Tile installation and care

Many of my ceramic tiles are heat-printed using special inks, high temperatures and pressure.

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These unique printed tiles will give you years of use and pleasure with proper care and maintenance BUT they are not as abrasion and chemical resistant as the "normal" kiln fired tiles you might buy at Tile Depot!

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This is why they are NOT recommended for areas subject to traffic, wear-and-tear, high UV levels (eg conservatories) or frequent, heavy cleaning regimes.

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If you drag heavy things over the surface, graze metal tools across it, or attack it with a scouring pad, you will damage the surface or even grind off patches of the design.

 

Normal cleaning with non-abrasive cleaners (and preferably bleach free) is fine (I have them in my bathroom in the shower and next to the bath with no issues whatsoever).

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The back of the tiles is a standard ceramic and they should be fixed in place with tile adhesive as with a normal tile.  If you use a professional, make sure they know the following BEFORE the start the job:

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Fixing / Installation

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• If stacking tiles, always stack face-to-face, or back to back. If you stack them the ceramic backs of one in contact with the printed face of another, you are likely to damage the design.

• Use an un-sanded grout, and do not grout the entire surface, just the joints. Wipe carefully with a soft cloth. Do not rub.

• Clean as soon as possible with a mild solution of half a cap-full of Windolene or similar glass cleaner and a soft cloth.

• T-shirt material is recommended as your soft cloth.

• Apply grout sealer to the joint after 30 days, following the manufacturer's directions.

• Rinse and clean with a soft cloth

• EXTRA CARE must be taken when fitting into cast iron fireplaces so as to ensure that the tile surface is not scratched by any sharp surface on the back of the cast iron,

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Cleaning & Care

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• The use of multi-purpose household cleaners is not recommended. 

• It is not necessary to use any type of detergent. Detergent leaves a film that will dull the appearance of the tile. In the case of tile with a high-gloss finish, one cap-full of Windolene or similar glass cleaner can be added to one quart of warm water to remove any water streaks.

• For kitchen back splashes, clean often after cooking to prevent dirt build up.

• Do not use commercial tile cleaners, commercial fungicides, chlorine bleach, abrasive cleansers, detergent, ammonia or petroleum or animal fat-based cleaners. Read all cleansing product directions prior to use.

• Do not use acids of any type on your tile or grout.

• Do not use steel wool, coloured cleansing agents or scouring pads.

• Do not wax your tile. Coated printed tiles are durable, with proper care and maintenance.

• Do not use tiles outdoors or in fountains, swimming pools or spas.

• If tiles are to be used in your shower they will require frequent periodic cleaning in order to remove soap scum and hard water deposits.​

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I recommend that you print these instructions and keep them to hand for future reference.

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If you have any concerns or questions please contact me!