Hulu Blue Band 11" x 11.5" Porcelain Mosaic Tile

Product Overview

Elysium Hulu Blue Band 11" x 11.5" Polished Porcelain Mosaic Tile creates a rich, contemporary surface through slender blue porcelain pieces arranged in a stacked linear pattern. Subtle differences in color and surface character give the mosaic a handcrafted appearance, while the polished finish reflects surrounding light and intensifies its aquatic blue palette.

Mounted on mesh-backed sheets, the narrow linear pieces form continuous horizontal bands that bring visual width and movement to pools, showers, backsplashes, feature walls, and decorative interiors. The format can also be rotated vertically to create a taller, more architectural effect.

Hulu Blue Band is officially rated for use in both chlorinated and saltwater swimming pools, making it an expressive choice for pool waterlines, spas, fountains, and other properly constructed aquatic installations.

Technical Specifications

Recommended Applications

• Swimming Pools: Suitable for properly constructed chlorinated and saltwater pool installations.

• Pool Waterlines: Creates a distinctive blue horizontal band around swimming pools, spas, and water features.

• Spas and Fountains: The polished blue porcelain complements aquatic environments and moving water.

• Kitchen Backsplashes: Adds rich color and streamlined movement behind countertops, ranges, and beverage stations.

• Bathroom and Vanity Walls: Provides a reflective blue feature behind mirrors, vanities, and decorative lighting.

• Shower Walls and Niches: Suitable over an approved waterproofing system using setting materials rated for porcelain mosaics.

• Feature Walls: Creates a contemporary linear surface in residential, retail, restaurant, and hospitality interiors.

• Decorative Floors: May be considered for suitable interior floor applications. Confirm wear, slip resistance, and project requirements before installation.

• Shower Floors: No product-specific DCOF value has been published. Obtain professional approval before specifying the polished mosaic for a shower floor or other wet walking surface.

Installation and Handling Guidelines

⚠️ IMPORTANT: POOL AND SUBMERGED INSTALLATIONS

Pool-rated tile still requires a complete submerged-installation system. The shell, waterproofing, mortar, grout, movement joints, curing schedule, and water chemistry must all comply with the applicable manufacturers’ requirements.

• Dry-Lay the Sheets: Arrange several sheets before installation to balance the natural tonal differences and confirm the direction of the linear pattern.

• Check Sheet Alignment: Ensure that spacing between adjoining sheets matches the joints within each sheet. Adjust individual pieces when necessary to prevent visible sheet outlines.

• Substrate Preparation: Install over a flat, clean, stable substrate. Pools, fountains, spas, and showers require a complete waterproofing system designed for the application.

• Mortar Selection: Use a premium white polymer-modified mortar approved for porcelain mosaics and the installation environment. Submerged applications require a mortar expressly rated for continuous water exposure.

• Mortar Application: Select a small-notched trowel appropriate for the 6 mm mosaic thickness. Flatten excessive ridges before placing the sheets.

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

• Mortar Coverage: Obtain substantially complete coverage in showers, pools, spas, fountains, and exterior installations.

• Grout Selection: Elysium recommends Bostik TruColor White H152. Any alternative grout should be approved for polished porcelain mosaics and the intended wet or submerged environment.

• Pool Grout: Confirm that the grout manufacturer approves the selected product for chlorinated or saltwater immersion and the project’s water-maintenance system.

• Movement Joints: Incorporate movement accommodation according to TCNA EJ171, pool-system requirements, and applicable construction standards.

• Cutting: Wet-cut with a clean diamond blade suitable for porcelain mosaics. Support the sheet fully to reduce chipping.

• Silica Safety: Do not dry-cut or grind porcelain with power tools. Fabrication can release hazardous respirable crystalline-silica dust.

• Curing Before Filling: Allow the complete installation system to cure for the full period required by the mortar, grout, and waterproofing manufacturers before filling the pool or spa.

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

Care and Maintenance

• Clean with warm water and a neutral-pH cleaner approved for glazed or polished porcelain.

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

• Avoid steel wool, abrasive powders, and aggressive scouring products that may dull the polished surface.

• Maintain pool and spa water chemistry within the equipment, grout, and setting-system manufacturers’ specified ranges.

• Avoid allowing calcium, mineral deposits, or chemical residue to build up along the waterline.

• Use tile-safe products specifically formulated for removing pool-line deposits.

• Rinse cleaning-product residue thoroughly from backsplashes, showers, and exterior installations.

• Porcelain does not normally require sealing. Confirm whether the selected grout requires sealing.

Design Profile

• Aesthetic Inspiration: Contemporary coastal, Mediterranean modern, resort luxury, aquatic minimalism, and boutique hospitality.

• Color Character: Saturated blue with handcrafted tonal movement and a reflective polished surface.

• Pattern Character: Slender porcelain pieces arranged in clean, stacked horizontal bands.

• Visual Advantage: The linear format visually widens walls and pool waterlines while the polished surface interacts beautifully with light and water.

• Layout Options: Horizontal stacked bands, vertical linear installation, framed panels, and decorative accent strips.

• Complementary Materials: White marble, pale limestone, light-gray porcelain, terrazzo, natural oak, and clear glass.

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

• Suggested Grout Color: Bostik TruColor White H152 for crisp definition; pale blue-gray may create a softer blended appearance after testing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What material is Hulu Blue Band made from?

It is made from handmade porcelain. It should not be categorized as glass, marble, or another natural stone.

Is the mosaic pool-rated?

Yes. Elysium lists Hulu Blue Band for use in both chlorinated and saltwater swimming pools.

How much does one sheet cover?

Each nominal 11" x 11.5" sheet covers approximately 0.88 square foot.

Is the finish matte or polished?

Hulu Blue Band has a polished, light-reflective finish.

Can it be installed on shower walls?

Yes, when installed over a complete waterproofing system using mortar and grout approved for porcelain mosaics and wet environments.

Can it be used on shower floors?

No product-specific DCOF rating has been published. Confirm suitability with the installer and applicable slip-resistance requirements before installation.

Does the porcelain require sealing?

The porcelain surface normally does not require sealing. The selected grout may require sealing according to its manufacturer.

Will all sheets be exactly the same color?

No. Subtle tonal and surface differences are part of the mosaic’s handcrafted appearance. Dry-lay and blend sheets before installation.

Can it be installed in a saltwater pool?

Yes. The manufacturer specifically lists it for saltwater as well as chlorinated pools. All installation products must also be rated for the same submerged environment.