For a long time since the earliest civilization has managed to bake clay and harden the items under heat, creating a variety of ceramic items. One of the popular ceramic products is the porcelain. For years, porcelain has been used in a variety of items like dishes, potteries, dolls, and even tiles.
Yes, you heard it right, porcelain tiles are used widely by most of the people across the globe. These tiles are made by hardening the china clay and have water absorption power less than 0.5 percent.
But that’s what makes this tile species convenient for covering the walls and the floors. Porcelain tiles are made in different forms, and the availability of the variance in looks and properties makes the tile species acceptable by the population.
Before you go on buying the tiles made from porcelain, why don’t we take a look into the types of porcelain tiles you have in your hand? After all, that will give you a clear idea about what you want and where you want to fix the tile.
Matte porcelain tiles
Matte porcelain is where you don’t get to see the final polishing layers. Even though you will be buying the new ones, the look is usually rusted and worn out. Powdered clay is mixed in the mold while preparing the clay for the kiln. This gives a lustreless, rustic look to the tiles, making it suitable for the architectural houses.
Glazed porcelain tiles
When the porcelain tiles are baked and are taken out of the kiln, a layer of shiny semi-liquid substance is deposited on the heated surface. The reason for this is the increased amount of adherence. This highly shining surface is termed as a glaze and they can be neutral or colored.
Polished porcelain tiles
Other than the glazed tiles, which can appear to be shiny and reflective, the polished porcelain tiles can also weave the same magic. Here, the manufacturing process differs from the glazing one. The polishing material is coated over the raw, baked porcelain tile till it hardens and becomes dense.
Double charged porcelain tiles
As the name suggests, the tiles are made by the fusion of two different types of clay materials. The finish can be glazed, matte, or even the polished one. The mixing of two different clay materials introduces designs and patterns in the tile’s appearance. Mixing is done before the baking process to make the patterns look natural.
Textured Tiles
The textured tiles are best suited for outdoor floors in the houses where the rate of wear and tear will be maximum. These tiles are water resistant and provide less slippery surfaces. The texture is rugged, making it look like almost stone surfaces.
Full body porcelain tiles
Most of the porcelain tiles have colored patterns infused on a base color. However, in the full body tile, you will have a homogenous composition of the color throughout the entire tile structure. As a result, you will have an even look, without any sort of distortion in the color distribution.
Satin finished porcelain tiles
The satin finished tiles are the ones made in the same process as of the polished tiles. However, the last coating of polishing material is not added over the tile. This makes it look smooth and silky but not glossy.