Product Knowledge for California Art Tile
- Our glazed ceramic tile is not recommended for high-use areas, i.e., kitchen counters and floors. The glaze/body is soft and may scratch and stain. Tile can stain from juice, cola, cleaners or sealers. If end-user insists on using our tiles on a counter-top, we suggest incorporating a built-in cutting board or a solid work-surface station into their design. If end-user insists on using product on floor, slippage and wear must be considered. On a shower floor, certain glazes may show discoloration if water is trapped behind product; crazing may occur.
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- Our ceramic tiles are not for use in pools, wet or dry saunas and steam showers. Regarding decorative fountains, we recommend using our tiles above the water line. The tile is not recommened for freeze/thaw environments. As in all tile, handcrafted tile can chip, nick & scratch.
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- Color and shade variation are sometimes extreme, and may differ from product samples, job add-ons, or may even vary within the same box. Trim and field tiles are manufactured at different times, therefore, products should be assessed PRIOR to installation.
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- Matte/ Satin Tiles may have little or no shine.
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- We DO NOT recommend using photos from our staff, or images from website, as an accurate representation of actual product.
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- All product sizes are approximations. The surfaces of handcrafted tiles are rarely flat and may vary in thickness and texture. Example: Our 4x4 tile may be thinner than our 4x8 tile; our Española Crystal White may vary in thickness from our Subway Crystal White. Installers must identify with material PRIOR to install. Tiles should be shuffled, or pulled from multiple cartons to take advantage of these shade variations.
- Bisque is unglazed tile that should be sealed before adhering it to a surface. Sealing is recommended before and after grouting and periodically as upkeep. Bisque, even sealed, is not recommended for wet environments.
- Several types of surface irregularities can occur (surface pops, puddle of glaze in depressions, glazed chips, bumps, crazing, pores) and are not uncharacteristic of handcrafted tiles. Surface pops, crazing and efflorescence may occur before and/or after installation.Surface pops result from concentrated spots of lime, which may be under the glaze and pop off of the tile. Efflorescence describes the growth of salt crystals on a bisque surface (visible under the glaze) due to the evaporation of salt-laden water.
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- We recommend using modified thinset-mortar, ceramic tile wedges, not mechanical spacers, and sanded grout. Do not use epoxy grouts or sealers. Our authentic, handcrafted tiles should NOT be butted together, a grout joint must exist to help blend the irregular surfaces that may exist.
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- Sealing our tiles: Crazing is inherent in most of our glazes. Crazing describes the spider-web like appearance in our glazed red-body and our translucent white-body tiles. In order to protect the appearance of crazing and crackled tiles, product should be sealed prior to cutting and grouting. A ph-neutral sealer should be used, as some of our glazes (blues & greens) contain metals, and are sensitive to acids. We also recommend using ph-neutral cleaners, with a white synthetic (non-abrasive) pad. Periodic resealing is a necessary maintenance procedure to limit staining. We recommend testing the sealer on sample tiles before use to assess compatibility.
- Markers, thin-set, water from wet-saw cuts, and contrasting grout colors could accent the crazing - permanently staining the product. Writing or marking on our tiles with ink markers is not recommended. Ink may be absorbed by surface pores and crazing, which may leave a permanent stain. We recommend wax markers. Avoid markers on Matte / Satin glazes. ALL marks should be removed prior to grouting, as certain grouts have polymers which seal the tile.
- Avoid customer service problems or delays, order 5% extra for cuts, breakage and layout changes.
- Rejection of tiles must be made PRIOR to installation.
- Tile installation does not start with the tile. The substrate system must be done professionally. It is a highly technical skill. Chemical compatibility is important. Not all grout, sealer and thin-set products are compatible. We recommend hiring a certified ceramic tile installer. Some states require licensing. Installation of our tile constitutes acceptance of the aforementioned irregularities.
- Residential shipments are shipped with a Signature Required for delivery. Packing fees will apply.
- ALL shipments should be inspected prior to acceptance. Any obvious damage must be noted on the Bill of Lading. Regarding breakage, freight companies require that all product, boxes and packing material be saved for inspection. Do not discard any damaged product.
- Handcrafted tile is not for everyone. It is important to share the above information with your company personnel and your clients.
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