Table of Contents
What does encaustic mean in tile?
The term encaustic means “to heat or burn in” from an ancient Greek word. Encaustic materials are produced through a process which involves heating to seal in the dyes and clays. Traditional encaustic tiles are made using clay and powdered glazes, and are fired in a coal or wood-fired kiln.
Are encaustic tiles durable?
Cement tile is extremely durable. With the proper care, they can last a lifetime in your home, too. To hold up properly, cement tiles must be sealed with several coats of penetrating sealer during installation. Sealer must then be reapplied periodically, as cement tile surfaces tend to be very porous without sealing.
Is encaustic tile a fad?
Popular in the very ornate Victorian and (more austere but still ornate by modern standards) Edwardian eras, and dating all the way back to Medieval times, graphic encaustic (or cement) tiles are enjoying a revival. Okay, it’s suddenly a HUGE trend.
How do you use encaustic tiles?
The coloured cement is poured into the various sections of the mould, which keeps the colours separate, allowing the desired pattern to form. It is then placed into a hydraulic press with evenly applied pressure until the layers become a single tile.
What is encaustic look?
Encaustic Look Tile True encaustic tile is created with the colors of the clay itself, rather than the glaze. It is perfect for adding a pop of color to a neutral space and is available in many era-specific styles like Victorian, Baroque, or Edwardian.
Can you use encaustic tile in a shower?
“Encaustic tiles can also be used in wet areas such as shower rooms, but it’s likely they will fade slightly, especially darker colours and patterns due to the natural pigments used, however, it is all part of the natural ageing process and part of their charm.”Jan 25, 2021.
Do encaustic tiles fade?
No. The color layer is 1/8″ deep and basically never wears off. There are historic installations of cement tile that are over 100 years old and are still in very good shape.
Do encaustic tiles stain?
‘Encaustic tiles that have become stained or dirty can generally be cleaned with fresh water, detergents or proprietary tile cleaners – but never soak them,’ says Hunt. To keep your encaustic tiles in good condition, sweep or vacuum floor surfaces regularly, and repair or replace missing or damaged tiles.
Are encaustic tiles hard to lay?
Installing cement tiles is not hard. If you follow our instructions as to how to install cement tiles you will find the job quite simple and very satisfying. Encaustic cement tiles can transform any space in your home. In the bathroom, you can create a hardwearing that will look great for many years.
Where did encaustic tiles originate?
Traditional encaustic tile originated in Europe, unlike many other types of tile which have their roots in Asia. At first, to simulate the look of Roman mosaics, European craftsmen would etch patterns into stones with knives and fill in the holes with clay.
Can encaustic tiles be used outside?
Encaustic tile is generally frost-proof and can be used in any outdoor applications. Cement tile can’t be used in locations subjected to hard freezes and is more commonly found in Mediterranean or tropical climates. Then the tiles are fired.
Is cement tile slippery when wet?
Cement tiles have some major benefits: they’re environmentally friendly as they are produced with natural components (and are not fired in a kiln); they are not slippery — even when wet; and they are easily customizable as each one is produced by hand.
Can encaustic tiles be used in a pool?
Encaustic tiles can be used to make a stunning style statement in many areas inside and outside the home, including bathrooms, kitchens, hallways, fireplace surrounds, patios, pathways and swimming pool surrounds. The key is to choose the right tile material for the job.
How thick are encaustic tiles?
Standard thickness of these cement tiles is usually 5/8” (16mm). Allow for adequate room under doors, and consider the height difference when transitioning to other materials.
Are encaustic tiles suitable for kitchens?
From modern spaces to traditional and eclectic kitchens, cement encaustic tiles can work in any type of home. You choose the perfect tile design that works with your kitchen, not the other way around.
Are encaustic tiles porcelain?
Encaustic tiles are ceramic tiles in which the pattern or figure on the surface is not a product of the glaze but of different colors of clay.
Are encaustic tiles porous?
Cleaning. As I mentioned above that these tiles are porous so they need to be cleaned in a similar way to natural stone. That means, you cannot use any acidic or abrasive cleaners, or products containing bleach.
Are cement tiles good for kitchen?
Cement tile is appropriate in every kind of kitchen. No matter what kind of design you want to achieve or how you plan to use your kitchen, cement tile is the ideal material.
Do you need to seal encaustic tiles?
Sealing the Tiles: All encaustic tiles are porous, therefore it is important to seal the tiles correctly to reduce the natural absorption and maintain the desired appearance. If the recommended care system is used the surface will be easier to maintain.
Are cement tiles more expensive than ceramic?
What they cost: Relatively, similar in cost, both ceramic and cement tiles become more expensive per square foot/per piece the more detailed they become (for example, handpainted or patterned tiles). Ceramic: our tile ranges from $12SF and up. Cement: From ~$9SF and up.
