Ceramic tiles are a durable cladding, resistant to moisture and mechanical damage. While in the case of natural wood, securing its surface with specialised agents (for example oils, stains or varnish) is indispensable, in the case of ceramic tiles it is always necessary to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for impregnation. It is best to do this already at the stage of selecting a given ceramic collection, also calculating the cost of impregnation and the frequency of renewing the impregnation treatments.
Impregnation of tiles? Only at the explicit recommendation of the manufacturer
As already mentioned, the impregnation should only be used at the explicit recommendation of the ceramic tile manufacturer.
For instance, Ceramika Paradyż tiles do not require additional protection of the surface with any impregnants. Why? Their surface in the production process is protected in such a way that UV rays, humidity or chemical and mechanical factors do not cause any changes in visual and functional parameters. Of course it is necessary to choose tiles according to their purpose – depending on the type of room, traffic intensity and other factors that are crucial for the durability of a ceramic cladding.
Well-chosen tiles will please the eye for a long time.
Why else does Ceramika Paradyż, as a tile manufacturer, not recommend their impregnation? Because impregnants change the technical parameters of the ceramic cladding. The impregnate creates a “skin” layer on the surface of the tiles, changing their appearance and usage parameters. For example, the impregnation laid in intensively used communication routes, with time, undergoes mechanical collapse in the most frequently used places and visibly deteriorates the visual qualities of the entire cladding.
In addition – impregnation instead of protection, may increase the susceptibility to spotting. The impregnate is a chemical agent whose composition – even if it is given by the manufacturer – does not always allow to predict chemical reactions that may occur between it and substances that come into contact with the impregnated surface of the tiles.
That is why it is always worth checking and respecting the manufacturer’s recommendations before deciding on the choice of a given ceramic collection.
Thoughtful selection of tiles instead of impregnation
The process of impregnation, i.e. applying a protective layer to the surface of ceramic tiles, is intended to protect the cladding from adverse physical – mechanical or chemical factors. However – as we have already mentioned – if the tile manufacturer clearly does not recommend this procedure, it should not be performed. This also applies to warranty procedures – tiles whose surface will change their technical parameters due to the use of unsuitable impregnation will not be covered by the manufacturer’s warranty. In short – a possible complaint will not be taken into account.
Do not subject wall or floor tiles to impregnation if their manufacturer clearly does not recommend this procedure.
Therefore, it is much better to make a well-thought-out selection of specific ceramic collections. Before we make a purchase, we need to be sure that the selected tiles will please the eye for years and fulfil their utility functions in a given facility and in a specific room. Other will be the needs of shopping malls, other hospitals, restaurants, offices, hotel facilities and other investments, and still other private bathrooms or garages.
From a wide range of ceramic manufacturers, you can successfully choose beautiful tiles that meet the stringent requirements for specific operational parameters, and at the same time do not require additional protection with impregnants.
Preparation and utilisation of tiles
Surely, for the durability of a ceramic cladding, professional assembly, ongoing utilisation and care of tiles are of great importance.
Equally important, as the purchase of optimal tiles, is the choice of a professional assembly team that will not only take care of the proper preparation of the substrate and the selection of appropriate preparations for priming, gluing, and grouting, but also professionally execute cutting of tiles and their aesthetic and long-lasting arrangement.
It is also worth checking how to clean tiles just after assembly, so as not to damage the ceramic surface.
It should also be remembered that tiles laid outside – for example on terraces exposed to snow and frost, require attention both in autumn and winter.
Remember to make a technical inspection of the ceramic cladding in autumn and take care of tiles in the winter.
Answers to most questions about how to choose, arrange and cultivate ceramic tiles, you will also find in our tips, as well as in the Handbook of Ceramic Tiles for an Architect.
SUMMARY
- Ceramic tiles can be impregnated only at the explicit recommendation of their manufacturer.
- Impregnants as protection layers with not always known chemical composition, can change the visual and utility parameters of tiles.
- Ceramika Paradyż does not recommend impregnating the tiles it produces.
- The wide range of ceramic tile manufacturers allows selection of optimal collections that meet aesthetic and functional requirements, without having to be impregnated.
- Professional assembly and ongoing care of well-chosen ceramic tiles ensure long-life for ceramic cladding and preservation of usable and visual values.
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