Handmade tile provides a range of colors and textures not easily attainable through other sources. We encourage the nuances of color variation possible with this way of working. our glazes will vary subtely in character from one firing to the next and from one placement in the kiln to the next. This variation is desirable in handmade tile and adds to the richness of the final installation.
When you choose a glaze for your project we will use that color as a reference or 'middle tone' and select tiles that are modulations of that sample color and texture. Some glazes have more variation than others but all of them will vary to some degree in saturation and hue
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Pruckler Ceramic Design is a manufacturer of handmade tiles and as such do not install tiles. In our immediate vicinity we do have tile setters that we recommend. Otherwise it is best to use a tile setter who is familiar with a hand made product. We recommend that our tile be installed following industry guidelines for a standard installation.
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Handmade tile differs from commercial products in that they are wet formed rather than dry pressed in a machine. Wet formed tile are more susceptible to warping in the drying process and require much more care but produce tile of a robust character. To counter the tendency for warpage our tile are made thicker and are dried very slowly. The general thickness of our tile is one half to five eighths of an inch thick. This thickness makes for tile that are very durable and suitable for high traffic areas.
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It is not advisable to use hydrochloric acid or other acids and abrasives when cleaning handmade tile. This includes acid etches used after grouting as these products may etch some glazes. Tile should first be sealed with a wipe on silicone type sealer and cleaned thereafter with mild detergents in water such as Murphy's Oil Soap.After cleaning tile can be treated with lemon oil wiped on with a cloth. This treatment will bring out the tile colors and produce a soft lustre on the tile.
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Pruckler Ceramic Design produces tile that is intended for a grout spacing of one quarter to three eighth of an inch wide. Due to variations in shrinkage inherent in hand made tile, the grout spacing in any given project will have some variation. This is not a defect but a desireable characteristic unique to the aesthetic of custom handmade tile. Tighter grout spacing of less than a quarter of an inch is not recommended and is best acheived by use of a commercial product.
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Our lead time is anywhere from ten to sixteen weeks depending on the nature of your project. It is advisable to start the design process early so that we can adequately work out the design details.
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We have the capacity to do glaze matching for restoration work but an exact match is not guaranteed. This service is reserved for special projects only that are of a size and uniqueness that warrants tackling the technical difficulties of matching a glaze. Feel free to contact us if you have a project that we may help you with.
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Pruckler Ceramic Design guarantees our tile against defects in materials and workmanship for a period of one year following the date of completion. We do not guarantee our tile against chipping, etching, discoloring, wearing or scratching. We hav eno control over annd are not responsible for the materials used to install our tile, the method of installation, backing, skill of the installer, maintainance, usage or nature of the traffic. We will only be obliged to pay for or replace any tile proven to be defective. We assume no liability for damages beyond the purchase price of materials supplied by us.
