How to Buy Tile Glaze

A glaze, which provides color and texture, is basically liquid glass the manufacturer sprays, pours, drops or silk screens onto the tile. They then bake or kiln fire the tiles to harden the glaze. Most ceramic tile is glazed, and with so many variations and choices you are sure to find a style you love.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Search online at websites or at home improvement and tile stores to compare tile glazes side by side.

2. Look at the surface color, design and ease of maintenance. Glazed tiles offer a greater range of colors than non glazed tiles--choose a color and pattern that fits in your design plan and coordinates well with the other tile and colors in the room.

3. Choose between a hard and soft tile glaze. Generally the higher the temperature at which the glazed tiles were fired, the harder they become. Lighter colors are generally stronger than darker colors, which tend to show wear sooner.

4. Decide to use glazed tiles rather than non glazed tiles because of their durability. Glaze protects and prevents staining, causing the tiles to become more resistant to everyday wear, helping them to stay beautiful longer.

5. Pick a gloss level for your tiles. Choose between a crackle, which looks like it's breaking into pieces; matte, which looks flat with no shine; and glossy, which has a heavy sheen and is highly reflective. The high gloss tiles show wear faster than matte or satin finishes.

Tips & Warnings

• Glazed tiles are also available with prints and patterns, which are great for bathrooms and kitchen backsplashes.

• Avoid tile glazes in areas with high traffic and use, such as floors or counter tops, as glazed tiles tend to scratch, slip and wear more often in these areas.