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.

What does encaustic look mean?

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. … The pattern appears inlaid into the body of the tile, so that the design remains as the tile is worn down.

Are encaustic tiles suitable for showers?

“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.”

What is encaustic tile made from?

Encaustic tile is traditionally made from clay, but today, most modern versions of the tile are made using cement and are often referred to simply as cement tile. “Cement tile is handmade, entirely of concrete (not painted), in a metal mold and hydraulically pressed,” explains Clamp.

Do you need to seal encaustic tiles?

Encaustic tiles should be sealed before they are laid to minimise the risk of grout or other products staining the tiles during installation — you wouldn’t be the first person to have to rip up a completely new encaustic tile job!

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.

What do you seal encaustic tiles with?

Sealing Encaustic Tiles When the tiles are fully dry apply a coat of Tile Doctor Colour Grow, colour grow is an impregnating sealer that will occupy the pores in the tile and protect it from staining, it will also enhance the stronger colours in the tile.

Can you use encaustic tiles outside?

Encaustic cement tiles can withstand conditions outdoors in locations that are adequately protected, for example on a covered patio, or on a terrace in a Mediterranean climate. Nevertheless, as these tiles are slightly porous, slight cracks or chips may occur in the event of frost or if they are clogged with moisture.

How thick are encaustic tiles?

Most encaustic cement tiles are 16mm thick. Our range are 12mm thick. A strengthening fibre is used in the cement mix which enables the tiles to be produced in a much for adaptable thickness without compromising any of the strength of the tile.

How do you get stains out of encaustic tiles?

‘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. ‘Where water is used to clean encaustic tiles, control its spread; a wet towel left on the floor overnight can be effective. ‘

Article first time published on

Are encaustic tiles good for bathroom?

Tips for Using Encaustic Cement Tile in Showers and Bathrooms. … The most common question is, “Can I use them in my shower or bath?” The answer is definitely, “Yes!” Cement tiles can also be used in wet areas such as the bathroom floor, shower floor, shower wall, steam room or sauna.

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.

What kind of tile do you use for a shower floor?

Mosaic tiles are the most popular choice for shower floor tiles. The small size of the individual tiles means they conform to the slope and shape of the shower floor better than a larger tile would. There are also more grout lines present between mosaic tiles, offering much-needed slip resistance in the shower.

Can you put underfloor heating under encaustic tiles?

Are Encaustic Tiles compatible with underfloor-heating? We would say yes. However, each project can be discussed with us or again discussed with your builder or tiler. Finally, encaustic tiles are rustic in nature and due to the composition and manner of manufacture, they have slightly uneven and brittle edges.

Can you sand encaustic tiles?

For a very stubborn stain, the tiles can be lightly wet sanded with an extra fine sandpaper, 400 grit or finer. It’s important to use water when sanding, to avoid scratching the tiles and to prevent residue from settling into the pores. The sanded area should be cleaned and allowed to dry thoroughly.

How do you make encaustic tiles shine?

1. Carefully remove any loose tiles. …
2. Clean up the area before getting started. …
3. Re-affix the loose tile using glue. …
4. Repair chips with epoxy putty. …
5. Scrape away paint splashes. …
6. Remove ingrained dirt from tiles. …
7. Consider whether you need to apply sealer. …
8. Buff up floor to a soft sheen.

How do you clean encaustic tiles?

Keep them clean by wiping them with fresh water as you work.” “All cement tiles are microporous, which means they can absorb moisture and dirt, similar to a lot of natural stone,” says Brooke. “They must always be sealed and, for most areas, we recommend at least two coats.

How do you clean encaustic tiles before sealing?

Pre-cleaning: We do not recommend pre-cleaning encaustic tiles, however if required the surface can be washed with water or MN Power Clean and then fully dried prior to installation. Any surface dust can be removed with a soft brush.

How old is encaustic?

Encaustic painting was practiced by Greek artists as far back as the 5th century B.C. Most of our knowledge of this early use comes from the Roman historian Pliny the Elder whose Natural History, written in the 1st century A.D., was a monumental encyclopedia of art and science.

When were encaustic tiles invented?

In the 1860s, Godwin collaborated with William Boulton, a press manufacturer, to create inlaid floor tiles by a similar process and in 1868, Boulton patented the first machines capable of making dust-pressed encaustic tiles.

How do you clean unsealed encaustic tiles?

1. Sweep cement tiles daily to brush away dirt and debris.
2. Wash cement tiles weekly to monthly with water and mild pH-neutral soap to buff away any dried residue before it sets in and becomes a stain.

Do cement tiles need to be sealed?

Like all concrete and natural stone, cement tiles are porous. When installing cement tiles, whether on a floor or wall, they must be sealed before and after grouting to prevent the grout staining the tile.

What is terrazzo tiles?

Terrazzo is a composite material either poured in place or precast or hydraulically pressed as tiles. Terrazzo is used for floor and wall decorative finishes. Terrazzo is cured, ground and polished to a smooth surface or otherwise finished to produce a uniformly textured surface. …

What is the difference between porcelain tile and ceramic tile?

What is the Difference Between Porcelain and Ceramic Tile? … Both tiles are clay-based and kiln-fired, but porcelain is technically a specialized type of ceramic. The clays used to make porcelain have a higher density and are fired longer at a higher temperature than ceramic.

Is cement tile good for laundry room?

“Cement tiles can be used on the floors and walls in the kitchen, living room, foyer, dining room, bathroom, and laundry room,” says Melanie Stephens, director of design and marketing at Granada Tile.

What are Minton tiles?

Minton was one of the best-known British manufacturers of porcelain and pottery beginning in the late 18th century. The “Minton” name has also been associated with fine ceramic and encaustic floor tile since the early 1800s.