Glossary

Confused about 'rectification', or unfamiliar with terms like 'back buttering'? Whatever your existing knowledge, this is a layman-friendly guide to all terms tiling related.

To access other topics in the Knowledge Centre, click the book icon below.

Digital Decoration

Today majority high proportion of ceramic tile manufacturers in the major European producing countries, Spain and Italy, have already converted to digital inkjet printing. These manufacturers have all cut production costs, reduced waste, work-in-progress and stocks of finished products, and improved responsiveness to design changes and customer demand.

They are also producing higher quality tiles that offer more realistic reproduction of marble and other natural materials. And they are doing so in the short runs that buyers demand – using digital, a single ceramic tile can be produced cost-effectively. Instead of competing on price, these manufacturers can compete on creativity and innovation, and do so in new markets.

Dimensions

Tiles are specified by size, with standard sizes given in millimetres: 150 by 150mm, 300 by 300mm, etc. These equate approximately, but not exactly, to the traditional standard sizes of 6 by 6in, 12 by 12in, etc. Standard dimensions for mosaic tiles are indicated in the same way and can include 25 by 25mm (1 by 1in), 50 by 50mm (2 by 2in), 75 by 75mm (3 by 3in), etc. Work size is the length, width and thickness of the tile, whereas the co-ordinating size also includes the width of the joints between the tiles (work size plus joint width).

Dispersion Adhesives

Pre-mixed adhesives, also known as ready-mix or paste, containing organic binders, mineral fillers and organic additives. These are classified as either D1 or D2. The D1adhesives are not water-resistant and may be used for dry internal wall tiling. D2 adhesives are suitable for such wet areas as showers, but not for total immersion conditions. Reduced slip, an optional characteristic, may also be classified and shown with a ‘T’ and an extended open time, i.e. longer than 30 minutes, shown with an ‘E.’

Double Loaded

Term to describe double pressed porcelain tile manufacturing process. A second loading in the porcelain pressing process adds fine coloured powders onto the top of the main body of the tile to give a particular appearance and depth when fired.

Double Pressed

The process by which a porcelain tile goes through a press, is decorated and then pressed again before firing. Aids in the production of impervious and durable tiles.