I have had a great feedback on my recent posts concerning the application of colour, and particularly coloured grouts, at the recent Coverings exhibition. I am continuing today in a similar vein, and I am very grateful to Curt Rapp from The Tile Doctor (the exclusive supplier of Starlike in the USA) for reminding me about the amazing transformational effect of Litokol’s Starlike collection.
For those of you unfamiliar with the product, Starlike is a two-component acid-resistant epoxy adhesive used in the installation and grouting of ceramic tiles and mosaics with joints from 1 to 15mm wide. This product can be used to fix and grout most materials, including porcelain stoneware, klinker, glass and metallic mosaic, natural and reconstituted stone, pebbles and even wood. It is ideal for wet areas including bathrooms, shower cubicles, swimming pools, spas and saunas. It is also suitable for food environments such as dairies, breweries, wineries, meat preparation counters and food prep areas in restaurants.
Starlike is offered in a wide range of finishes. The Galaxy, Spotlight, Gold and Night Vision additives, if mixed as a third component, deliver unique results. Galaxy: can be added to any colour of the Starlike range to obtain a ‘metallic’ effect. Spotlight: similarly achieves a silver glitter effect; while Gold achieves a gold glitter effect.
Night Vision is a photo-luminescent additive that can be added to the available colours – Silver, Travertino, Sabbia, Tortora, Turchese, Artic blu, Zaffiro, Corallo, Lilla, Ciclamino, and Lime – and, after exposure to sunlight or artificial light, emits a blue colouring for some hours in the dark. Curt Rapp also comments that: “Starlike is the only product in the world that can be used three ways: as an adhesive, a grout, and as a wall finish to complement the décor of the tiles.”
The Metallic Collection, comprising Platinum, Shining Gold, Bronze, Copper, and Rusty , offer various striking metallic effects.
Also in the collection is Starlike Crystal: a two-component acid-resistant translucent epoxy adhesive for the grouting of transparent and decorative glass mosaics with joints up to 2mm wide. Based on aggregate made from glass beads, Starlike Crystal absorbs the colour of the transparent glass tiles. Designed for grouting transparent and artistic glass mosaics, this grout achieves a neutral tone that does not interfere with the mosaic image.
Also available is Starlike Defender, a two-component acid-acid epoxy mortar with anti-bacterial and anti-mould properties designed for environments with high hygiene requirements. (This product is not available in the USA.)
The range is completed by Starlike ColorCrystal; a two-component acid-resistant translucent epoxy mortar for the grouting of all types of glass mosaics with joints of up to 2mm wide. With Starlike ColorCrystal it is possible to achieve ton sur ton grouting even in the case of non-transparent mosaics, further enhancing the mosaic itself.
The colour range of Starlike ColorCrystal was designed in order to be adaptable to a wide range of mosaics. They are Rosso Pompei, Verde Capri, Azzurro Taormina, Beige Havana, and Rosa Kyoto.
The Saint Félix de Pallières castle in Occitanie, France, is a 12th century building that currently operates as a hotel with spa. In 2017, the hotel was renovated, making it even more inviting. The works focused on the castle’s wellness area. The indoor pool, multifunctional shower with colour therapy and Turkish bath were tiled with mosaics on both the walls and floors to create truly precious and welcoming spaces.
10 by 10mm mosaics by Trend were specified in custom colour combinations . They were fixed using Litokol’s Starlike Crystal, with the joints taking on a neutral tone that doesn’t interfere with the overall look of the mosaic.
Enquirers from the UK or Ireland should contact: carlo.olmi@litokol.it
A new post by Joe Simpson, Diary of a Tile Addict, June 2018.