Are encaustic tiles suitable for showers?
John Hall
Updated on February 18, 2026
Are encaustic tiles suitable for showers?
“Encaustic tiles can also be used in wet areas such as shower rooms, but it’s likely they will fade slightly, especially darker colours and patterns due to the natural pigments used, however, it is all part of the natural ageing process and part of their charm.”
Is encaustic tile a fad?
Popular in the very ornate Victorian and (more austere but still ornate by modern standards) Edwardian eras, and dating all the way back to Medieval times, graphic encaustic (or cement) tiles are enjoying a revival. Okay, it’s suddenly a HUGE trend.
What does encaustic mean in tiles?
to heat or burn in
The term encaustic means “to heat or burn in” from an ancient Greek word. Encaustic materials are produced through a process which involves heating to seal in the dyes and clays. Traditional encaustic tiles are made using clay and powdered glazes, and are fired in a coal or wood-fired kiln.
Do encaustic tiles need sealing?
Encaustic tiles should be sealed before they are laid to minimise the risk of grout or other products staining the tiles during installation — you wouldn’t be the first person to have to rip up a completely new encaustic tile job!
Are encaustic tiles porcelain?
Encaustic porcelain tiles are, without a doubt, one of the most beautiful variants of tile on the market. With its patterned body, square format, and unique identity, it can instantly uplift even the simplest of designs.
What kind of tile do you use for a shower floor?
Mosaic tiles are the most popular choice for shower floor tiles. The small size of the individual tiles means they conform to the slope and shape of the shower floor better than a larger tile would. There are also more grout lines present between mosaic tiles, offering much-needed slip resistance in the shower.
Do encaustic tiles fade?
Natural colors won’t fade over time the same way non-mineral based colors will, which is why some of the oldest encaustic tiles around the world continue to look extraordinarily vibrant.
How do you get stains out of encaustic tiles?
‘Encaustic tiles that have become stained or dirty can generally be cleaned with fresh water, detergents or proprietary tile cleaners – but never soak them,’ says Hunt. ‘Where water is used to clean encaustic tiles, control its spread; a wet towel left on the floor overnight can be effective. ‘
How do you seal encaustic tiles?
Sealing Encaustic Tiles In most cases you should only be sealing these tiles using either a Natural Look Sealer or an Enhancing Sealer.
How do you maintain encaustic tiles?
‘Encaustic tiles that have become stained or dirty can generally be cleaned with fresh water, detergents or proprietary tile cleaners – but never soak them,’ says Hunt. ‘Where water is used to clean encaustic tiles, control its spread; a wet towel left on the floor overnight can be effective.
What do you seal encaustic tiles with?
Sealing Encaustic Tiles When the tiles are fully dry apply a coat of Tile Doctor Colour Grow, colour grow is an impregnating sealer that will occupy the pores in the tile and protect it from staining, it will also enhance the stronger colours in the tile.
What is the easiest tile to clean in a shower?
The bathroom tiles that are the easiest to clean are natural stone tile, glass tile, polished porcelain tile, and vinyl tile. Choosing one of these four tiles will help you save on cleaning products and cleaning time.