitive surfaces. The oxidation layer on brass or aluminium can be removed by using a conventional polishing agent, but will form again. Damage to the anodised surfaces can be restored with paint. The surfaces of stainless steel profiles can be polished with commercial chrome polishing products. Stainless steel surfaces exposed to the environment or aggressive substances should be cleaned periodically using a mild household cleaner. Regular cleaning maintains the neat appearance of stainless steel and reduces the risk of corrosion. All cleaning agents must be free of hydrochloric and hydrofluoric acid.

Avoid contact with other metals, such as regular steel, to prevent corrosion. This also includes installation tools such as trowels or steel wool, e.g. for the removal of mortar residue. We recommend the use of the stainless steel cleaning polish Schlüter®-CLEAN-CP.

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