Different Types Of Glass Mosaic Tiles In All Of Their Glory
There are some valid reasons why glass tiles are the most commonly used mosaic tiles in interior decorating. Glass mosaic tiles have such a diverse set of applications that at this point they can be found in just about any nook and cranny of both residential, retail and commercial client base.
The sheer variety of glass mosaic tiles in terms of colors and shapes makes glass perfect for any type of custom tile work of art in any respective style or design regardless of how quirky and demanding it may be. Furthermore, glass mosaic tiles can be used in any area both indoors and outdoors. From kitchens and living rooms to pools and gardens, glass mosaic tiles will prove to be resilient and durable wherever you decide to put them.
On that note, there are several types of glass mosaic tiles, each with its own special features that permit its use in numerous applications. On their own, each of these types of glass mosaic tiles allows a vast range of flexible design solutions, which basically means you can play with the designs infinitely and never get bored. Glass mosaic tiles are just that good.
However, keeping their variety in mind, there isn’t just one, but several categorizations of glass mosaic tiles created in regard to several different characteristics.
The first and most commonly referred categorization of glass mosaic tiles is based on their appearance, so there are transparent, opaque, and mirrored mosaic tiles. Transparent glass mosaic tiles are usually mildly pigmented and they are fully see-through. Mirrored glass mosaic tiles have a shimmery effect that allows the mosaicist to play with shadow and light while creating the artwork. Opaque glass mosaic tiles are coated in color and they have the broadest use of the three.
One of the frequently used categorizations is also the one based on the process of making glass mosaic tiles, so there are cast, fused, and coated glass tiles. Coated glass tiles have been treated at lower temperatures and they have a coat of color added onto the back of the tile allowing it to show through its transparent body. Cast glass mosaic tiles are created in a liquid state at extremely high temperatures, which makes the end result rather unpredictable. Cast glass mosaic tiles are thus textured, full of folds and even bubbles. Fused glass tiles are created at a variety of temperatures and they are basically a combination of coated and cast tile. During the production process, numerous layers of glaze and similar materials are added to achieve a colored and patterned look.
The last categorization is based on the place of application, so glass mosaic tiles can be glass pool tiles, glass floor tiles, and glass wall tiles. Glass pool tiles are suited for the application to the corners, curves, steps, and borders of the pool, made to withstand being submerged underwater and exposed to the elements. Glass floor tiles are used to achieve a durable and effective floor finish, usually belonging to a type of enameled glass. Glass wall tiles are more decorative and ornate then floor tiles and they don’t adhere to the safety standards that dictate the slip resistance.
Regardless of the type of mosaic glass, you opt to use in your home or outdoors one thing is certain, mosaic glass tiles will do miracles for the appearance and overall atmosphere of your space. Nothing vitalizes the surface quite like glass mosaic tiles, so feel free to browse our catalog full of exquisite, handmade glass mosaic artworks and choose one that will fit your needs and wants.
This article was originally published on Mosaics Lab’s website.
