Matte tiles aren't often used for kitchen backsplashes but they look amazing and are worth trying. Matte black tiles in some geo shape will be nice for a masculine or just moody kitchen, matte white tiles will add texture to any kitchen and will look more interesting than usual white tiles.
Erika explains, “A glossy subway tile can look brighter and more polished, often lending to a more formal look. It also hides water spots and fingerprints better than its less shiny counterpart. While a matte finish can convey a softer, more casual look.
While matt tiles may lack the bright and shiny appeal, they have a better traction than gloss. For high traffic spaces that are in frequent contact with water, humidity and steam, matt tiles offer a more 'non slip' reputation. Spaces such as hallways, kitchens and bathrooms will all benefit from matt tiles.
Matte finish tiles do not require frequent cleaning, but when you do need to clean them up, it can be a little more time-consuming than the glossy finish tiles. Though matt finish tiles show up far fewer dirty marks, they are more difficult to clean than glossy tiles.
Ceramic tile is the most popular option for a kitchen backsplash. Ceramic tiles are incredibly versatile—they come in many shapes, sizes and colors and can be installed in numerous patterns.
The design should be used to balance out the light and dark shades of the other elements, so if you have light cabinets and countertops, you may want to choose a dark backsplash to bring more depth to the kitchen. If you have very dark cabinets or countertops, a light backsplash will help the kitchen feel fresh.
Porcelain, ceramic, metal, and glass tile top the easy-care list because they resist staining, are naturally nonporous, and don't require any special cleansers to do the job.
Matte tiles come in both glazed and unglazed form. They provide a more traditional look and feel in the space and allow for better traction. They are a great low maintenance choice for bathroom floors and entry areas where there is high traffic. Matte tiles also make it harder to see fingerprints/dirt/streaks.
Requires Less Cleaning
Matte tiles don't show grime the way glossy tiles do. The reflective surface of the glossy tile will show soap scum and water stains very quickly. If you're someone who doesn't like to clean the shower in-between uses, matte tile is the best way to go.
The trick to cleaning matte tiles is to use a mild solution of water with a very small amount of detergent and some vinegar. In most cases, 1 cup of vinegar and 1 tsp of dish soap to about 4 litres of water should do the trick.
1- STAINS ARE MORE STUBBORN
If they are any spills on the matt finish tiles, they will not be very easy to clean. As the matt tiles are not as smooth as gloss tiles, the stains stick to the floor and do not come off easily.
A matte tile offers a more sophisticated, reserved and subtle look to your entire decor, while gloss finish tiles are shiny and have a glaze that reflects light. It is ideal for small spaces as it opens up a room and makes it more spacious.
Using glossy ceramic tile sealer or wax can make matte porcelain tile shiny. Soapy water, baking soda, ammonia-water solution, and vinegar solution are ideal alternatives if tile sealer or wax is unavailable.
Choose a backsplash color that complements the countertop – it might create contrast or it might be in the same color story. The basic rule is that you shouldn't have a “busy” countertop with a “busy” backsplash. If you want one of these features to be a focal point, you should choose one or the other.
In matte tiles, a special layer is added on the topmost layer to achieve a non-shiny and subtle look. The most prominent feature of matte tiles is their anti-slippery nature, which makes them ideal flooring options for all spaces, including those with high water usage like bathrooms, kitchens, and balconies.
The surface of most ceramic and porcelain tile does not need to be sealed, although some require a light application of a penetrating sealer to fill the micro pores on the surface of the tile. However, the grout joint between the tiles is usually very porous and generally made of a cement-based material.
Cleaning. Whilst matt tiles show up far less dirt and marks, they are actually tougher to clean than gloss tiles. Gloss tiles are easily wipeable and you can easily remove any marks quickly and effectively. With matt tiles, you need to scrub a lot more to remove any stains that may have appeared.
When you coordinate your design elements and architectural features, colors don't have to match, but they should coordinate. Your backsplash tile doesn't have to mirror the color of your countertops, but it should blend, harmonize and support the rest of the features in the room.
Peel-and-stick tiles provide a cheap backsplash idea that's easier to install than traditional tile. The self-adhesive backing can be applied directly to the wall with no grout needed. The wide range of patterns lets you recreate the look of a bold tile backsplash without the high cost.
You need a backsplash behind the stove to protect from grease and cooking splatter that could damage the surface behind the stove. The backsplash should be made of durable, nonabsorbent, and easy to clean material that will not discolor easily.
“Subway tiles are classic and timeless, yet versatile, which is why they are so great. They aren't going anywhere in 2021 or beyond,” shares Erin Davis, lead designer at Mosaik Design & Remodeling in Portland, OR.
Think marbles, concretes, bricks, metallics and glossy blacks and whites – the opportunities are endless! Splashbacks are not only practical to help protect your walls from any unruly cooking, by they also prevent steam and heat from damaging the wall behind.