Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Tile Talk Newsletter - November 2011

Project Pick: Barcelona San Jose Mural

Barcelona San Jose Quarter Design Tiles on Wall
Barcelona San Jose Quarter Design Tiles Create a Mural

Create an eye-catching mural on any wall with quarter design tile patterns from our Barcelona line. These classic Spanish tile patterns have a Mediterranean flair that can be used in any space. Quarter design tiles require four tiles to make the complete pattern and are often scaled versions of the same pattern found on smaller tiles. Quarter design tiles generally have more negative space and are ideal for creating a patterned mural for larger wall installations. The pattern's negative space ensures a timeless look that isn't too busy. Also, consider using them as wainscoting or in kitchens and baths or showers. Here, the San Jose Quarter 6" x 6" tiles grab your attention on this patio.

San Jose Complete Design
San Jose Complete Design 6" x 6" Tile

San Jose Quarter Design
San Jose Quarter Design 6" x 6" Tile (4 shown)

Other Barcelona Quarter Design Patterns

Barcelona La Merced Quarter Design Tile Barcelona San Francisco Quarter Design Tile Barcelona Cande Laria Quarter Design Tile Barcelona La Ermitta Quarter Design Tile
La Merced San Francisco Cande Laria La Ermitta

The Barcelona line has five classic decorative patterns. Each line has a sink plus tile in these formats: 3x3 corners with glazed edges, 3x6 border tiles with glazed edges, 3x3 accent tiles, 6x6 Complete Design Tile, and 6x6 Quarter Design Tile. It's easy to create designs for rooms with these lines!


Cement Tile Special: Cathedral Pattern

We currently have about 8,000 pieces of unpolished Cathedral 8" x 8" tile ready to ship from the factory. While supplies last the Cathedral tile is available at a special price of $5.12 per tile. No other discounts or coupons can be applied. Colors used in this pattern include Powder Blue, Pearl Gray, Amber White and custom brown colors.

8x8 Cathedral Cement Tile
8" x 8" Cathedral Cement Tile

This is a great choice when you need a unique look but can't wait for a custom order. Call 888.739.4972 (9-5 PDT M-F) and place your order today. Call us with your dimensional area requirements and we'll provide a FREE estimate that includes freight and handling.


Tile Tip:

Create a decorative border using hand painted tiles along the edge of a counter or around a mirror, archway or door. The best tile sizes for borders are 3"x6" or 3"x3" tiles. Some tiles, like our Barcelona border pattern come with a glazed edge so no trim is needed when used for a counter top. You can also use tiles with a glazed edge to create a base trim along the edge of a room.

Hand Painted Border Tiles are used for the Mirror and Counter
Hand Painted Border Tiles are used for the Mirror and Counter

See other great ways to use decorative tiles in our recent post about Four Ways to Use Hand Painted Tiles.

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Sealing Cement Tile

Cement tiles are hand made using the same basic process that was invented in the late 19th century. Sealers didn't emerge on the market until the 1960's and weren't commonly used until a decade later. Before sealers, cement tiles were protected from staining with an application of kerosene and paste wax.

Cement tile manufacturers today recommend a high quality penetrating stone and tile sealer for any installation.

Cement tile manufacturers today recommend a high quality penetrating stone and tile sealer for any installation. However, we have had successful installations without sealers where staining or liquid absorption was not a concern. Furthermore, with the right sealer, cement tile can be installed in pools as a decorative sideboard.

Cuban Tile Installation
Cement Tiles from a House in Old Havana (about 100 years old)
Photo Courtesy of Aguayo Tile

Because cement (or concrete) tiles are porous like natural stone it's generally a good idea to seal them so they are more resistant to staining. A sealer is a liquid applied to cement tiles (and porous natural stones) to help prevent staining from water and oils. In effect, a sealer reduces the natural absorbency of a stone or concrete material. There are two general classes of sealers based on how they work to reduce staining.

  1. Penetrating Sealers or Impregnating Sealers (or porosity sealants) coat the cement particles in the tile making it less likely they will retain stains. Impregnating sealers are also classified by the primary carrier or base that is used to make them. There can be either:
    1. Solvent Based - Solvent based sealers are absorbed deeper into the material surface and have a strong odor. Furthermore, they are more difficult to apply. Solvent carried impregnators are excellent water repellents.
    2. Water Based - A water based sealer doesn't absorb as deep as a solvent based sealer. But this is actually better for most applications because the sealer is sitting just beneath the surface of the cement tile stopping liquids and absorption.

  2. Topical Sealers create a barrier on the surface of the tile so that stains do not reach the cement. Topical sealers have different finishes that include shiny, satin and matte. Often matte topical sealers are produced by adding a chemical that cuts the shine, but also weakens the sealer. Topical sealers are not generally recommended for exterior applications as radiant energy from the sun deteriorates them quickly.

A topical sealer sits on top of the surface while an impregnating type sealer sits below the surface or impregnates it. Most topical sealers are not for use on stone. But, you might want to use a topical sealer in addition to a penetrating sealer on cement tile for extra protection against stains or to achieve a slightly different finish. However, always test your sealer and the process on a sample before proceeding to the final installation.

Seal your cement tile installation with a "high quality" water-based penetrating stone and tile sealer.

In general, plan on sealing your cement tile installation with a "high quality" water-based penetrating stone and tile sealer. Sealers are not created equal and you get what you pay for. Most "high quality" stone and tile sealers will cost between US $100 - $150 per gallon.

Installing cement tiles is a straight-forward process, but the devil is in the details. Start with our guidelines on the Installation, Maintenance, and Care of Cement Tile.

We'll be discussing cement tile installation details including more about sealers in the coming months. Have a question about cement tile installation that you'd like answered? Let us know and post a comment? Have a favorite sealer or installation material that worked well? Post a comment. I and our readers appreciate your insight.

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Four Ways to Use Hand Painted Tiles

Here's four ways to use hand painted decorative or deco tiles as design accents. We feature our Barcelona Tiles in these tips; but, these ideas work well for any decorative tile.

Tip 1: Create a Decorative Border with Hand Painted Tiles

Use hand painted tiles for a decorative border along the edge of a counter or around a mirror, archway or door. 3" x 6" tiles work well for these designs. But, you can also use 3" x 3" tiles.

Hand Painted Border Tiles are used for the Mirror and Counter
Hand Painted Border Tiles are used for the Mirror and Counter

Some tiles, like our Barcelona border tiles come with a glazed edge so no trim is needed when used for a counter top. For instance, Barcelona La Merced 3" x 6" Border Tiles (above) are used for the tiled countertop and mirror edge. You can also use tiles with a glazed edge to create a base trim along the edge of a room.

Tip 2: Use Small Decorative Decorative Tiles as Floor Accents

Decorative tile make stunning accents for large format porcelain or terracotta pavers. 3" x 3" or 6" x 6" tiles work best as decorative insets for the floor. Choose different patterns set randomly or choose only one pattern to coordinate with a wall tile pattern.

Hand Painted Spanish Tiles are used as floor accents
Hand Painted Spanish Tiles are used as floor accents

In the patio installation above, San Jose 3" x 3" tiles are used as insets with this porcelain floor tile and coordinate with the the San Jose Quarter Design 6" x 6" tiles on the wall (shown below).

Tip 3: Create a Mural with Quarter Design Patterns on a Single Wall

Quarter designs require four tiles to make the complete pattern and are often scaled versions of smaller tiles in the same colorway and pattern. Quarter design tiles generally have more negative space and are ideal for creating a patterned mural for large wall installations. Here, the San Jose Quarter 6" x 6" tiles create a stunning wall mural for this patio.

Hand Painted Spanish Tiles in a Quarter Design Pattern
Hand Painted Spanish Tiles in a Quarter Design Pattern

Tip 4: Use Different Tiles Sizes for Different Sections of a Room

Use different sizes of tile in the same pattern to define different areas or set off sections of a room.

Hand Painted Tiles for Shower
Hand Painted Tiles for Shower

To create a complementary flow between adjoining spaces, simply use a different sized tile in the same pattern. This creates a contrast without taking away from the beauty and overall design of the space. Using a large quarter design on a wall makes for an eye-catching focal point. Create an eye-catching accent strip with a border of 3" x 3" tiles above larger format tiles.

These are just a few way to use hand painted deco tiles as design accents. Do you have a favorite tile design idea? Let us know, we'd love to share it. Or, feel free to browse the many different ceramic tile design ideas on our site.

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Making Hand Painted Field Tile

Several readers asked us how hand painted field tile are made after seeing last week's post that provided Hand Painted Field Tile Tips. It's a great question. Today, you'll learn how hand painted field tile or brushed tile are made.

Hand Painted Ceramic Field Tile in Navy Blue
Hand Painted or Brushed Ceramic Field Tile in Navy Blue

Hand painted ceramic field tile are crafted one at a time. These solid color tiles have a distinctive brushed look and are often called brushed tiles. The variation in color value on each tile is unique. The color value variation occurs because the amount of glaze on the tile surface varies with each stroke of the brush in the artist’s hand. The process isn’t as labor-intensive as Making Hand Painted Decorative Tiles; but, you can see how each tile is touched by the hand of the artist – one at a time.

Glaze colors are mixed and unglazed tiles or bisque are prepared. Then, the artist dips the brush in the glaze and prepares to brush the glaze on the face of the tile.

Making Hand Painted Ceramic Field Tile - Step 1: An Artist Prepares to Brush the Glaze on a Ceramic Tile
An Artist Prepares to Brush the Glaze on a Ceramic Tile

The glaze is brushed on the tile with a few brush strokes.

Making Hand Painted Ceramic Field Tile - Step 2: The Glaze is Brushed on the Tile Face using Brush Strokes
The Glaze is Brushed on the Tile Face using Brush Strokes

Making Hand Painted Ceramic Field Tile: Detail of an Artist applying glaze to a field tile
Detail of an Artist Applying Glaze to a Field Tile

The tile is set down and another unglazed tile is prepared.

Making Hand Painted Ceramic Field Tile - Step 4: The Glazed Tile is Set Down.
The Glazed Tile is Set Down

The process starts over again and repeated. Once enough tiles have been glazed, they are fired in the kiln for a few days. After firing, the tiles are ready to be installed!

Making Hand Painted Ceramic Field Tile - Step 5
The Process Repeats until enough Tiles are Complete

Brushed or hand painted field tile work best with decorative or patterned tile made by the same artisans or factory because the differences in color value are subtle. Mixing tiles from other manufactures is difficult because the differences in hue may make the installation garish.

You can’t help but appreciate the effort that goes into crafting each tile. If you enjoyed this post, you may also enjoy seeing how hand painted decorative or patterned tiles our made in our a previous post, Making Hand Painted Tiles Video. And, so see how relief tiles are made be sure to see our Making Relief Tiles Video.

Avente Tile has two lines of hand painted or brushed field tile: Barcelona Field tile and Spanish Field tile. If you are looking for a specific color value, let us know and we can check stock to better accommodate your design needs. The Barcelona Field tile is available in a 6"x6" size and the following colors: Blue, Green, and Yellow. The Spanish Field tile is available in a 6"x6" and 4"x4" sizes in Brushed Blue, Brushed Green, Brushed Natural, and Brushed Navy.

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Hand Painted Field Tile Tips

Hand painted field tile create a very unique look, especially when paired with decorative tiles that are glazed with the same colors. These solid color tiles are often called brushed tiles. The variation in color value occurs because the amount of glaze on the tile surface varies with each stroke of the brush in the artist’s hand. Here's a few tips on how to use hand painted or brushed field tile.

For a classic look, use one color of brushed field tile. The color should also be in the decorative tile. Here, Brushed Green 6" x 6" tiles are flanked by Spanish Alcala 3" x 6" tiles to create a striking accent strip of this bath.

Making Hand Painted Field Tile Bathroom
Bathroom that uses Hand Painted or Brushed Field Tile

Use a single or double row of deco tiles to create an accent strip with brushed field tile. If possible, coordinate field tile and decorative tiles that are made at the same factory to avoid too many colors or variation in hue. The Spanish Brushed Blue and Caceres tiles in a 6"x6" format are a great choice for a bathroom wainscot.

Hand Painted Caceres Tile with Brush Blue Field Tile
Hand Painted Caceres Tile with Brush Blue Field Tile

Spanish Brushed Navy field tiles with a double row of Burgos 6"x6" tiles create a bold statement. Use darker tiles in larger rooms or rooms with more natural light.

Hand Painted Burgos Tile with Brushed Navy Field Tile
Hand Painted Burgos Tile with Brushed Navy Field Tile

Consider the visual impact that tile orientation and color will have. Choose tiles in a light color scheme for a small room so the space feels larger. The orientation of the field tiles has a visual impact on the room as well. You can install the tiles so the brush stroke or 'grain' is all in the same direction (horizontal or vertical) or random (both horizontal and vertical). In general, use a vertical orientation for rooms with a low ceiling or long rooms; horizontally for short or narrow room. For instance, on wall installations in a long room or hall, you'll want to avoid installing the tiles with all the brush strokes in a horizontal orientation.

For a more contemporary look, mix different colors of hand painted field tile. The mix of bright field tiles in this kitchen backsplash make a colorful statement. Randomly adding hand-painted decorative tiles creates visual interest and softens the overall look.

Hand Painted Field Tile Create a Bold Kitchen Backsplash
Hand Painted or Brushed Field Tile Create a Bold Kitchen Backsplash

Spanish Teruel tiles add a decorative element to the Brushed Navy, Yellow, and Green Spanish Field tile in this kitchen backsplash.

Avente Tile has two lines of brushed field tile. The Barcelona Field tile is available in a 6"x6" size and the following colors: Blue, Green, and Yellow. The Spanish Field tile is available in a 6"x6" and 4"x4" sizes in Brushed Blue, Brushed Green, Brushed Natural, and Brushed Navy. We do stock some of the Barcelona Field tile and have limited inventory on the Spanish Field tile as we transition to a new supplier. Feel free to check inventory and availability for your project.

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Cement Tile Fireplace Ideas

A few weeks ago we shared Four Fireplace Tile Design Ideas using ceramic tiles. Alternatively, cement tiles can be used for a fireplace surround, too. Here's two cement tile designs for a fireplace that use our Classic Cluny A and Traditional Yuna cement tiles.

Cluny Cement Tile Fireplace
Fireplace Surround using Classic Cluny Cement Tile

Fireplace cement tile installations are easily adapted to new installations since you can adjust the width or height of the fireplace marginally to avoid cuts and maintain the pattern. Cement tiles work well for retro-fits on existing fireplace installations, too. But, make a detailed layout plan for the tiles and expect to do some cutting. Also, remember that the edge of patterned cement tiles can't be finished with a bull nose to create a seamless transition. Make sure to account for providing a finished edge with a different material like wood molding (below), ceramic tile or stone (above).

Fireplace Surround using Traditional Yuna Cement Tile
Fireplace Surround using Traditional Yuna Cement Tile

Border patterns work well for framing the firebox. Notice how nicely the cement tile works with the other surfaces like the wood molding and marble floor? Cement tiles are a great way to bring color and pattern to your hearth!