Ceramic tiles are a popular solution for practical and decorative use on walls and floors.
Extremely durable, they are also waterproof, making them an ideal product to use in places with heavy traffic or where water is frequently used. For a long time, tiles have been available in a variety of colours, however, art consultants and interior designers want custom tiles that perfectly suit projects and often ask if you can print on ceramic tiles to make them unique.
Fortunately, there are multiple methods of printing on ceramic tiles, ranging from traditional techniques to cutting-edge printing approaches using the latest technology available. Here, we examine several printing methods, what can be printed and some key points to consider when creating a custom tile design.
Today, there are multiple types of ceramic tile printing that let designers create utterly original tiling.
Digital printing uses high-definition printers that directly apply liquid ink designs onto the surface of ceramic tiles. They are then kiln-fired, permanently fusing the design with the tile’s glaze. The benefits of this technique include the creation of texture variations, intricate high-resolution designs and detailed photographic images, that are much tougher to achieve through traditional printing options.
Dye-sublimation is also used to create personalised tiles with high-quality imagery. Selected designs are first printed on a special type of paper using sublimation ink. Next, the paper is carefully positioned on the ceramic tile, and a heat press is applied. The heat and pressure transform the ink into a gas that permeates the surface of the tile. The finished product is scratch- and fade-resistant with a vibrant image.
UV printing technology enables direct printing onto tiles. UV light instantly cures the ink, enabling it to style ceramic tiles and create vibrant prints, as they can be applied in thicker layers.
Screen printing is a traditional approach that involves employing a screen to apply a glaze or slip onto the tile. It can be used to produce designs with a variety of finishes, like matte or glass, and can even add texture effects. It also has the benefit of being combined with digital printing. At Digital Ceramics, we use traditional screen printing with digital technology to produce durable custom ceramic tiles at affordable prices.
What can be printed on ceramic tiles?
Innovative ceramics tile printing offers impressive design flexibility for creatives. Printed tiles can feature custom designs featuring the most patterns or detailed company logos and other brand elements. They can also perfectly replicate photographs in vivid colours.
Artists and designers commissioned to create murals often take advantage of ceramic tile printing. Smaller tiles can be custom printed so that when assembled they form a larger image in exterior or interior locations.
Different types of ceramic tile printing have certain strengths and weaknesses. Before choosing a print technique, always consider where the tiles will be installed and factor in environmental conditions.
For instance, when ceramic tiles are being used outdoors or in busy areas, they must cope with a wide range of weather and wear and tear from significant footfall. Digital ceramic tiles are designed to be hardwearing and have protective coatings that ensure their vibrant colours don’t fade in sunlight or become scuffed and scratched by heavier use. Designed to be water resistant, they also keep out moisture, protecting them from frost and cracking. When digitally printed ceramic tiles are used in areas with heavy water or a high likelihood of spills, they can also feature anti-slip coatings.
As a result, digital ceramic tiles match a range of different applications, including hospitality locations like hotel foyers, restaurants, swimming pools and saunas, but also outdoor social spaces, busy offices, kitchens, bathrooms and more.
While DIY printing is lower in cost, it is only suited to smaller personal projects. A professional ceramic tile printing services is the best option when lasting results are required, and projects involving substantial scale.
If you require perfectly printed ceramic tiles, we can help. At Digital Ceramics, our professional services permit us to support interior designers, artists, architects and other creatives to access bespoke tiles that fit all their project’s parameters. Connect with our expert team today for state-of-the-art ceramic tiles.
Talk to us today and find out how we can transform a project of any scale into an exciting visual experience.
