Assume you've decided on porcelain as the best tile for your project. The next step is to choose the tile finish, pattern, and color. Porcelain tiles come in various designs and colors, as well as varied finishes, to meet your needs.
However, different finishes are available in the market. So, before you become overwhelmed by searching the Internet or turning pages of brochures, let me describe two well-known finishes: glossy and matte.
Homeowners, architects, and builders prefer glossy and matte finishes for their tiles. Both treatments are available in a variety of styles, patterns, and colors to complement the interior's aesthetic. Even though glossy and matte finish porcelain tiles go through the same manufacturing process, they differ significantly.
But why do they differ so much? Read the blog to find out.
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Glossy Finish Porcelain Tiles
Glossy finish tiles have an additional but long-lasting glaze coating of liquid glass. It gives porcelain tiles a shinier and brighter appearance while providing an ultra-smooth feel.
The liquid glass layer highlights the patterns and colors of the tiles, giving the room a rich appearance for decades (don't worry! The shine will not fade. The glossy-finish tiles can enhance home decor by adding a classy, trendy, and stylish touch.
Pros of Glossy Finish Porcelain Tiles
Some of the top benefits of Glossy finish tiles are:
Easy to Clean
The first benefit of glossy tiles is their ease of maintenance. After being glazed, porcelain tiles become smoother and less porous. So, any leftover stains on the surface can be simply removed with a moist towel. A quick swipe, and voilà! The place will sparkle.
Room Looks Spacious
As previously said, glossy tiles have a shinier surface, resulting in a mirror appearance in the room. Glossy tiles reflect the lighting in the room, leading the eyes to believe that the room is considerably larger than it seems.
Well, optical illusion helps to make a tiny room appear larger. Glossy tiles are ideal for tiny spaces or areas with limited natural light. This is one of the major advantages of glossy tiles.
Gives Sleek to Home
Glossy finish porcelain tiles are an excellent choice for making the area more lovely and sophisticated.
Cons of Glossy Finish Porcelain Tiles
Shows Out Imperfections
The greatest substantial advantage can also be the worst disadvantage. The tiles' greater reflection rate makes even the smallest smudges and stains clearly visible, so you'll need to clean the surfaces more frequently.
Slippery Surface
Another disadvantage of glossy tiles is that they are slippery. The lower absorption rate makes the surface more slippery. The extra glazing coat, water pool, and haste can get you to the hospital. However, it is safer to use them on walls.
Distracting Shine
Not everyone prefers a glossy surface. It may be fun for toddlers, but not for adults. Furthermore, when concentrating on a specific subject, you don't want any distractions to interfere with your work, which shiny surfaces frequently do.
Where Should I Install Glossy Finish Porcelain Tiles?
Because of their simplicity of upkeep, glossy tiles are ideal for stain-prone locations such as kitchens, backsplashes, fireplaces, and, in some cases, worktops or bathroom walls. Their shiny appearance makes them ideal for walls and floors. For example, glossy finish wall tiles are popular because they lend dimension to a room.
With glossy-finish porcelain wall and floor tiles, you can transform a plain guest room into a sumptuous suite or add glamor to your master bedroom. Glossy-finish floor and wall tiles are ideal for tiny congested areas such as hallways and corridors, making the room appear larger.
Matt Finish Porcelain Tiles
The most notable distinction between matte and glossy tiles is their appearance. Unlike glossy finish tiles, matte tiles do not have a shiny appearance. Instead, they are drab and have a rough texture.
A unique layer is applied to the top of the tile to achieve a non-shiny appearance. Matte-finish porcelain tiles are the best option for creating a subtle and natural look in your room. They improve the room's attractiveness. The matte surface enhances the room's accessories, giving the place a rich and sophisticated feel. Matte tiles are currently in vogue. Many people, particularly the younger generation, choose them because of their aesthetic appeal and timeless appearance.
Pros of Matt Finish Porcelain Tiles
Anti Slippery Properties
The main advantage of matte-finish tiles is that they have a rough surface. The presence of a rough surface causes more friction between the feet and the tiles, allowing you to stroll comfortably without worrying about slipping. Due to their anti-slip properties, matte-finish tiles are great for outdoor use, such as patios, gardens, swimming pools, and compound areas.
Note that no tile is completely slip-resistant or has a slip-proof guarantee. Instead, slip-resistant tiles reduce the likelihood of accidents. Slips can still occur if there is dirt, carelessly placed objects on the floor, or water, but they undoubtedly reduce the likelihood of accidents. Slip accidents can happen when there is dirt or debris on the floor.
Low-Maintenance
Another significant advantage of matt finish tiles is that its rough surface may easily disguise stains (of any sort) and scratches, unlike glossy tiles. So you don't have to be a neat freak even if there is a minor spill. This feature makes matt finish floor tiles excellent for high-traffic areas.
Provides Rustic Look
Are you a lover of the rustic look with warm and natural earthy tones? If so, matt-finish porcelain tiles are for you. They come in a variety of effects, including wood, stones, and cement, and they add a rustic touch to the room.
Cons of Matt Finish Porcelain Tiles
Stains Dont Go
Because of their rough surface, matte finish tiles can easily hide stains and scratches. However, if there is a spill, the liquid will stick to the uneven surface, making it difficult to remove.
Unlike glossy tiles, which can be cleaned with a simple wipe, matte finish tiles require more work to clear the stain.
Not Appropriate for Smaller Rooms
Unlike gloss tiles, matt-finish tiles have a coarser surface and, hence, do not reflect light. Compared to glossy tiles, matt-finish tiles make the area appear smaller and more congested.
As a result, matte surface tiles can only be used in large areas with plenty of natural light.
Conceals But Cant Prevent
Matt tiles may cover scratches but do not prevent them. Furthermore, any greasy or oily fingerprints or spills would be more noticeable. Installing these matt floor tiles in locations prone to scratching and staining is not a smart idea.
Where To Install Matt Finish Porcelain Tiles?
Matte finish tiles are appropriate for usage both inside and outside due to their anti-slip qualities.
They are suitable for flooring in bathrooms and wet spaces. Certain tips can help make the bathroom more slip-resistant.
Matte tiles can be used in various settings, including kitchens, bathrooms, living rooms, patios, balconies, offices, and study rooms. Furthermore, matte tiles emit a peaceful and warm aura, making them ideal for study areas or home offices where you need to concentrate on your work. Matte surface porcelain tiles are ideal for the elderly and toddlers at home.
Which Tiles are Better: Glossy or Matt Finish Porcelain Tiles
This blog covered the two most popular porcelain tile finishes: gloss and matte. The homeowner or architect decides which tile is best for their project. There are no clear criteria or written laws regarding tile finish selection.
Consider the benefits and cons of the tile before making a final selection. For example, if you're redecorating your study room, glossy tiles can distract and cause you to lose concentration. While adding matte tiles in a studio apartment can make the space appear cramped, glossy tiles are recommended here.
Matt and Glossy: Can it give a Perfect Mix and Match Effect?
Use both if you are still unsure whether to use glossy or matte porcelain tiles. Glossy and matte tiles are ideal for creating a mix-and-match or fusion appearance. Matte floor tiles and glossy wall tiles will provide a stylish and modern appearance.
Are you not a fan of fusion art? We recommend using each finish in one room. Make your average bedroom unique by placing glossy-finish porcelain tiles, which add a rich touch. Consider adding matte-finish porcelain tiles to create a relaxing and welcoming atmosphere for guests.
Do you need a trustworthy tile partner? Here we are, Neelson Ceramic. As a well-known porcelain tile manufacturer, we can help you select the ideal tile for your residential or business needs.
We provide porcelain tiles in a variety of finishes, including rustic matt, glossy, and structural matt, as well as various sizes—the ultimate in strength and beauty. We combine current processes with the creativity of our artists, and we create tiles with incredible strength and captivating designs and patterns.