What’s The Difference Between Ceramic Tile And Porcelain Tile?

Both ceramic and porcelain tile belong to a larger category of tiles, generally known as ceramics—a category refers to all tiles shaped from natural earthen clay and hardened by heat. Nowadays ceramics are gradually divided into different branches as the appearance of more rigid and definite specifications are applied to name these tiles. But so many people mistake the two type of tiles.

 

 

The main difference between ceramic tiles and porcelain tiles

 

As we mentioned above, both ceramic tiles and porcelain tiles refer to tiles shaped from natural earthen clay and hardened by heat. According to the definition of American Society for Materials and Testing (ASTM) Section C373.2, the water absorption rate of ceramic tiles is 0.5% or less. If the weight of a tile increases by less than 0.5% due to the water absorption of its surface, it is considered porcelain.

 

	Ceramic Tile	Porcelain Tile
Composition	Coarse clay	Fine kaolin clay
Water Absorption	> 0.5 percent	0.5 percent or less
Cost	$0.50 to $35 per square foot	$3 to $35 per square foot
Typical Use	Indoor floors and walls	Indoor and outdoor floors and walls (in mild climates)
Hardness	Softer than porcelain	Harder, more brittle than ceramic
Resistance to Water	good	Excellent

 

In appearance aspect

 

Both ceramic tiles and porcelain tiles are generally applied with a glazed surface coating, and at a glance, it is difficult to distinguish the two.

 

Most ceramic tiles are in a solid color, and simulations of wood grains or natural stone are not common among typical ceramic tiles while porcelain tiles have the edge when it comes to appearance, because porcelain tiles with more colors, patterns, and surface finishes are available in these tiles.

 

However, glazed ceramic tiles with polishing compound are on a par with porcelain tiles when it comes to the appearance. Because glazed ceramic tiles make the color of common ceramic tiles more vivid just like a layer of water or oil on the top of the tiles which make them look more high end.

 

The benefits of glazed ceramic tiles with polishing compound

 

The main advantages of glazed ceramic tilts with polishing compound production process: fully glazed ceramic tile body without high quality raw materials, as long as there is a glaze layer of 0.5-1mm or so on the surface. And polishing brick also want 2-3mm concentrate; Glaze brick pattern imitation is easy to do, the cost is low. Full glazing ceramic tile production is more environmentally friendly, because the glaze layer firing speed is faster, lower energy consumption, glazing is lower than polishing energy consumption and higher output.

 

How to choose glazed ceramic tiles with polishing compound?

 

NO1. check the regularity of ceramic tile

 

To check whether the difference of ceramic tile of the same specification is larger than 2 mm or not, the size difference larger than 2mm belonging to defective products. And pay attention to whether the surrounding of ceramic tile is flat and the thickness is uniform.

 

NO2. to inspect the ability of water-absorbing

 

Glazed ceramic tilts with polishing compound are made from a traditional polished brick that has undergone a glaze application process and then has to undergo a secondary polishing to get the product. To inspect the water absorbency of glazed ceramic tile, we should pour a few water in ceramic tile reverse side, waiting for 10 minutes. If water drops do not appear diffused and infiltrate the situation, it proves that bibulous rate is low and the tightness of ceramic tile is good, which is qualified products.

 

NO.3. to inspect the wearing-resistance

 

Some inferior glaze ceramic tiles’ wear resistance is very poor, as it is easy to scratch or even crack. Therefore consumers could scratch glazed ceramic tiles with sharp knife to inspect the wearing resistance when choosing glazed ceramic tilts with polishing compound.

 

If you are looking for a glazed ceramic tiles polishing compound supplier, we are looking forward to be your first choice. Foshan Kiva Ceramics Co. is a professional tiles manufacturer, founded in 2010, who is specializing in the production of six major series of ceramic and porcelain tiles, such as polished porcelain tiles, glazed polished porcelain tiles, rustic porcelain tiles, ceramic wall and floor tiles, wood tiles and subway tiles. If you have any need, please feel free to contact us.