By knowing the differences between unglazed porcelain tiles and glazed ones, you will make wise decisions when selecting porcelain tiles to use within your home or commercial establishment. All types have their own benefits but the costs of maintenance are highly varying. Face impex is a reputable tile maker with a lot of experience in selecting the best porcelain options that correspond to the needs of the people.
Breaking Down the Key Differences
The major distinction between unglazed and the glazed porcelain tiles lies in the manufacturing process, and also in the finishing of the surface. Tiles are glazed when the firing process creates a glassy, smooth looking layer on the tile. The coating prevents stains and moisture ingress, provides additional robustness and is available in a great selection of colors and textures.
On the other hand unglazed tiles stay true to their natural clay material all the way through. They do not have a coating of glaze, therefore they show us the beauty of clean unrefined porcelain. Their simplistic appearance and matte finish makes them look authentic and elegant as well as timeless to the eyes of many people.
How to Maintain These Tiles: A Closer Look
Taking Care of Glazed Porcelain Tiles
Glazed porcelain tiles need less upkeep because of their protective surface layer. This glaze blocks most stains and liquids from soaking into the tile, so cleaning them becomes simple.
Steps to Clean Daily:
- With the aid of broom or vacuum, get rid of loose dirt and dust.
- With the help of some pH-neutral cleaning solution, clean the Mop with warm water.
- clean up spills to prevent any chance of stains
- Stick to microfiber cloths to avoid scratching the surface
Glazed tiles prohibit the spread of the bacteria, since the tiles do not absorb moisture. This is why they are ideal in bathrooms, kitchen or high foot traffic commercial spaces. At Impex, eventualities including glazed porcelain tiles will be recommended in areas where your flooring needs to be finalized without much hassle.
How To Care For Unglazed Porcelain Tiles
The unglazed porcelain tiles need additional care in comparison with the glazed ones. Not having a protective layer on it, these tiles will stain more easily and will require careful maintenance.
Steps To Maintain Them:
- Apply a powerful penetrating sealer with the tiles installation.
- Repeat the sealer annually or according to minimum level in the packaging guide of the manufacturer
- Act quickly to clean up spills to prevent liquids from seeping into the tile.
- Use only neutral cleaning materials or natural stone and unglazed tiles unglazed tiles.
- Steer clear of acidic cleaners that might harm the tile surface
Unglazed porcelain is porous and sealing it can be vital to the durability and appearance. Face Impex suggests step-by-step recommendations on how to seal it and which products are the best to use to protect tiles.
Thorough Cleaning Methods
Intensive Cleaning of Glazed Porcelain
Cleaning glazed porcelain tiles is similar to cleaning the layers of accumulated cleaning residues, soaps scum, or other tough spots. Its protective glaze allows you a more aggressive cleaning method to be utilized where necessary
Thorough Cleaning Steps:
- Combine warm water with a commercial tile cleaner to make a solution.
- Spread the solution over the tiles and let it sit untouched for around 10 to 15 minutes.
- Spray with a solution that would remove difficult stains and haddocks or scrub the grime with a brush with soft bristles.
- Rinse the area with clear plain clean water.
- Make sure the surface dries to stop water spots from forming.
Deep Cleaning Unglazed Porcelain
Cleaning unglazed porcelain tiles takes more care to avoid harm to the surface. Comparing unglazed porcelain tile vs glazed tiles shows that unglazed ones require specific cleaning techniques.
Special Cleaning Methods:
- Use a cleaner that is a pH neutral cleaner, manufactured especially for cleaning unglazed surfaces.
- Stay away from abrasive scrubbers that could leave scratches on the tiles.
- Use cleaning products so tiles do not get too wet.
- Focus on small areas at a time to clean them .
- Use a suitable sealer afterwards if the tiles require sealing.
How to Prevent and Treat Stains
Handling Stains on Glazed Porcelain
The glazed porcelain tiles cannot easily stain since the surface is not porous. The stains remain on top, hence making them visible and easy to remove when you apply the appropriate cleaning procedures.
Solutions for Common Stains:
- To clean grease stains, use warm water with dish soap.
- Make a paste with baking soda to remove coffee stains or stains made by wine.
- Clean or dissolve mineral deposit by using a diluted solution of white vinegar.
- Use bought bathroom cleaners to deal with soap scum.
Taking Care of Unglazed Porcelain Stains
To keep unglazed porcelain tiles free of stains, act when spills happen and stay on top of maintenance. Face Impex highlights how sealing and sticking to a care routine help extend the life of these tiles.
Ways to Avoid Stains:
- Keep sealant kept current.
- Immediate Spill Cleaning
- Place coasters or place mats in spaces that have the potential of making messes.
- Set aside time for deep cleaning .
- For areas with heavy use, think about hiring professional cleaners.
Tips To Maintain Long-term Strength and Appearance
The only real difference varies in durability change between unglazed porcelain tile and glazed tiles is really dependent on their care and their surrounding environment. Glazed porcelain can maintain its appearance with little effort over a longer period of time. Unglazed porcelain on the other hand will gain a patina with time as long as you care about it.
Face Impex suggests setting up a regular care plan that might include:
- Cleaning floors every day
- Doing a deeper clean each week
- Checking for any damage once a month
- Reapplying a sealer each year (for unglazed tiles)
- Getting a professional inspection every few years
Maintenance Cost Factors to Consider
The initial cost of unglazed porcelain tiles and glazed tiles has a tiny difference, but the long-term cost to maintain them is considerably different. Unpolished porcelain tiles have more immediate care requirements compared to glazed porcelain. Unpolished tiles need sealers, but it might require them to be professionally cleaned more frequently as well.
Face Impex offers affordable maintenance solutions and suggests cost-saving products that still provide high-quality results for both kinds of tiles.
Expert Maintenance Options
To maintain top performance and look for commercial spaces or upscale homes, expert maintenance services are the way to go. Face Impex works with certified cleaning experts who know how to care for different types of porcelain tiles.
These expert services include:
- Advanced tools and cleaners designed for specific tasks
- Skilled methods to remove tough stains
- Careful evaluation and application of sealers
- Detailed plans to maintain surfaces over time
- Fast response services for unexpected restoration needs
Picking the Best Option for Your Area
Choosing between glazed porcelain tile and unglazed porcelain tile will boil down to your needs and your preference. Glazed porcelain is more convenient to maintain especially in a busy home or business place. Porcelain is in unglazed form and appears more natural and natural but it requires more care and attention.
A trained staff at Face Impex can evaluate what you require and recommend the most appropriate porcelain tile to your project. Cared of, glazed and unglazed porcelain tiles can last several years remaining both sturdy and appealing regardless of how they are utilized.
Knowing how these maintenance needs vary helps you choose matching your style, budget, and design goals, while getting the most value from your porcelain tile flooring investment.