Porcelain stoneware is a relatively new building material that began to be produced around the 70s of the last century. Its good performance, durability and strength have led to this material being widely used.
Matte porcelain stoneware is widely used for exterior and interior decoration of the house and allows you to create an original design of the room.
What is porcelain stoneware?
Matte porcelain stoneware is one of the most durable facing materials. It is made using a special technology, which guarantees a high level of strength and reliability of the product. Its dimensions can be very different, the shape of the tile is square or rectangular.
The increased strength of porcelain stoneware makes it a versatile material for walls and floors. Such tiles are used in the home, especially in rooms with:
- high humidity;
- temperature fluctuations;
- highly polluted.
This material has proven itself well in places with high attendance and the simultaneous presence of a large number of people. Porcelain stoneware has three main types of surface, differingits main features.
How is porcelain stoneware made?
Porcelain stoneware for the floor receives its characteristics even in the manufacturing process. The technological process of manufacturing this product consists of several stages. The mixture, which was originally prepared from natural ingredients, is pressed under high pressure.
The resulting product is fired at high temperatures. During the firing process, the bonds in the structure of the material are destroyed, which contributes to an increase in its strength and reliability.
Main advantages and disadvantages
Before choosing a product, you need to study the main types of porcelain stoneware, advantages and disadvantages, as this will allow you to make the right choice. The main advantages of porcelain stoneware include:
- sustainable;
- abrasion resistance;
- strength;
- low water absorption;
- frost resistance;
- chemical resistance;
- fire resistance;
- durability.
It is worth noting that this material has practically no flaws. If it is laid in compliance with all the rules and technological requirements, then such a coating will last for a long time, without requiring special care and repairs. However, if the flooring is installed incorrectly, voids can occur between the floor and the tile itself. In this case, it may be deformed.
What are the types of porcelain stoneware
You can use a variety of types of porcelain stoneware in the interior, but it is often quite difficult to make the right choice, as more and more new and modern varieties of this product appear. Among the main types of porcelain stoneware, it is necessary to highlight:
- construction;
- glazed;
- matte;
- semi-polished;
- polished;
- satin;
- structured.
The most affordable and resistant to abrasion is building porcelain stoneware. Glazed is obtained by applying a special glaze to the surface of the tile and subsequent baking. Matte products are not subjected to additional processing, but they have a high level of durability.
To obtain a polished tile, its surface is treated with special abrasives, which helps to give it a beautiful appearance. Semi-polished porcelain stoneware is obtained by cutting off the matte part of the surface with subsequent processing by polishing. As a result, you can get quite beautiful and unusual tiles.
In the manufacture of a satin product, before firing, mineral s alt is applied to the surface of porcelain stoneware, which helps to give the product a unique soft sheen. Structured porcelain tile is a product with a relief surface that can imitate almost any material.
Mat texture features
Matt porcelain stoneware is one of the most durable tile materials available.since in terms of the main indicators of strength, it is almost 2 times superior to other types of tiles. Matte coating is becoming more and more popular and in demand every year, as its quality and decorative characteristics are somewhat similar to natural stone.
This product is quite easy to care for, as to maintain an attractive appearance, the coating only needs to be periodically wiped with a damp cloth. This material is resistant to negative climatic conditions and temperature fluctuations, which is why it is suitable even for laying outdoors.
Matte porcelain tile for flooring is safer than other types of flooring, since the surface of the tile does not become slippery when water enters. Therefore, it is ideal for rooms with high humidity. Matte products are considered pure porcelain stoneware, however, despite this, its cost is much lower than that of other types of tiles, and its quality characteristics are higher.
Properties and characteristics of matte tiles
Matte porcelain stoneware has no shine, as its surface is not additionally polished or processed after firing. This manufacturing method gives the tile not only a natural look, but also has such qualities as:
- environmental and hygienic;
- resistance to abrasion and deformation;
- preservation of aesthetic characteristics regardless of the level of load;
- ability to withstand various temperatures;
- minimum porosity andmoisture absorption.
This product has an anti-slip effect, which is why you can be completely sure of the safety when mounting it outdoors.
Fields of application of the matte product
When choosing tiles for your home, matt porcelain stoneware can be an ideal option. This is one of the most durable facing materials, which has found wide application in the finishing of exteriors and interiors. The unpolished product is excellent for installation in areas with high humidity, and is also ideal for use in the most aggressive conditions.
The surface of such a product can be of absolutely any color, since with the help of innovative technologies it is possible to give texture:
- concrete;
- marble;
- fabrics;
- wood;
- skin.
In addition, the product can be decorated with various patterns. Ceramics, which has a wood texture, very accurately imitates parquet or laminate. It is able to serve for a long time and it does not require special care. Granite or marble look tiles are just perfect for kitchens, saunas, bathrooms, swimming pools.
Gray matte porcelain stoneware is the best option for designing a unique interior at an affordable cost. It goes well with interior items made in the style of a loft or minimalism. In addition, it will be a great addition to the Scandinavian style.
This type of tile is ideal for flooring, walls, terraces, building facades, stairs.
Rules for the care of matte porcelain tiles
Matte tiles are resistant to aggressive chemicals, which is why a variety of chemical solutions can be used to eliminate pollution. Acidic agents help to eliminate the remains of lime, cement, glue. They also work well on nicotine, rust and ink stains.
Alkaline solutions help remove vegetable and animal greasy stains, as well as coffee, blood and juice stains. Solvents such as acetone, turpentine and gasoline will help remove wax stains, chewing gum residue, varnish, resins. Stain removers will be able to remove greasy and various colored stains.
If the tile is not very dirty, there are no greasy stains and stains on it, just wipe the surface with a soft sponge dipped in absolutely any detergent. It is advisable to remove all existing contaminants immediately after their formation, as this will simplify the care of porcelain stoneware. Do not wash it too often with products that contain acids, as over time they can destroy tile joints.
How to choose the right porcelain tile?
Before choosing a tile for home decoration, you need to study its technical characteristics. For the kitchen, white matte porcelain stoneware is ideal, which will help to visually raise the low ceiling and enlarge the room.
Dark product and rich color combinations can only be used for decoration if the room is spacious enough. The color of the furniture also plays an important role. If it is light or white, then it is best to choose a dark floor covering, otherwise the room will not be particularly comfortable.
