Ceramic Tile Portland, ME | Products | Old Port Specialty Tile Co.

Ceramic Tile

Ceramic tile is the most recognizable type of tile. It’s highly customizable with a large variety of shapes, sizes, textures, and colors. Ceramics are most often used for walls or decorative accents and can make a huge impact in your space.

Ceramic Tile Selection

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Ceramic tile is most often used on wall applications including wet spaces, with some finishes being suitable for light duty residential floor applications. Always refer to manufacturer recommendations for best applications.

Ceramic tiles are relatively maintenance free products that require little continuing care beyond regular cleaning. Most cleaning can be done with a damp cloth and a gentle nonacidic soap. A multipurpose spray cleaner, which removes soap scum, hard water deposits, and mildew designed for everyday use, can be used on wall tile areas in residential baths and showers. The entire area should be cleaned and scrubbed with cleaner solution and the use of a cotton mop, cloth, sponge, or non-metallic brush. The entire area should be rinsed with clean water to remove any cleaning solution residue. Remember that you should sweep or vacuum floor areas prior to cleaning to remove any dust or debris. Routine cleaners should never contain hazardous or polluting products including, but not limited to acids or ammonia. Acids can damage the grout and the glazed surface of the tile, and ammonia can discolor the grout.

Old Port Specialty Tile recommends Miracle Products for regular cleaning. These products can be purchased at our store. If you have questions regarding which products are appropriate for use in your tile installation, please ask a sales representative. Take care to avoid “over the counter” tile cleaners that contain phosphoric and glycolic acids that could etch some ceramic tile surfaces.

Because of the glazed surface on ceramic tile, they are moisture and scratch resistant and should not stain.

Many glazed ceramics do not require sealing. However, ceramic tiles with crackle glazes should be sealed prior to grouting to prevent grout colorant from staining the clay body. Grout joints should be sealed on all ceramic tile applications, especially those in wet or high traffic areas. All tiles with crackle glazes require resealing on a periodic basis.

Old Port Specialty Tile recommends Miracle Products for regular sealing of your tile. These products can be purchased at our store. If you have questions regarding which products are appropriate for use in your tile installation, please ask a sales representative.

All ceramic tiles are subject to crazing. Crazing is crackling solely within the fired glaze due to tensile stresses, temperature fluctuation, or expansion and contraction of the tile body or setting bed. Crazing is not a defect, nor does it affect the durability of the products and is an inherent characteristic of the manufacturing process.

Resources

Appointment Planning Guide
Care and Maintenance
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