porcelain: a national passion

enter year, you know anus, and porcelain tiles continue to be one of the coatings most specified by architects and desired by clients who seek to combine resistance, maintenance and aesthetics in a single product.

Porcelain tile is always the first coating that comes to mind at the beginning of a work.. This because, beyond the beauty for which it is known, the resistance achieved in the manufacturing process makes this material resistant to daily routine and long-lasting.. It's an investment for life!

Glazed vs Unglazed

Silex Branco PO 90x90cm | Architect: Larissa Catossi Andrade Oliver Arda Arq | Photo: Arch Studio

To facilitate the choice and avoid illusions, keep in mind that there are two types of porcelain tiles: enameled and non-enameled. The unglazed ones are indicated for spaces with large circulation or temperature variation.. “This material is more resistant to abrasion and absorbs less water. (0,1%), says Anderson Patricio Eziquiel, Eliane's Quality Assurance coordinator. On the other hand, enamelled ones have water absorption less than or equal to 0,5% and are best suited for residential use., where the traffic is less, both indoors and outdoors. According to Anderson, material is available in polished finish versions, satin and slip resistant.

Resistance and versatility

Micron Coral, Verde e black AFTER 80x80cm | Production: Deborah Apsan | | Photo: Evelyn Muller

Unlike monolithic finishes, that impose application restrictions due to mechanical resistance, sensitivity to weather and porosity, Porcelain tile has natural characteristics, and also acquired over the years, that made it more versatile. With the support of technology, the application of the material was extended to external environments, walls, furniture and even countertops, following the technical application specifications for each location.

Porcelain brings more personality to projects, without turning residents into hostages of concerns about risks, stains and cracks, as the material is highly resistant to physical and chemical abrasion.

This versatility goes beyond the application possibilities. 3D digital printing technology has also contributed a lot to increasingly surprising results.. Keeping up with global trends, Eliane's porcelain tiles print, reliably, the natural beauty of basic materials, like stones, bricks, woods and concrete, in addition to geometric prints and textures. The shape of the pieces also contributes to more refined results.. giant formats, with ‘flat’ edges, cover large surfaces with minimalist joints of (1mm) between the pieces. This effect adds elegance, uniqueness and visual amplitude to the environments, without giving up the incomparable durability of a ceramic coating.

Maintenance

Onix Grafite PO 120x240cm | Project: Dani Colli | Architect: Two Morumbi | Photo: Kadu Lopes

Lastly, it's no use having a beautiful coating, but spend hours cleaning or “walking on eggshells” so as not to stain or scratch. Practicality is a decisive criterion when choosing a coating, not just for cleaning, as for any repairs. In these matters, once again, the porcelain tile is a ten! Daily cleaning requires nothing more than water and mild porcelain tile detergent on a soft cloth., or, in some cases, a little liquid soap. E, if you need to replace any parts in the future, the service is punctual, without the need to redo the floor, as required by monolithic finishes.