OVERALL: These product lines are made with a semi-absorbent talc clay body. With this body particular attention must be paid to the following: 1) installation of an absorbent clay body; 2) usage of matte glazes; 3) extra care required for crackles in wet area.

CRACKLES: To create a crackle glaze, the glaze surface actually develops the cracks, not the tile body. As a result, crackle glazes are more prone to water staining in wet areas.

MATTE: Our matte glazes have a very durable surface that holds up to most abrasion tests. However, some matte glazes are more prone to surface staining. Surface staining may develop when particles get trapped in the “micron size pits” on the glaze surface. Please see the Usage section below for more information.

- Follow TCA installation guidelines to prevent water from entering the back or edges of the tile

- Seal cut tile with penetrating sealer prior to installation

- Before grouting, seal all the tile edges with a penetrating sealer after they have been set

- Seal grout with penetrating sealer or grout sealer

- For crackles, use a penetrating sealer to help prevent or delay the effects of water staining. Soaking tile for 5 minute in a penetrating sealer will help to minimize staining.

ALL GLOSSIES & CRACKLES: These tiles are intended for use on interior walls and some counter tops. While not rated for counter top usage, glossies and crackles are suitable for light duty counter tops. As with any transparent glaze, scratches may show more easily. If crackles are used in a wet area, staining may result. This can be minimized by following the notes in the Installation & Maintenance section above.

ARTISAN & STELLAR MATTES: Intended for use on interior walls as well as some counter tops and floors. Artisan and Stellar mattes are comparable in terms of their high resistance to abrasion. However, Stellar mattes are resistant to staining; Artisan mattes are more prone to staining. Therefore, Stellar mattes are more suitable for medium duty counter tops and floors.

STAR & TRIBECA MATTES: Intended of use on interior walls as well as some counter tops and floors. Star/TriBeCa mattes have a high resistance to abrasion, but may be prone to staining.

Artisan and Stellar mattes were tested by Tile Council of America for abrasion resistance and staining. They are rated class 4 according to ASTM Test C1027 which indicates they are graded for heavy traffic. Based on the staining test (ASTM C1378). Stellar mattes were highly resistant to various staining agents. Artisan mattes were found to be more prone to staining.

Estate Metals are made from a stoneware body. The metal surface is made from a resin epoxy coat that encapsulates the metal over this ceramic body. The surface is not ceramic and therefore tends to be softer. They are actually “living” metals, and will be influenced by all the natural elements that can affect any metal, particularly oxidation.

- Seal the edges prior to grouting.

- We temporarily seal the surface with an acrylic clear matte overcoat. This will wear down over time.

- Clean grout from surface before it dries. Excess grout can scratch surface if it hardens and has to be scrubbed from surface

- Clean with mild soap or wax spray such as Pledge. Wax helps to create a barrier to oxidation

- Surface can be restored with acetone and “0” steel wool. This will help to maintain the patina and minimize oxidation. Care should be taken when restoring surfaces, as the metal is a coat on top of a ceramic tile. Too much buffing can result in exposure of the tile body

- Do not use painter’s masking tape on the metal surface

- Intended for use on walls

- The stoneware body used for Estate Metals did pass freeze-thaw tests for outdoor use. However, metals will oxidize at a more rapid rate if outside

- If used in a wet area, Estate Metals will oxidize quickly and the surface color will change

ASTM results not available.

Sonoma Reserve is made from a stoneware clay body that has less than 3% absorption. As a result, it is very strong and also freeze-thaw resistant.

- Texturing created during manufacturing results in a weathered surface which is difficult to remove grout from

- Seal the tile prior to installation with sealer or grout release. This will aid in removal of grout from tile surface

- Grout should be cleaned from tile surface during grout installation. Haze that is allowed to dry may be difficult to remove

- Suitable for outdoor/indoor use based upon freeze-thaw test

- Suitable for pools, except in freeze-thaw areas

- Intended for use on walls, floors and counter tops based upon abrasion resistance. However, due to the textured nature of Sonoma Reserve’s glaze, it may stain and hold dirt when used on floor or counter tops.

Sonoma Reserve was tested by Tile Council of America for breaking strength, abrasion and stain resistance. Test results are as follows” 1) ASTM Test C648: exceed ANSI breaking strength specifications for paver tiles; 2) ASTM Test C1027: rated class 4 and suitable for all residential and some commercial applications based on abrasion resistance; 3) ASTM Test C1378: due to texture, some staining occurred and could not be cleaned. May be difficult to clean as floor/counter top tile.

Tantrum is made from a stoneware body. The glass has been encapsulated and fused to the clay.

- It is very important to use a thin diamond blade to cut Tantrum tiles, not a tile/brick blade.

- Use super glue on cut line to help hold in glass freed from cut

- After installation, surrounding grout will hold glass on cut edges

- Suitable for wall use, both interior and exterior applications. According to ASTM tests may be used in areas that experience freeze/thaw conditions.

- Suitable for pools, except in freeze-thaw areas

Tantrum tiles were tested by Tile Council of America with the following results: 1) ASTM Test C650: resistant to common household cleaning chemicals and pool chemicals. Best to avoid strong solution acids. 2) ASTM Test C1026: no visible evidence of freeze-thaw damage