Care & maintenance

As a result of our artisanal production and glazing techniques, some tonal variation should be expected in both our floor and wall tiles, which we try to reflect in our product photography. The surface undulation of our tiles may vary too, and tiles may not be perfectly square.

We recommend that tiles are removed from their boxes and laid out by eye, prior to fixing. Where relevant, mix tiles from different boxes during this process.

We suggest that you remove our tiles from their box and lay them out by eye (not using spacers) prior to fixing. We recommend a variable grout width of 3-5mm for wall tiles.

Our customers sometimes call to tell us that their new crackle glazed tiles are making little noises, even a week after they were put up on the wall. We tell them it’s just the tile singing, and explain what’s happening: the beautiful crackle glaze they chose is still crazing.

The glaze is essentially a piece of glass on top of the tile body known as the ‘biscuit’. It has been carefully crafted to shatter or 'craze' in a controlled way as it cools, leading to the appearance of a network of fine cracks. These subtle lines have a beautiful delicacy.

The process can continue – almost imperceptibly – for a remarkably long time. Even a week after the tile has come out of the kiln, been sealed and tiled onto the wall of someone’s kitchen.

Those fine lines are cracks, and will let in dirt. We take advantage of this to achieve our aged crackle look, rubbing a dark stain into the cracks by hand. Ultimately though, crackle glazed tiles should be sealed to prevent discolouration.

Before you begin, ensure that the surface of each of your tiles is clean and dry.

We recommend that you start by removing your tiles from their box and laying them out by eye (not using spacers) prior to fixing.

Establish which tiles need to be cut, and begin by sealing those tiles with one coat of sealer before cutting. This will protect the glaze from dust and dirty cutting water. We recommend using Marlborough Tiles Crackle Glaze Sealer. Apply the sealer with a soft cloth, buffing immediately into the surface until all excess is removed. Allow the sealer to dry for a minimum of two hours.

Adhere the tiles to the wall using adhesive. We recommend a variable grout width of 3-5mm for wall tiles.

If using a light coloured grout, such as our White, Jasmine or Silver Grey grout

• Grout your tiles. Allow the grout to dry per the manufacturer's instructions.
• Apply two coats of sealer, allowing each coat to dry for a minimum of two hours.
• After 48 hours, tiles can be cleaned as normal.
  
  

If using a pigmented or dark grout, such as our Beige or Medium Grey grout

• Apply three coats of sealer with a soft cloth, allowing each coat to dry for a minimum of two hours. Do not buff away any excess.
• Grout your tiles, and remove any excess immediately using a sponge and water. Allow the grout to harden for approximately two hours, then use a grout stain remover to de-bond the grout residue and sealer. Wipe away residue with soft cloth.
• Allow grout to dry per the manufacturer's instructions, then apply a further coat of sealer to the tile surface and joints.
• After 48 hours, tiles can be cleaned as normal.

You can download the technical spec for our Crackle Glaze Sealer here.

Please refer to manufacturers' instructions for further information, and feel free to contact us with any questions.

Our walls are easy to maintain and will last for years.

Once installed and grouted, ensure all excess grout residue is wiped from the surface of the tile with a damp sponge or cloth. This will protect their long-term appearance, and make future cleaning easier too.

When cleaning, we recommend a solution of warm water mixed with a gentle pH-neutral liquid soap or mild kitchen or bathroom cleaner, applied with a soft cloth or non-abrasive sponge. This will effectively remove grease, soap scum and residue without harming the tiles.

If you are unsure, we recommend testing your cleaning product in an inconspicuous area. Acid based cleaners may react with our glazes and damage the surface of your tiles.

In the kitchen, we recommend wiping any spills on the tiles quickly to avoid staining the surrounding grout, and in the bathroom you should wipe or squeegee the tiles regularly to keep them free from moisture and minimize build-up.

Our Andalucia porcelain floor tiles are our most slip-resistant, which means they have a textured surface and are suitable for external and internal floors, including kitchens, bathrooms and shower trays. They are non-slip and super safe!

After grouting these tiles, your fitter must ensure that they clean ALL excess grout immediately from the surface of the tile. This cleaning process must be repeated until all the remaining grout is completely removed from the surface and the tile is clean.

For ongoing cleaning we recommend regularly vacuuming to remove loose debris, followed by scrubbing with a hard-bristled brush and hot soapy water, or a specialist porcelain tile cleaner. Excess water can be absorbed with your preferred mop head.

Our porcelain floor tiles require a lot less maintenance than natural stone or wood, and are durable enough to last for years to come. However, like all tiles they would benefit from cleaning and maintenance to stay looking their best.

Once the tiles are laid, grout residue should be removed using a damp sponge or cloth. This will protect their long-term appearance, and make future cleaning easier too.

From then onwards, cleaning of porcelain tiles is a relatively simple process. Regular cleaning (once or twice weekly) is the best way of preventing a build-up of dirt, simply using a brush or vaccuum to remove surface debris, followed by mopping sparingly with warm water.

Before using any new cleaning product or method, make sure to test it on a small, inconspicuous area of tile first. We recommended avoiding the use of excessively acidic products or abrasive sponges, polishing machines or waxes.

Grout is porous, which means it can absorb moisture, dirt, and soap scum with ease.

Over time, this accumulation can lead to unsightly discolouration and potential mould growth. Regular cleaning and maintenance can prevent these issues.

When cleaning your tiles be sure to also clean your grout, and clean up any spills or splashes quickly to avoid staining.

As well as gentle bathroom or kitchen cleaners you can use a mixture of water and baking powder to create a paste which will act as a gentle abrasive to remove surface stains. Apply your cleaner with a toothbrush to focus on the required area of grout, and wipe clean with a damp, soft cloth.

Always be sure to test any cleaning products in an inconspicuous area first if you are not sure.

If you are ordering crackle glaze tiles to be delivered outside of the UK, you will need to source your own sealer to seal the tiles. This is due to restrictions in chemical delivery, in place from shipping providers.

If you are in the USA, we recommend Lithofin Protective Impregnator which is readily available to purchase across mainland USA. You can find more details on Lithofin here.