Product Overview

MSI Pearla Arabesque Glass Mosaic Tile, 10" x 10.20" x 8 mm combines the graceful curves of a traditional arabesque pattern with the luminous depth and easy maintenance of glass. Each sculpted lantern-shaped chip features a warm pearl-white and creamy ivory background accented by soft gray swirls and a lustrous, light-reflective sheen.

The interlocking arabesque design creates continuous ornamental movement across walls while helping disguise individual sheet boundaries. Its restrained white, cream, and gray palette gives the historic pattern a contemporary character suitable for kitchen backsplashes, shower walls, vanity surrounds, decorative niches, feature walls, and selected countertops.

Each mesh-mounted sheet measures approximately 10" x 10.20", covers 0.71 square foot, and has an 8 mm—or approximately 0.31-inch—profile. MSI identifies the product as SKU SMOT-GLS-PEAARA8MM. MSI Pearla Arabesque

Technical Specifications

Current distributor specifications confirm the 10" x 10.20" sheet, 8 mm thickness, 0.71-square-foot coverage, ten sheets per carton, and 7.1-square-foot carton coverage. Packaging and technical specifications

Recommended Applications

• Kitchen Backsplashes: Creates a light-reflective decorative field behind countertops, sinks, cooktops, and ranges.

• Bathroom and Vanity Walls: Adds ornamental movement behind mirrors, vanities, freestanding tubs, and wall-mounted fixtures.

• Shower and Tub-Surround Walls: Suitable over a complete waterproofing system using mortar and grout approved for glass mosaic.

• Decorative Niches: The small mesh-mounted pieces adapt well to shower niches, shelving recesses, and framed wall details.

• Accent and Feature Walls: Introduces pearlescent texture in entryways, dining spaces, bedrooms, hospitality interiors, and reception areas.

• Fireplace Surrounds: Appropriate for decorative facades outside the firebox and required heat-clearance zones.

• Countertops: MSI lists the mosaic for residential and commercial countertops; however, glass should be protected against dropped objects, abrasion, and concentrated impact.

Installation & Handling Guidelines

⚠️ IMPORTANT: GLASS MOSAIC REQUIRES WHITE MORTAR AND COMPLETE COVERAGE

Dark mortar, uneven trowel ridges, substrate markings, and mortar voids may remain visible through or around translucent glass.

• Use Glass-Tile Mortar: Install with a premium white polymer-modified mortar specifically approved for glass mosaics and the selected substrate.

• Prepare a Uniform White Background: The substrate must be flat, clean, and consistently colored. Correct patches, seams, and waterproofing transitions that could telegraph through the glass.

• Achieve Complete Coverage: Comb mortar uniformly, flatten the ridges where recommended, and press the sheets into place with a clean grout float. Voids or uneven mortar can create visible shadowing.

• Avoid Excess Mortar: Select the proper small-format mosaic trowel. Excess adhesive can squeeze through the joints and interfere with grout depth.

• Dry-Lay the Pattern: Arrange several sheets before setting to understand the arabesque repeat and determine how the interlocking edges connect.

• Stagger Sheet Placement: Avoid installing sheets as obvious square blocks. Nest the perimeter pieces carefully and inspect the wall from a distance for visible seams.

• Adjust Individual Chips: Reposition individual arabesque pieces when necessary to maintain consistent joint spacing between adjoining sheets.

• Cut with Wet Methods: MSI recommends wet cutting or score-and-snap methods. Use a high-quality glass blade and support the mosaic completely to minimize edge chipping.

• Do Not Dry-Cut: Dry cutting can damage the glass and create hazardous airborne dust from backing or setting components.

• Protect the Finished Surface: Glass edges and projecting pattern points are vulnerable before grouting. Prevent tools, fixtures, and adjacent construction work from striking the installation.

• Use Flexible Sealant at Transitions: Apply color-coordinated silicone at inside corners, countertops, tubs, and other changes of plane instead of rigid grout.

Grout Selection

• Bright White: Produces the cleanest and most luminous pearlescent field.

• Alabaster or Ivory: Reinforces the creamy warmth and softens the pattern outline.

• Frost or Light Gray: Defines the arabesque geometry without creating excessive contrast.

• Medium Gray: Produces a stronger graphic pattern but should be tested before full installation.

Use non-sanded grout or a fine-aggregate performance grout confirmed safe for glossy glass. Always create a sample board because grout color can significantly change the apparent color and definition of translucent mosaics.

Care & Maintenance

• Routine Cleaning: Wipe with warm water and a soft microfiber cloth or non-abrasive sponge.

• Use Mild Cleaner: Apply a neutral cleaner formulated for glass tile when necessary, then rinse and dry the surface to prevent residue.

• Avoid Abrasives: Do not use steel wool, abrasive powders, gritty compounds, or aggressive scouring pads.

• Avoid Impact: Glass mosaic may chip or crack when struck by cookware, tools, or heavy accessories, particularly along exposed edges.

• No Glass Sealer Required: The glass surface does not require penetrating sealer. Cementitious grout may be sealed according to its manufacturer’s instructions.

• Control Hard-Water Deposits: Dry shower walls periodically and use a non-abrasive glass-safe cleaner to prevent mineral buildup.

• Maintain Flexible Joints: Inspect silicone at corners and transitions and replace it when cracking, separation, or deterioration appears.

Design Profile

• Aesthetic Inspiration: Contemporary Arabesque, Moroccan Revival, Transitional Luxury, Art Deco and Soft Glamour.

• Color Character: Warm pearl white and creamy ivory with subtle gray swirls and a lustrous glass sheen.

• Visual Advantage: Curved lantern shapes introduce decorative movement while the restrained neutral palette keeps the installation sophisticated.

• Lighting Effect: Natural and artificial light reflects across the glass surface, emphasizing the swirling coloration and dimensional arabesque geometry.

• Complementary Cabinetry: Warm white, ivory, white oak, walnut, mushroom, navy, and charcoal finishes.

• Complementary Countertops: Carrara marble, Calacatta Gold, Taj Mahal quartzite, cream quartz, and lightly veined warm-white surfaces.

• Complementary Fixtures: Champagne bronze, brushed brass, polished nickel, chrome, and matte black.

Frequently Asked Questions

How large is each Pearla Arabesque sheet?

Each sheet measures approximately 10" x 10.20" and covers 0.71 square foot.

How many sheets are required for one square foot?

Approximately 1.41 sheets are required to cover one square foot before accounting for waste.

How much does one carton cover?

One carton contains ten sheets and covers approximately 7.1 square feet.

Is Pearla Arabesque suitable for floors?

No. MSI rates this product for walls and selected countertops, not residential or commercial flooring.

Can it be installed on shower walls?

Yes. Install it over a properly waterproofed substrate using white mortar and grout approved for glass mosaic.

Can it be installed on a shower floor?

No. The product does not carry a floor-use rating and should not be used on shower floors.

Does glass mosaic require sealing?

The glass itself does not require sealing. Cementitious grout may require sealing depending on the grout manufacturer’s instructions.

What mortar color should be used?

Use white glass-tile mortar. Gray mortar or inconsistent coverage can alter the finished color and create visible shadows.

What grout color works best?

Bright white or ivory creates a soft, continuous surface. Light gray gives the arabesque outline more definition without overwhelming the pearlescent coloration.

How much extra material should be ordered?

Order at least 10% extra for standard walls and approximately 15% for niches, numerous outlets, complex terminations, or installations requiring extensive pattern alignment.