In the last Incepa Responds, we presented 03 types of finishes and their respective slip resistance, making a comparison between Grip, Grip Plus, and ABS. In this text, we will talk about the different finishes related to porcelain tiles.

Before we start, it is worth remembering that porcelain tiles are ceramic tiles that have higher mechanical strength and lower porosity when compared to traditional ceramics. This is due to its low water absorption rate, which varies between 0.1% and 0.5%.

Different porcelain finishes

Whether due to technical characteristics, high quality, or infinity of prints, porcelain has become the key piece for many designers and architects. In addition to being a piece with unquestionable aesthetics, they can be used in different areas, both internally and externally.

Such characteristics have also made them objects of desire for consumers since they have a huge range of prints and a wide variety of finishes available. Check below the different types of finishing of Incepa porcelain tiles.

Technical

These are products that are not enameled, have the lowest water absorption (≤ 0.1%) and have high mechanical strength. Another characteristic is that, as they do not receive the imprint of the stamp on the surface, the wear over time is practically zero.

Technical porcelain tiles are produced in 03 types of finish:

01. Polished

Porcelain tiles with a polished finish have a shine on the surface, due to the polishing of the piece. However, as the polishing is performed directly on the putty, they have an aesthetic limitation, being available only in off-white or soft beige.

They can be applied in dry indoor areas such as bedrooms and living rooms or in wet areas such as the bathroom. Remember that wettable surfaces are those that can receive splashes, but without the formation of water slides.

02. Satin

The product with a satin finish is one where you run your hand and feel a “soft” and smooth surface. To achieve this result, the pieces go through a brushing process.

Like the polished ones, they can be used in dry or wet indoor areas, with heavy traffic. If you are looking for an even more silky touch, we recommend porcelain tile with a Soft Touch finish.

Incepa does not yet present products with this type of finish. However, Roca Cerámica, a company that is also part of the Roca Cerámica Brasil group, has several soft touch pieces, which, as the name suggests, are much softer to the touch.

03. Natural

Natural finish porcelain tiles have a matt surface. This product is classified as Grip because it has a coefficient of friction between 0.40 and 0.49, which makes it ideal for use in wet indoor areas, such as laundry rooms and bathrooms with showers.

Enameled

As its name suggests, enameled porcelain is one that receives a layer of enamel on the surface of the dough to protect the print printed on the piece, ensuring its durability and appearance.

Another feature is that its water absorption is also low (<0.5%) and has good resistance. In addition, the enamels receive ABS technology, which provides greater slip resistance and 30% more grip.

Do you want to know how to find out if the glazed porcelain you are buying is of good quality? Try to see your reflection on the product. If the reflected image is distorted, it is a sign that the quality is not very good. Now, if you have a sharp image, that’s a good sign. Test it with Incepa products and others on the market; We’re sure you’ll notice the difference.

Micro Crystal

The Micro Crystal finish falls into the category of glazed porcelain tiles. However, it deserves a topic dedicated to it, considering that it is an exclusive technology of Roca Brasil Cerámica.

Its main difference from traditional enamel is the use of dry enamel instead of liquid. As a result, we have pieces with a higher gloss intensity than any enamel on the market.

In addition, Micro Crystal enhances the depth effect of the prints, providing a 3D effect in the product designs.

With this text, we hope you have learned about different types of finishes and which ones to use in certain areas. If you have any questions, Incepa Responds!