Porcelain tile has become one of the main elements widely used in construction. This is just a great alternative to natural stone, with lots of benefits. The main feature of this material is the possibility of using various methods of surface treatment of tiles, which allows to solve many design problems.
Lappated tiles - a finishing material having a combined texture that is half matte and half polished. This material is made using special technology.
What is this material
Many people wonder what it is a lappated tile, what features it has and what advantages it has. This material has a combined heterogeneous structure. It is made using a special surface grinding technology. The first stages of production are no different from the manufacturing process of ordinary tiles. Preparing a mixture of:
- feldspar;
- clay;
- silica sand and other impurities.
At high pressure, the mixture is heated and baked in an oven until it becomes a low-porous, durable cooker. After that, metal oxides are used to create the desired pattern or shade. Subsequently, during the processing of the material, special stones are used for grinding. With their help, a thin uneven coating layer is removed. Processing is carried out until the tile acquires a certain shine. As a result of this, the outside of the lappated tile consists of several different parts, namely:
Their combination creates a certain effect of soft gloss, preventing the occurrence of excessive shine and excessive glare when exposed to sunlight. Mirror gloss is combined with dullness, so the surface looks very interesting and has good slip resistance. That is why it can be used for arranging absolutely any premises.
Feature of manufacturing lappated porcelain stoneware
Lappated ceramic granite is a material made by a special method of grinding the surface, which provides the effect of a polished surface. In the process of processing the material, special stones are used for grinding.
In contrast to polished tiles, a much smaller layer is cut off during the manufacture of a material that is lappated from the surface, which guarantees greater wear resistance of porcelain. The attractiveness and originality of lappated tiles, the high performance of this material, made it very convenient for decorating residential interiors and commercial premises.
In addition, it has high moisture and frost resistance qualities, and is also characterized by increased wear resistance and resistance to sharp temperature drops and exposure to chemicals.
The main advantages of the material
Knowing what lappated tile means and what advantages it has, you can easily choose for yourself the required option, suitable in all respects. This is an innovative product, characterized by the use of special technology for processing the front surface. The main advantages of such material are:
- wide range of color schemes;
- high wear resistance;
- resistance to loads;
- high technical specifications.
Regardless of the type of exposure, no traces remain on the surface of this material and no color fading occurs. This is due to the fact that its coloring occurs even during manufacture with the help of special pigments that ensure uniformity over the entire thickness.
Disadvantages of Lappated Tiles
The main disadvantages of this material include low thermal conductivity. If the lappated floor tile is laid on a cold floor, then in winter an unpleasant cold will come from it.
Another drawback is its density, which greatly complicates the process of changing the shape of the product if there is no electric tile cutter. In addition, this material is characterized by high cost.
Fields of application
Due to its excellent technical characteristics, lappated porcelain stoneware is used for cladding various surfaces in a private house, apartment and public building. There are several uses for this product, such as:
- for flooring in the apartment;
- for outdoor decoration of cottages and country houses;
- for offices, shopping centers and hotels;
- for facing fireplaces and stoves.
It is not recommended to use this material for cladding stair steps and platforms located near stairs. Although the surface of this material is not slippery, there is a certain risk.
Its difference from other materials
Lappated tiles at all stages of production, in addition to the final, are made in the same way as other porcelain tiles. It consists of various components, as well as various additives. Products are formed from the prepared mixture and baked under a press.
The baking temperature is 1300 degrees Celsius. Oxides of various metals are used as dyes for such products. Only at the last stage of manufacturing does grinding take place, which gives special piquancy and unusualness to the structure and pattern of the finished product. It is because of the type of finish that this product got its name.
Thanks to the unusual texture, the pattern reproduced on porcelain stoneware is truly unique and looks unusual, even in the most familiar color.
This tile is characterized by high strength, it is able to withstand heavy loads and point impacts with heavy objects. A floor made of such tiles is very difficult to scratch, it will not lose its aesthetic qualities even for a long time. However, even if scratches appear, they will be completely invisible due to the inhomogeneous texture of the coating. Provided that a warm floor system is equipped, this material perfectly retains heat.
Despite the fact that the lappated surface of the tile is heterogeneous, it is very easy to care for it, because the pores of the material remain open. To clean any stains from food, just use ordinary baking soda. This type of tile has completely even edges, due to which it is possible to create an almost solid surface from it, without joints.
How is the material laid
Having looked at the photo of lappated tiles in the interior, you can make sure that it is simply an excellent material. However, in order to achieve a unique effect, you need to properly lay this product. Such tiles are used not only for arranging flooring, but also for facing fireplaces. Tiles such as ordinary tiles are laid.
Initially, you need to carefully prepare the base, it should be free of cracks, dirt and voids. Then you need to prepare the adhesive mixture, made on the basis of polymer components, lay the tiles, clean the joints, make wet and dry cleaning. This product is well compatible with other materials, which provides great opportunities for designers.
What does lappated tile look like in the interior
This type of porcelain stoneware looks simply excellent in the interior, all the more so because of the peculiarities of production it is presented in the widest variety of colors, and you can also choose matte or polished materials.
The texture of this material, due to the combination of matte and polished areas, creates an unusual and very soft shine in the interior. This material imitates marble, stone or wood.
Rules for the care of lappated porcelain stoneware
This material is very well cleared of any kind of pollution. Thanks to a special treatment, its pores remain open, which facilitates easier cleaning of various kinds of contaminants. For cleaning stains that are foodborne, ordinary baking soda is well suited.
Various solvents, such as gasoline or acetone, are suitable for cleaning more complex stains from various paints, chewing gum and wax. If you need to clean the surface of lime, cement or putty, it is advisable to use special acid-containing cleaners. However, when working with them, special care must be taken, since it is possible to damage the tile joints.
It is worth noting that the lappated tile reviews of customers who have managed to evaluate all its advantages receive the best.