Glass Tiles and All Its Classifications - By: Justin Davis

Used originally as mosaic in the early BC. Glass tiles were designed and improved far after the clay tiles are made. One of the most innovative works during 8,000 BC is the combination of size, color, and shape, glass tiles. It is commonly made from Persia, India, and Greece for which then had been developed.

Development of glass tiles would involve high heat in able to melt the glass and being a master artist in order to create a work of art. Since glass is more subtle than a porcelain material, Smalti is made from molten glass and metal oxides, which can add color and the result, would be a cloudy mixture that adds art into the tile. Nowadays, with the help of technology glass tile is made with more varieties.

Smalti tile

As far as the 18th century BC, this type of time is made from silica with sodium or potassium carbonate plus metal for stabilizing colors. It was then melted into a high temperature then rolled over in a slab. It usually measures 6 inches thick and once cooled, cutting into small rectangular shape is done manually since at advancements in technology were not yet available.

Fused tile

This type of tile is done with other coating to ensure the durability and scuff. Flat glass or windshield glass is the basic material for making a fused tile. Fusing is then made to ensure the outcome for this type of tile by cutting it into small tile pieces. Usually translucent color is the result after the process of fusing. Sizes are options from the smallest mosaic tile to the largest format.

Sintered tile

Known to be a versatile material, the sintered tile is made from glass powder, which then heated until all particles mixed together. Whether mixing together with the powder or after cooling it off, adding another color is an option. The great thing about this tile is that it comes with a uniform look and its durability with scratch resistance.

Cast tile

This involves recycling. Used tiles are then cut into chunks then placed in a high temperature mold to melt it. The moment it turns lucid than the result would become a layered look.

Slumped tile

This is done by slumping method wherein a glass is curved into a concave-shape during the meting process. Result would be a unique outline shape. Only low temperature is needed when making a slumped tile.

Etched glass tile

Three applications are needed for making the etched glass tile. Layering and applying solutions for each are involved. Hydrofluoric acid is placed from the exterior or base then followed by adding cloudy glass inside out to get the exact result for this type of tile. Laser cutter is then used to cut its precise shape.

About the Author

In renovating your kitchen you can use a glass tile backsplash or if you want it simple but eye-catching you can use glass mosaic tiles. You can add a decor on it by hanging picture frames on the wall.

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