Anthony Braun asked:


In different countries people choose different materials for floor, and their decision is influenced by many reasons – traditions, climate (temperature and humidity), the price of materials and available technology. For example, in the warm coastal countries the climate is hot and the humidity is high. Timber doesn’t like such conditions and also it is not as commonly available as in the countries located further inland. This explains why in such countries the traditional floors are often made of ceramics.

Indeed, in hot coastal countries floors made of ceramic tiles, marble, granite (or even concrete) prevail. Archeologists discover in theses countries huge mosaic floors – another evidence of this tradition going way back in history.

Aesthetics of ceramic floors can be remarkable - depending on the quality of tiles and the taste of the designer. Whoever is interested in the ceramics, should visit the website of Antoni Gaudi – a world-famous architect, the Michelangelo of ceramics. His creations show a combination of large forms with attention to the tiniest details, making his art unique and attracting large number of tourists to Spain.

Like any other material, ceramics has its downsides. Although ceramics is durable, it is an artificially made material which means that with times cracks can appear or coating can be damaged.

Thanks to the latest advances in technology of manufacturing, tiles size can be up to 120×60. Many manufacturers are making tiles that look just like parquet (and are much cheaper!). All in all, I must admit that the standard ceramics is not famous for vivid colors or warm in appearance, which is a shame. Who’s to say that tiles should always be square? Why a floor can’t be made of ceramics shaped as ocean waves or sand dunes?



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anonymous asked:


rst heard about ceramic knives, I couldn’t believe it. I know that ceramic statues that fall shatter into many pieces. Why would a ceramic knife be any different? Boy was I wrong. Ceramic knives are much stronger than I thought.

Ceramic knives are made out of zirconium oxide. They aren’t metallic whatsoever and have a flat, off-white to bright white color. Their composition is much harder than steel. Actually, they’re second only to diamonds, which are the hardest mineral of all. Isn’t that something?

There is another class of ceramic knives that have black blades. These blades start out as white zirconium oxide. With an additional firing process called sintering, they are converted into black zirconium carbide. This process gives the blades the advantage of being even tougher than before. Now they are the strongest knives out there.

There are definite advantages of ceramic knives over steel knives.

?Edge Longevity. Because ceramic knives are harder than steel knives, they can hold a sharp edge much longer. Generally, most ceramic knives can hold their edge for months if used correctly.

?Easy Use. Because they hold their edges longer, ceramic knives are easier to use than steel knives. Less sharpening is required. Not only that, they are so much lighter than steel knives.

?Wear Resistance. Ceramic knives do not stain or rust. They will not become discolored by food acides.

?Chemically non-reactive. You needn’t worry over whether or not your food will taste or smell like metal. Isn’t that great?

?Simple To Clean. Ceramic knives are non-stick. It isn’t ever necessary to use special cleaners or abrasives to get them clean.

Just as there are advantages, there are a few pretty important disadvantages to using ceramic knives.

?Expensive. Ceramic knives are usually more costly than steel knives. This is because zirconium oxide is a fairly advanced material and costs more than steel. In addition, imported ceramic knives, as most of them are, have a high import tax that adds to their price tag.

?Edge Fragility. Quality ceramic knives are not likely to shatter when dropped. They are, however, likely to gain a chipped edge or a broken tip. Even though ceramic knives are very strong, their edges are quite fragile. Cutting bone or anything of similar hardness, then, is out of the question.

?Breakable Blades. If you use your ceramic knife as a prying tool, you’ve got a very good chance of snapping the blade at the handle. Just don’t do it. While your knife isn’t meant for prying, the fact that the blade could actually snap in two when strong pressure is applied leaves room for concern. Use it only for cutting.

All in all, you are advised not to sharpen ceramic knives. When customers purchase ceramic knives, they are urged to let the manufacturers be the ones to sharpen them up. If that isn’t possible, they’re advised to bring their ceramic knives to a machine shop.

Sharpening a ceramic knife is not the same as sharpening a steel knife. It is a whole new animal. You’ve really got to already be a skilled sharpener. However, with good skill and the right tools, you really could sharpen them yourself.

Ceramic knives are truly amazing. They are highly efficient. Usability may be limited, but where you can use it, watch out. They are quite extraordinary.



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Chet Stevens asked:


Some things you need to know

Types of Ceramic Flooring Bathroom Tile Designs

Typically ceramic tile is divided into two types. One is called quarry tile and is made by extrusion from shale or clay that is found in quarries. The other is made from compressing the dust of clay. Both are fairly equal in their look and feel and each are equally represented in wall tile, mosaic tile, and floor bathroom tile designs.

- Quarry tile is a clay ceramic bathroom tile design the lets the natural clay colors stay intact. The color of these flooring tiles comes from the mixture of different clays used as well as the level of heat used to bake them. Unglazed, these tiles are porous and make a great floor because it is very slip resistant.

- Glazed tiles are available in a number of finishes. The ones you want to choose for your bathroom tile design is are the matte or non-slip rough finish. These tiles come in a very high gloss finish as well but these can become quite slippery when wet and not a great choice for floors. If you do want the high gloss appeal, it would be okay to place them around the border of the floor simply for a nice accent.

- Porcelain tile - most people don’t know this but porcelain tiles are simply ceramic tile that has been baked at much higher temperatures. This effect makes this type of bathroom tile design extremely good for busy areas of your home like the bathroom. The reason is that they are much harder and more durable that regular ceramic tile making them a great choice for bathroom floors.

- Mosaic bathroom tile designs are a slight variation on the quarry tiles mentioned about. These tile designs do show the natural colors of the clay but have color pigments added as well. These types of tile are great if you want that earthy look of natural clay tile but are interested in adding a bit more color that available in nature. These tile designs like the quarry tile can be purchased glazed or natural.

A few tips to consider when buying bathroom tile designs

1. Look around at pictures of bathroom tile designs that you like before going to the tile store

2. Think creatively when deciding how to lay out your pattern. A simple thing like laying the tiles diagonally can add a lot of visual interest.

3. Always always always but more tile than you think you need. You will break some or chip some and you don’t want to risk not being able to find the perfect replacement.

4. If you are thinking of laying the tile yourself, keep in mind that the more intricate your bathroom tile designs the more expertise you will need to get it right.

What Size of Ceramic Flooring Bathroom Tile is right?

The decision of what size of the tiles in your bathroom tile design ultimately comes down to personal choice but there are a few guidelines that you might find useful. Ceramic bathroom floor tiles come in many different sizes ranging from small one inch squares to very large tiles of 2 feet. Typically you want to match the size of the square to the size of the room. Large rooms get large tiles and small rooms get small tiles. The reason for this is that if you use small tiles in a large room it can make the room feel busy and if you use large tiles in a small bathroom it will be overpowering.

Why Choose Ceramic Bathroom Flooring Tile?

There is no doubt that ceramic tiles are the most popular in today’s modern homes because there are so many styles to choose from. Ceramic bathroom tile designs are very durable and easy to clean and when installed properly give any bathroom a beautiful classy look.



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Baby Star asked:


I have a ceramic hair straightner that I use all the time. Over time, there is this build up forming like brown tarry stuff on the ceramic plates and I dont know what to use to clean it all off. Plain damp cloth didnt work to get rid of it. I think its all the hair spray buildup on the plates. Does anyone know any store products or something at home I can use that really works to take off all the build up on the plates?

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Steve Knowles asked:


Knowing how to lay ceramic tile is not too difficult, but if you’ve never done it before and aren’t very handy to begin with you might be better off with a professional. Having said that many homeowners have attempted their own remodeling, but the fact remains

that there are some projects, such as installing ceramic tile floors and even painting that are tackled by the homeowner.

When installing ceramic tile for the first time, make sure you do your homework. So why would you install ceramic tile floor? Most people believe, and rightfully so, that installing ceramic wall tiles and flooring is an attractive and hard wearing surface ideally suited to an installation in bathrooms and kitchens.

Some homeowners lay their ceramic tiles in areas other than wet areas like family rooms and dining rooms. These

installations tend to be found in parts of the world that typically have long hot summers and mild winters, or humid tropical climates. The benefit is having a cool, hard wearing and easy to clean surface.

Patience and resilience are prerequisites on how to lay tile, having the correct tools for the job is a must. Preparation is the key. If you are installing ceramic wall tile start with the walls first if you are have a project that involves both wall tiling and floor. Floor tiles are typically thicker than wall tile as they do not require the thickness needed for impact resistance that floor tiles require.

Gather your tools, do a check to see if they are all there. Grout, measuring tape, spongese, adhesive, markers or pencils, glass cutters, tile spacers, rubber mallet, steel square, trowel and buckets are some of the tools you will need.

Pre installation floor and wall preparation is key to a successful install. All old flooring and wall paints must be removed, thorough cleaning of the surfaces and any undulating surfaces need to be leveled off first. Some flooring may require special underlay material which creates a solid secure surface for the tiles to adhere to without the risk of surface movement creating cracks at later date.

Concrete floors tend to provide a surface which is stable to lay on, but if the concrete is new as in a new home, the concrete may settle over time creating splits and therefore cracking the tiles that were laid on top of it. There is not much the installer can

do to prevent this from occuring unless the installer lays a cement fiber board underlay which of course increases the installation cost. in wet areas it is important to install this cement fiber board first for moisture and movement correction.

One of the ways the homeowner can express themselves is by being creative in the design of the tile layout. Many patterns are available which can enhance the overall effect of the wall and flooring. Dull boring designs can ruin a possibly beautiful

installation, so some thought before starting will pay dividends for years to come.

Dry laying a section of tiles before applying adhesive can help in deciding how the design will be installed. You will get a much better idea of how it will look and feel before commiting to final laying. It is much better to do this now than after adhesive has been applied. It can also give the installer an idea as to how many half tiles will be needed and can reveal some difficult cuts that may be required.

Installing Ceramic Tile

This is where the tires hit the road. No amount of preparation can help an installer who does not get this right. The skill required to lay ceramic tile is understated, having the right knowledge can make an installation look and feel 100% better than an installation by someone who did not do their homework prior to commencement.

Cutting and fitting tiles is one area most homeowners need instruction on how to best trim and cut those tiles. It can take some skill to get the right cut to fit around those protrusions like bathroom pipes and electrical fittings. This is one area that screams of a poor installation if not done properly. The right tools for the job here really do make a difference. Tile cutters and glass cutters are a must, further tools if required could include an electric wet saw but these tend to be only used by professional tile installers or on large projects.

After installing a few rows of tiles, set them into the adhesive with the tile leveler and a mallet. After setting all the whole tiles across the room, start to cut tiles to fit around the perimeter of the room. Tiles can be snapped by hand or with tile nippers, tile cutters or using a wet saw.

The grouting of the laid surface is a somewhat pleasurable experience as it signifies the impending completion of the project. After applying the grout clean the surface with a damp sponge. Finish seams with some silicone sealant in appropriate areas smoothing the sealant with a wet finger.

Allow all work surfaces time to cure and set, a week is normally enough time to consider it ready for full human encroachment. Stand back and observe a job well done. Of course, all the above is just barely a fraction of what information a homemaker will need to ensure an impressive installation. Reading up and gathering detailed instruction on ceramic tile installation beforehand will be the prerequisite of a wise and successful project.



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tommy lampini asked:


I have a kitchen with ceramic tile that is a sick grey color. I’ve remodeled the kitchen and the grey ceramic tile floor just doesn’t go well. I’d like to paint it but have no idea what paint to use or if it is practical to even paint it. Is it possible or do I just need to live with it?

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CamsMom asked:


I am purchasing a new home that has dark green ceramic tile and I want to paint my walls looking for any and all color types that will compliment the floor or go well with it. Thanks!

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Wolfgang Jaegel asked:


If you want to beautify your home or workplace, ceramic tiles is one of the best options. In other words, it is suitable for all types of applications, ranging from residential to commercial purposes.

Ceramic tiles are perhaps the most durable flooring option now available on the market. A ceramic tile is simply a mixture of natural clays that have been molded and fired at high temperature. Sometimes, it is made out of such recycled materials as auto windshields, old florescent bulbs, and ground glass.

It offers many advantages over other flooring options like marble and wood, which include durability, resistance to fire and moisture, resistance to tread wear and abrasion, resistance to frost, easy maintenance, slip resistance, thermal shock and stain resistance, and color permanence.

Above all, they are easy to clean and provide an upscale look to your living space and work place.

Ceramics have been used from centuries by people of different culture and region to embellish in it beautiful works of art. Depending upon the texture, color, design, and pattern, different types are now available in the market.

Ceramics may be either glazed or unglazed, or porous or waterproof. Glazed types are mostly machine made, and are pressed in a die as well as fired in a kiln, which in turn provides hard surface and color to the product. Among unglazed ceramics are quarry tiles and en caustic tiles. Noted for its durability and versatility, porcelain is another popular type of ceramic. Saltillos are available in two varieties: machine-made and handmade.

Based on the specific purposes, ceramic tiles are further classified into floor products and wall products. As the name indicates, the floor type is a great option to surface floors. Produced using methods like bicottura and monocottura, floor tiles are mostly porcelain, and are more durable.

Further, they are categorized into several classes. For instance, class 2 floor tiles are best for high traffic areas such as kitchens and laundry rooms. Class 3 can be used for any home installation. Likewise, class 4 are recommended for small as well as medium commercial applications, whereas class 5 is usually recommended for such areas as shopping malls and restaurants. There are also products in order to apply exclusively in areas like gardens and swimming pools.

Grouped under class 1, ceramic wall tiles are considered a perfect choice for counter top and wall applications. Compared to the floor type, they are less durable and are more prone to slippery, since they are glazed with a matte or semi-gloss surface. Apart from its usage in kitchens, fireplaces, and rooms, they are also widely applied outdoors.

One of the recent additions are designer tiles as well as decorative ceramics. Hand painted products are of special demand nowadays. Luster painting, transfer painting, and carving are the other popular methods for designing ceramic tiles. Almost all designs that are imaginable are now depicted.

But, all-time favorite designs are those of flowers, vines, leaves, and seashells. Sometimes they are inlaid with white pipe clay or mosaic, which makes it stand out from other designs. However, most popular are those containing traditional designs. For instance, ceramic tiles graced with Asian mythological figurines are really sought-after. In addition to designs, colors also play a dominant role in providing aesthetic look.

From the aforesaid discussion, it is evident that ceramic tiles arrive in a myriad of size, shape, pattern, design, and color. Hence, prior to tiling it must be ensured whether tiles you have chosen are suitable for your space.

Size is another thing to be considered. If your room or office is small, it would be better to apply small tiles. Also, while selecting a tile, check whether its texture goes with your room theme. Likewise, during installation process, use such a grout that complements your tile.

It must also be checked whether products you have selected are easy to clean as well as maintain. In addition, as some are prone to slippery, it may turn dangerous during winter months. Hence, it must be checked.



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Cyndy d asked:


This ceramic tray is the floor for the oven, and has a rubber strip around the edges. I’m afraid to remove the old cracked tray since it is in 3 large pieces. Is there something important under it that can be damaged if one of the pieces touches it? After removal of the damaged tray, can I just set the new one in place without any extra adhesive or caulking?

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