There are some glass tiles are are not recommended for wet areas. This seems to have a metallic look to it, and many like that have that disclaimer.

Another problem might be the setting material used. Thinset is what should be used for glass as well as shower areas.

What products are being used to clean the area? It looks like the etching on those pieces is getting damaged and coming off.

what tile is this?? do you have the box or the name of tile? let me look up the specs.

what are you using to clean this?

I had something similar happen w/a crackle glaze tile. turns out it wasn't meant for a wet area. The tile place where I bought them contacted the manufacture (Walker Zanger) and they completely reimbursed me w/brand new tile and the money to have it all redone.

I',m betting this type of glass mosaic is not rated for a wet area. Is that marble on there too?

I would contact the tile dealer and show him these pictures so he can in turn contact the tile vendor to see what if anything can be done.

It looks as though the pattern design applied to the glass is reacting to the setting materials used to install the tile.

Check with the tile installer and have him tell you what he used to install this tile so you have that info for the tile vendor.

I suspect this will continue and will have to be removed and another material installed.

Here is the link for the tile https://www.wayfair.com/home-improvement/pdp/msi-whistler-ice-random-sized-glassporcelain-mosaic-tile-mvp4657.html?piid=

Looking at it more closely- it says it is a wall tile. I sent all of the links to our contractor before purchasing and he never mentioned anything plus the reviews show it being used in bathrooms. I always thought tile was tile I never knew that different tile was made for different locations. We complete gutted two bathrooms in our house and used this in both of them. Ugh I don’t know what to do now.

it does say ok for showers. Contact someone over at MSI ((or you could try wayfair, but no way will they reimburse you for the labor) and get ready to battle.

what was used to set the tiles? you'll need that info too.

I'd also post a negative review on that site w/pictures. that should also get their attention

But actually- reading it closer it says it can be used on bathroom walls and shower walls. Any advice?

Also- in regards to cleaning- I’ve only cleaned it twice since it’s been installed and I used a soft sponge and dishwashing liquid as I didn’t want to use anything abrasive or with harsh chemicals.

Erin, see my comment above

good point. I just looked again on those tile specs and they make no mention of install instructions and what to use. they also suggest this product that you 'may' need. (which gives the tile buyer the idea that regular thinset is ok)

Although, I can't imagine what else you would use in a shower to set these tiles. you can't use Mastic. I don't know if there is a neutral or acidic mortar, (which you couldn't use because of the marble tiles on this sheet).

since it is glass, I would have chosen this Laticrete product myself. I've used it many times.

however, if it reacts w/the metal in the glass then that's something else. this metal flake stuff, its actually in the glass, yes or no? and if it's not, there would be no reason for the backs of the tile to be coated with it. the backs are all glass. so how does the chemical reaction between the two figure in here?

Erin, if this is the case, you have a very good argument to get a refund AND a complete shower redo paid for by the company that makes these tiles.

I've checked out Mapei and Custom Building Products. Though they have thinsets for glass tile Mapei states it's not suitable for glass tiles with back applied coatings and Custom Building Products has a warning concerning back coated glass tiles. They refer you to the tile manufacturer for recommended setting material.

Erin, can you show us the backs of these tiles? do they have a white painted surface?

most glass tiles are back painted. I'm just trying to determine if it's just happening w/the metallic tiles. that metallic should only be on the front, or fused in w/the glass. It shouldn't be on the back at all.

But the metallic sheen on the front of the glass looks like it's gone. Is that true or just the photo ?

If the thinset is breaking down the back painted coating, then how does that affect the front of the tile or the glass if the metallic is fused from within?

Here is a picture of the back- there’s no paint.

It’s basically like the entire design of the tile is gone and you can just see the mesh webbing in the back

so the backs do have the metallic coating. wow.

I guess you have your answer. the thinset has eaten away the finish.

you need to contact wayfair and get a rep from MSI Tile (or find MSI yourself)

https://www.msisurfaces.com/porcelain-glass-blend/whistler-ice-interlocking-8mm/

I don't see a phone number, only an email for 'Contact Us'. Where are you located? they have offices. headquarters for this company is only 20 mins from me.

notify them and find out who actually makes this. (It's made in China, so there's one issue). MSI is going to have completely reimburse you for the tile and the installation. don't let them just say, 'oh, we'll just replace those sheets that have turned. It may take months for the others to catch up, or not.

im sorry, but this is a tear out and redo. don't ever use products like this again.

and please post a neg review on that tile on that site so others won't make the same mistake.

BTW, Home Depot carries this tile for a cheaper price

oops...just saw this on MSI website:

Buyer/Owner must determine slip resistance suitability and maintainability. Natural stones, ceramic, porcelain, quartz and related products represent products of nature; we cannot be held responsible in any cause of action resulting from their use in any form. M S International, Inc. makes no expressed or implied warranty, for any particular use. These products inherently lack uniformity and are subject to variation in aesthetics, color, shade, finish, tint, hardness, strength resistance, density, etc. Natural stone may be characterized by dry seams, pits, and fossils. In polished and honed stones, these pits are often filled during the manufacturing process or at the time of installation. These fills can occasionally pop out from normal wear and use. In these instances, it may be necessary to refill these voids as part of a normal maintenance procedure. Any samples submitted are with the understanding that these qualities are inherent in the nature of the product and are not to be considered latent defects.

Mosaic with metal are not recommended for use around heavy water areas including tubs, shower surrounds, pools, spas, and any other exterior application. After installation vendor disclaims any liabilities. Mosaic tiles can be cleaned using warm water and a cloth. For deeper cleaning a mild detergent or glass cleaner can be used. Do not use abrasive sponges or cleaning agents with strong chemicals as this may harm the metal mosaics.

I'd still call them since it clearly states in specs, 'OK for shower". at the very least you should be reimbursed for all the tile. as for the tile install, sheesh. I'm afraid of what they will tell you

Thanks for your help. When you say don’t use products like this again what exactly do you mean- don’t use metal mosaic? I just want to understand so if we do redo these showers we don’t repeat these mistakes.

Also- do you know if it’s possible to rip out the mosaic border and niches while preserving the rest of the tile? Or would everything need to be ripped out and redone?

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