What is a tube lined tile?
Tube lined tiles are a type of ceramic tile that have been decorated using a technique known as tube lining. This technique involves applying a thin layer of clay onto the surface of an unglazed tile, then using a special tool to create raised, linear designs on the surface of the clay. Once the design has been created, the tile is left to dry, before a glaze is applied and the tile is fired in a kiln.
Tube lining is a highly skilled technique, and requires a great deal of practice and expertise in order to produce good results. However, the finished product is highly decorative and can be used to create a wide range of different effects. Tube lined tiles are commonly used in decorative applications such as fireplaces, murals, and architectural features, and are also popular for use in the home as kitchen splashbacks and bathroom tiling.
History of tube lining
The technique of tube lining has been used for centuries, and can be traced back to the Middle East and Mediterranean regions, where it was used to create intricate patterns on ceramic tiles and pottery. However, it was during the Arts and Crafts movement of the late 19th and early 20th centuries that tube lining became particularly popular in Europe and North America.
During this period, a number of influential artists and designers, including William Morris and Charles Rennie Mackintosh, began to experiment with new techniques and materials in order to create highly decorative and original designs. Tube lining was seen as an ideal method for achieving this, and was used to create a wide range of beautiful and intricate patterns and motifs.
How tube lined tiles are made
Tube lined tiles are made using a combination of traditional ceramic techniques, including hand forming, glazing, and firing. The tube lining process itself involves applying a thin layer of clay onto the surface of an unglazed tile, then using a small, pointed tool to create raised, linear designs on the surface of the clay.
Once the design has been created, the tile is left to dry, before a glaze is applied. The glaze is a liquid coating that contains a mixture of coloured oxides and other materials, and is applied to the surface of the tile using a brush or spray gun. Once the glaze has been applied, the tile is fired in a kiln at high temperatures, causing the glaze to melt and bond with the surface of the tile.
The firing process is crucial to the final appearance and durability of the tile, and involves carefully controlling the temperature and timing of the firing process. The exact temperature and timing will vary depending on the specific type of clay and glaze used, and on the desired outcome for the finished tile.
Uses of tube lined tiles
Tube lined tiles are highly versatile, and can be used for a wide range of different purposes. Some of the most common uses of tube lined tiles include:
- Decorative tiling: Tube lined tiles are often used as a decorative feature in their own right, particularly in areas such as fireplaces, murals, and architectural features. They can be used to create intricate patterns and motifs, and can be coloured to match any style or decor.
- Kitchen splashbacks: Tube lined tiles make an ideal choice for kitchen splashbacks, as they are hardwearing, easy to clean, and can be made in a wide range of colours and designs. They can be used to add a splash of colour and pattern to any kitchen, and are available in a range of sizes and shapes to suit any style of kitchen.
- Bathroom tiling: Tube lined tiles are also popular for use in bathrooms, particularly on walls or as part of a shower or bath surround. They are highly decorative and can be used to create a luxurious and elegant look, while also being practical and hardwearing.
- Floor tiling: While tube lined tiles are not often used for floor tiling, they can be a good choice for certain applications, particularly in areas such as foyers, entranceways, and other low-traffic areas. Tube lined tiles are more fragile than other types of floor tiles, and will need to be sealed and maintained regularly in order to keep them in good condition.
Advantages of tube lined tiles
There are a number of advantages to using tube lined tiles over other types of ceramic tiles, including:
- Highly decorative: Tube lined tiles are highly decorative and can be used to create a wide range of different patterns and motifs. They can be coloured and glazed to match any style or decor, making them a highly versatile option for decorative tiling.
- Unique and original: Because tube lining is a highly skilled and time-consuming technique, the finished product is often unique and original. This can make tube lined tiles an ideal choice for those who want to create a truly one-of-a-kind look in their home or business.
- Handmade quality: Tube lined tiles are often handmade, giving them a high degree of quality and character that cannot be reproduced by machine. Handmade tiles have a warm and inviting feel, and are often favoured by those who appreciate the beauty of artisanal craftsmanship.
- Durability: While tube lined tiles are more fragile than some other types of ceramic tiles, they are still highly durable and can stand up to a good deal of wear and tear. With proper care and maintenance, tube lined tiles can last for many years, making them a sound investment for any home or business.
Disadvantages of tube lined tiles
While tube lined tiles offer many advantages, there are also some potential disadvantages to consider, including:
- Cost: Tube lined tiles are often more expensive than other types of ceramic tiles, due to the time and expertise required to create them. This can make them a less suitable option for those on a tight budget.
- Fragility: Tube lined tiles are more fragile than other types of ceramic tiles, and will need to be handled carefully in order to avoid chipping or cracking. This can make them a less suitable option for high-traffic areas or for areas where heavy objects are likely to be dropped.
- Maintenance: Tube lined tiles will need to be sealed and maintained regularly in order to keep them in good condition. This can include cleaning and resealing the grout lines, as well as periodic reapplication of sealant to the tiles themselves.
Conclusion
Tube lined tiles are a highly decorative and versatile option for tiling in any home or business. While they require a greater degree of skill and expertise to create, the finished product is often highly original and unique, making it a popular choice for those who want to create a truly one-of-a-kind look in their home or business. Whether used as a decorative feature, a kitchen splashback, or a bathroom tile, tube lined tiles offer a high degree of durability and character that cannot be found in other types of ceramic tiles.
