Vintage Spanish

Vintage Spanish

TRENDY VINTAGE CEMENT PATTERNED TILES

Cement tiles are hand-made, decorative, colorful tiles used primarily as floor coverings. Floor or walls covered with these tiles are noted for their multi-color patterns, durability and sophisticated-look. These tiles are widely used in Europe. Their popularity spread to the US, primarily in California and Florida through the 1930s and 40s.

 

Although sometimes mistakenly called encaustic tile, which refers to kiln-fired clay tile or commonly used ceramic tiles that have been placed in a kiln and heated. Cement tiles are not fired and derive their durability from the combination of finely dehydrated ground Portland cement layer and a more course layer of sand and Portland cement. The pigment layer is hydraulically pressed into the surface and becomes a part of the tile, not a glaze or paint layer on the surface of the tile.

 

Depending on the locale, cement tiles are called by many names including: hydraulic cement tiles, mosaic tiles, encaustic cement tiles, mosaico hidraulicos, hydraulic tiles ladrilhos hidráulicos, carreaux de ciments, Spanish mission tiles, Redondo tile, baldosas hidráulicas, hidraulicos antiguos, ladrilho do água, baldosas decoradas, hidráulicas de cemento.

 

The tile´s colorful patterns, durability and versatility have been attracting the attention of architects and designers for large commercial projects such as restaurants and hotels. Private homebuilders and "do it yourself" home improvement consumers have driven a growing segment of the cement tile market.

 

Originally decorative tiles, known as encaustic tiles, were prepared from a pigmented clay base then heated or fired in a kiln. Tiles made by this method were very popular and can still be seen widely in Europe, Latin America and the US.

 

Following the discovery of Portland cement and development of hydraulic presses, cement tile, as we know them today is prepared without the use of clay or heating.

 

Cement tile appeared in the late 1800s in the south of France. Several sources say the first tiles were made near the country´s first Portland cement plant. Around the turn of the twentieth century. the tiles were very popular in the United States and were considered high-end floor covering. It was used in thousands of landmark public buildings and palaces. Their popularity began to wane in the U.S. sometime between the 1920s and ´30 and only started making a comeback in the 1980s and ´90s.

 

Cement tiles are made by hand, one at a time using a mold, mineral pigments, Porland cement and fine aggregate with a manual or electronic hydraulic press. There is no glaze or kiln. Cement tiles are cured by water and air only-just like ordinary cement.

 

The metal mold, containing the desired pattern is hand-made from specific design drawings. The pigment composition is a mixture of high quality white Portland cement, marble powder, fine sand, and natural mineral color pigments.

 

Handmade cement tiles are each unique and are expected to have slight imperfections, which give them character and depth.

 

There are numerous cement tile manufacturers worldwide with the exception of the US. Presently there are no known cement tile manufacturers located in the US however there are several importers and distributors.

 

In general, the primary difference between manufacturers is the hydraulic method used in the production. Many small companies employ a hand-operated, manual hydraulic press in the process.The quality of these tiles varies due to inconsistent pressure, which affects the cement layers and attachment of the pigment layer.

 

Larger, modern manufacturers use electric-powered hydraulic presses that produce a consistently higher quality product. The higher pressure (1.500PSI) permits a thicker pigment layer to be embedded in the cement layer, which produces a tile with a longer lifespan. The pigment layer is recommended to be 3-4mm thick.

 

Another difference in manufacturers is the content of the pigments used. High quality producers use mineral-based pigments only. Non-mineral based pigments fade with age and normal wear. Another consideretion is curing. Improper curing reduces quality. Tile should be cured for 2-4 weeks before installation.

 

Cement tiles are widely used around the world in residences and commercial buildings and they are experiencing a revival in the US. Architects and interior decorators find cement a versatile product. The vibrant colors and ornate designs provide elements reminiscent of Renaissance floors. The durability of cement tiles for use in public areas is gaining popularity.

 

Cement tiles can be applied to concrete surfaces, any common underlayment, magnesium oxide wallboard or any appropriate surface.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

About the Author

We are spanish profesional supplier of architectural and garden antiques.We have large quantity of vintage encaustic tiles,terracotta tiles,majolica tiles,marble and stone floor and wall tiles,cobblestones,roof tiles,marble sinks and bathtubs,terracotta pots,cement patterned tiles,decorative ceramic tiles,etc

For more information about us check out our web site.

WWW.ANTIQUEMATERIAL.EU

Hendrix Spanish Castle Magic cover. Strat American Vintage '62, Marshall Vintage Modern