Digital Glazed Vitrified Tiles

Digital Glazed Vitrified Tiles: Specs, Uses & Design Finishes

Architects, interior designers, and homeowners often opt for digitally glazed vitrified tiles (DGVT) for their floors and walls. They combine the power of vitrified materials with the beauty of advanced digital printing to strike a perfect balance between appearance and functionality. DGVT tiles are robust, flexible, and stylish. They are great for both modern residences and busy commercial settings.

What sets this category apart?

Digital glazed vitrified tiles are great since they are a blend of many kinds. Unlike conventional ceramic tiles, these tiles are made from a mixture of silica, clay, and quartz that undergoes a process called vitrification. This makes them incredibly sturdy, dense, and not permeable. Additionally, strong digital inkjet printing technology is employed. With this technology, companies may duplicate colours, patterns, and textures with great accuracy.

This means that DGVT tiles can resemble real stone, marble, wood, or metal finishes without the issues associated with natural materials. This lets designers be as creative as they want, while builders obtain high-quality work that meets both functional and aesthetic objectives.

What really sets DGVT apart is how well it works and how customisable it is. The surface is as strong as vitrified stone, but you can design it any way you like, such as with printed material.

Technical specs & applications

From a technical point of view, DGVT tiles are designed to be sturdy and withstand a long lifespan. Some common needs are:

Thickness: It is normally between 8 mm and 12 mm, but it may vary depending on its application.

Water Absorption: Less than 0.5%, indicating they are vitrified and suitable for wet locations.

Flexural Strength: It's strong enough to withstand heavy loads, making it suitable for use in homes and businesses.

Scratch and stain resistance: Even high-traffic areas won't wear down with protective glazing.

There are a lot of ways to use DGVT tiles:

Residential Spaces: Great for kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms, and living rooms where style and ease of maintenance are crucial.

Commercial buildings: DGVT is often used in lobbies, corridors, and retail showrooms, as it can handle high foot traffic and still maintain a visually appealing appearance.

Hospitality Projects: Hotels and restaurants prefer designs that are unique and will last a long time.

Schools, hospitals, and offices are among the places where these tiles are particularly useful, as they are easy to clean and require minimal upkeep.

In short, DGVT tiles are adaptable and can be used for practically any wall or floor covering purpose.

Finish & edge options

One thing that makes DGVT tiles so popular is that they come in a variety of finishes and edges.

Finishes that are in style

Glossy Finish: It reflects a lot, making the small areas appear larger and more expensive.

Matt finish: makes things look soft and helps keep them from slipping. It's great for the outdoors, kitchens, and bathrooms.

High-Definition Marble or Stone Effects: Digital printing enables you to create surfaces that resemble rare marbles or exotic stones for a fraction of the cost.

Wood Finish: Looks like real wood, but you don't have to worry about taking care of it.

Sugar Finish: A finish that is a touch rough and sparkles softly in the light. People usually utilise it in their living rooms.

Options for the Edge

Rectified Edges: The grout lines are as small as possible, resulting in a modern and smooth appearance, as the edges were cut with a machine.

Non-rectified edges are normal edges that require grout joints that are slightly wider. They usually cost less and complement classic styles well.

You can use these finishes and edge variations to suit DGVT tiles to practically any design idea, from very modern minimalism to very classic elegance.

Installation & care checklist

DGVT tiles are tough, but how well they perform depends largely on how well they are installed and maintained. Here's a short list of things you can do:

Tips for Installing

Preparing the surface: Ensure the floor or wall is clean, flat, and dry.

Planning the layout: Before attaching the tiles, lay them out dry to observe the patterns and minimize waste.

Choosing the Right Adhesive: Use a tile adhesive that is compatible with vitrified tiles and of high quality.

Select a grout that won't stain when used, especially in kitchens or bathrooms.

Expansion Joints: Always check to ensure there is sufficient room for thermal expansion in large areas of the floor.

Keeping Up and Taking Care of

You don't need strong or acidic chemicals to clean; just water and a little detergent are sufficient.

Polishing: Glossy DGVT tiles naturally stay shiny, but washing them with pH-neutral solutions occasionally helps them last longer.

Cleaning Up Stains: To prevent spills from leaving traces on the grout lines, clean them up immediately.

Inspect the joints periodically and reseal the grout if necessary, especially in areas that are frequently exposed to moisture.

If you do these things, your DGVT installations will last for decades and remain in pristine condition.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do DGVT tiles differ from full-body vitrified?

There is a glazed surface layer on DGVT tiles, and the designs are digitally printed on them. On the other hand, full-body vitrified tiles are the same colour and material throughout. DGVT is better for design freedom, but full-body tiles are preferable for industrial or very heavy-duty circumstances where chips and scratches can disclose the tile's body.

Are DGVT suitable for commercial lobbies?

Yes, for sure. DGVT tiles are strong, won't scratch, and will maintain their shine even when many people walk on them. They come in a variety of styles, making them a wonderful solution for business lobbies that require both aesthetic appeal and functionality. People really enjoy big, fixed versions in these circumstances where they can be viewed readily.

Do they need sealing?

No, DGVT tiles are not porous. They have a glazed surface that protects them. This implies they don't need to be sealed more than natural stone does. However, sealing the grout lines may help prevent stains from appearing, especially in areas that receive a lot of food, oil, or moisture.

What’s a typical water absorption rate?

Digital glazed vitrified tiles can only absorb 0.5% of water. They don't let moisture in easily, so they don't get mouldy, stained, or damaged by water. These are great for bathrooms, kitchens, and outside.

The Bottom Line

Digital glazed vitrified tiles (DGVT) are more than just a style choice; they represent the best combination of strength, style, and technology. DGVT tiles are good for both households and businesses. They may be utilized for advanced digital printing, which provides endless creative options, and for the technical performance that modern buildings require.

Architects, designers, and homeowners can bring their ideas to life without worrying about their longevity or the amount of work required to maintain them. This is because they may be used with varying finishes, sizes, and edges. These tiles will last a long time and enhance the appearance of both the inside and outside of your home if you install and care for them properly.

Get the DGVT spec sheet and enquire for samples immediately to see how these tiles can impact the way your next project looks. Explore more at Qutone Ceramics!