Wall tile Art Nouveau WINE LEAVES

Manufacturing process

Our Art Nouveau tiles are true to the original reproductions from Germany and all over Europe from the time around 1900. They are produced nowadays in the same way they were produced 100 years ago, using the dry pressing method. Dry clay granulate is filled in steel moulds and pressed with strong hydraulic presses. The ornaments of the moulded cast-iron plunger gets transferred to the tile in the process. During the subsequent bisque firing at 1000°C the blank reaches its stability and changes its colour from grey to white. Afterwards the glaze is applied manually and the tile goes through a second firing process. By this the desired glaze effects are achieved: bright colours, shine, transparency and craquelé.

Glazes with craquelé

Most semitransparent glazes will give the Art Nouveau tile their unique colour depths. Tiles with semitransparent glazes will form a fine craquelé. This means fine, hairline cracks in the glaze, that act as particular design element. The craquelé will become stronger over time as a result of the ageing process - like the original Art Nouveau tiles. If desired you can have glazes with less craquelé effect.

Colour play

The glaze is applied manually. In this connection variations of the amount of glaze applied may occur, so that the single coloured tiles feature a signifcant play of colours among one another. During the firing process the glazes become highly fluid. As the blanks never lie enterly flat, the glaze will run irregularly and form thicker and thinner layers. The result is a tile that features a significant colour progression in itself. You will thus achieve a unique and lively tile surface.

Combination

By combining single coloured tiles with ornamented and border tiles you can create your very own, individual tile panel. The skirting tiles and single coloured border tiles are available in the same colours as the single coloured tiles. With these tiles the glaze is sprayed on. On the ornamented tiles the glaze is applied manually with a brush or painting horn - thus the colour composition is different and colour nuances different from the single coloured tiles arise.

Dimensional tolerances

The tiles are not calibrated and as a result of the different drying and firing shrinkage minimal variations in size may occur between batches. Border- and corner tiles often feature signifcant variations in size. We recommend to align them offet to the wall tiles. By doing so alignments and the linear pattern are interrupted and the tile panel appears more harmonious.

Suitability

These Art Nouveau tiles are made of glazed stoneware and are not frost-resistant when wet. They should only be used indoors and in roofed outdoor areas.

Delivery time

We usually have small quantities of single tiles in stock. The lead time is 3-4 days. Larger quantities and custom sizes (borders, corner tiles etc.) have a lead time of approx. 6 weeks.

Packaging and delivery

Our Art Nouveau tiles are always custom made. There are no standard packaging units. You can order the desired quantity.

Tiles can only be transported safely with a forwarding agency. We would be pleased to provide you with an offer for delivery on your construction site. Transport cost depends on weight and distance. To prepare the offer we need to know the amount of tiles you plan to buy and your postcode.

Small quantities (up to 20 pieces) may be shipped with a parcel service. We pack the tiles padded and carefully. However there will be a risk of breaking that will pass to you.

Laying

The tiles can be laid with a standard tile adhesive. The laying method (thin-bed, thick-bed or medium-bed) depends on the ground.

Cutting

It is possible that the glaze splinters during cutting. In case you have to cut a visible edge, every paviour has to find out the best technique for them. It is advisable to cut a trial tile beforehand:

A - Wet cutting with diamond blade for glazed tiles – either cut to nominal dimension or cut 1mm next to the nominal dimension, than use a grindstone to grind to zero B - Dry scribing, then breaking

Jointing

Please use high quality grout only. We recommend to use a neutral colour for the joints. When using heavily pigmented grout and the tiles feature a strong craquelé it is possible that colour pigments settle in the craquelé.It is advisable to check the effects on a trial tile. In order to avoid absorption, it can be helpful to wet the tiles with a sponge before the jointing, as wetting reduces the absorptive capacity.

Impregnation/Sealing

When using craquelé tiles in the kitchen it is advisable to impregnate them with FILA MP/90 to avoid fat settling in the tiles. The surface will be less sensitive to dirt. It is not advisable to use these tiles close to the cooker/stove. As the craquelé will develop further in the first year it is necessary to repeat the impregnation process after 2 months and again after 6 months. You should preferably use tiles without craquelé glaze in wet areas. When using craquelé tiles in a wet area, we highly recommend impregnation.

Cleaning and care

A glaze is a coat made of glass. Glazes are not resistant to scratches or acid-proof. Please do not use abrassive tools like steel sponges or scrapers for cleaning the tiles. Copper based glazes (greenish or blueish glazes) may permantly change their colour when cleaned with acidic cleaners (lime remover, vinegar, citrus cleaning agent).