MSI Bianco Starlite 12" x 12" Polished Marble Mosaic Tile

Product Overview

MSI Bianco Starlite 12" x 12" Polished Marble Mosaic Tile transforms cool-white Bianco Dolomite marble into an intricate geometric star pattern. Precision-cut white elements intersect with contrasting gray marble accents, creating repeating starbursts with the visual softness of a floral motif.

The polished finish highlights the marble’s natural crystalline character and reflects light across the waterjet-cut pattern. Its balanced white-and-gray palette coordinates easily with contemporary, transitional, Art Deco, and classic interiors.

Mounted on approximately 12" × 12" mesh-backed sheets, Bianco Starlite is suitable for kitchen backsplashes, bathroom walls, shower walls, residential floors, countertops, fireplace surrounds, and decorative features.

Technical Specifications

Natural marble varies in shade, veining, crystal structure, and mineral markings. Slight differences between sheets are expected and contribute to the finished installation’s individual character.

Recommended Applications

• Kitchen Backsplashes: Creates an elegant white-and-gray focal point behind countertops, sinks, and ranges.

• Bathroom and Vanity Walls: Adds polished geometric detail behind mirrors, vanities, and freestanding tubs.

• Shower Walls and Niches: Suitable over an approved waterproofing system using setting products formulated for natural marble.

• Residential Bathroom Floors: The waterjet pattern provides decorative interest for appropriate dry and wet-area floors, subject to project-specific slip approval.

• Entryways and Powder Rooms: Produces a jewelry-like feature in smaller residential floor areas.

• Fireplace Surrounds: Suitable over an approved noncombustible substrate while observing fireplace-manufacturer clearances.

• Residential and Commercial Walls: Can be used for reception walls, boutique interiors, hospitality features, and decorative panels.

• Countertops and Bar Features: MSI approves the mosaic for residential and commercial countertop applications.

MSI does not approve this product for commercial flooring. A published DCOF value was not located, so shower-floor and other wet walking-surface applications require professional approval.

Installation and Handling Guidelines

⚠️ IMPORTANT: WATERJET-CUT WHITE MARBLE

Light-colored marble can be affected by mortar, grout pigment, moisture, and unsuitable sealers. Test the complete installation system on spare material before beginning the project.

• Use White Mortar: Install with a premium white polymer-modified mortar approved for natural marble and waterjet mosaics. Gray mortar may discolor or shadow through the lighter pieces.

• Inspect and Dry-Lay: Arrange all sheets before installation. Balance natural color variation and identify any pieces requiring adjustment.

• Check Sheet Alignment: Reposition individual pieces along sheet edges when necessary to prevent visible seams or grid lines between sheets.

• Substrate Preparation: The installation surface must be clean, flat, stable, and properly prepared for natural-stone mosaics.

• Mortar Application: Use a small-notched trowel appropriate for the mosaic thickness. Flatten the mortar ridges before setting the sheets to produce an even supporting bed.

• Embed Evenly: Use a padded beating block or grout float to press each sheet into the mortar without damaging the polished surface.

• Mortar Coverage: Obtain at least 95% coverage in showers, wet areas, and other moisture-exposed installations.

• Pre-Sealing: Apply a penetrating sealer approved for polished marble before grouting when required. Test first and remove all surface residue.

• Grout Selection: Use unsanded grout or a fine-aggregate grout specifically approved for polished marble. Test the grout on spare material to ensure it does not scratch or stain the surface.

• Grout Color: Bright white creates a clean, continuous appearance, while pale gray gives the geometric pattern slightly stronger definition.

• Wet Areas: Install shower applications over a complete waterproofing system. Sealing the marble does not waterproof the wall or floor assembly.

• Movement Accommodation: Provide perimeter, change-of-plane, and field movement joints following TCNA EJ171 and applicable construction requirements.

• Cutting Safety: Wet-cut with a diamond blade designed for natural stone and waterjet mosaics. Do not dry-cut or grind because marble fabrication can release respirable crystalline-silica dust.

• Order Allowance: Add approximately 10–15% for cuts, sheet alignment, natural variation, breakage, and future repairs.

Care and Maintenance

• Clean with warm water and a neutral-pH cleaner formulated for natural marble.

• Avoid vinegar, lemon, bleach, acidic bathroom cleaners, abrasive powders, and harsh grout cleaners.

• Wipe up cosmetics, oils, wine, coffee, citrus, and strongly pigmented liquids promptly.

• Use soft cloths, microfiber pads, or non-abrasive brushes.

• Do not use aggressive scrubbers that could scratch or dull the polished finish.

• Reapply a penetrating natural-stone sealer according to exposure and the sealer manufacturer’s recommendations.

• Expect polished marble used on floors to develop a natural patina over time.

Design Profile

• Aesthetic Inspiration: Art Deco, modern classic, transitional, Parisian, and contemporary luxury.

• Color Character: Crisp cool white accented by soft gray marble.

• Pattern Character: Repeating waterjet-cut stars with geometric and floral qualities.

• Visual Advantage: The polished surface reflects light and emphasizes the precision-cut pattern.

• Complementary Materials: Bianco Dolomite field tile, Carrara marble, white oak, walnut, clear glass, and cool-white quartz.

• Complementary Metals: Polished nickel, chrome, brushed stainless steel, champagne bronze, and matte black.

• Suggested Grout Colors: Bright white for visual continuity or pale gray for stronger pattern definition.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Bianco Starlite genuine marble?

Yes. It is a genuine natural-marble mosaic from MSI’s Bianco Dolomite collection.

What is the correct manufacturer SKU?

The correct MSI item number is SMOT-BIANDOL-STARP.

Is the pattern printed onto the marble?

No. The star pattern is created from precision waterjet-cut marble pieces assembled on mesh-backed sheets.

How large is each sheet?

Each sheet measures approximately 12" × 12" and covers approximately one square foot.

How thick is the mosaic?

The mosaic is approximately 3/8", or 10 mm, thick.

How many sheets are included in a carton?

Current packaging information lists ten sheets covering approximately ten square feet per carton. Verify the current carton before ordering.

Does the mosaic require sealing?

Yes. Apply a penetrating sealer approved for polished marble before grouting when required and reseal periodically according to exposure.

Can it be installed on shower walls?

Yes. Install it over a complete waterproofing system using white mortar approved for natural marble.

Can it be used on a shower floor?

A published DCOF rating was not located. Shower-floor use should be approved by the installer based on traction, drainage, joint spacing, and local requirements.

Can it be used on commercial floors?

No. MSI approves commercial wall and countertop applications but does not list the product for commercial flooring.

Will every sheet look identical?

No. Slight differences in white tone, gray coloration, veining, and crystal structure are expected in natural marble.