The Selection of Ceramic Tiles

Because imported tiles may not be of the high quality available in the country of origin, and locally manufactured tiles may also have unseen defects, it is recommended that in the purchasing of tiles, some simple tests should be performed. Suggestions are to subject the tiles to a 1% aqueous solution of methylene blue dye, and a marker pen to check the freedom of a glazed surface from crazing, thinness of glaze, and surface defects likely to yield in-service soiled surfaces that are difficult to clean. Cheap or discounted tiles should be viewed with some suspicion. Quality tiles will demand a high price. Before a tiler commences laying tiles, both tiler and client should check that all boxes are properly labelled and contain tiles of the same colour and quality, and that they have been manufactured to the same National Standard. 10 refs.