Tile Mural Questions

Custom Tile Murals - Frequently Asked Questions

Custom Tile Murals and Floor Tiles are for interior use. We also offer Exterior Grade Tiles (more costly than interior tiles).

Which 'type' of tile should I use?
Ceramic tile offers the best picture reproduction for photographs and art due to its smooth white surface before custom printing. Ceramic is good for general use, e.g., backsplash and shower tile, as well as large wall areas for public facilities, hotel lobbies, and restaurants.

Tumbled marble (aka tumbled stone) is also a good choice for most locations but should be sealed with a clear tile & grout sealer if used where exposure to liquid is possible. Tumbled Marble is not recommended for baths and showers due to its higher moisture absorbency (use porcelain), yet is fine for occasional wet contact such as near sinks and stoves. Each tile has unique variations in texture and color. It is good for accurate color reproduction, but not as good as ceramic, especially for finely detailed images.

Glass and porcelain tile are suitable for all the above locations plus more demanding locations. Their low moisture absorbency qualify glass and porcelain for wet and immersion service, including freeze/thaw exposure. Due to natural coloration and variances in the Italian Textured porcelain, it is recommended for an old world 'painted' look, whereas the smooth porcelain yields a more accurate photo-like reproduction.

Glass tile is imaged on the backside. It is the most durable and scratch resistant. Textured glass is slip resistant (suitable for flooring) and smooth glass has sharper image reproduction. Both are hard enough for table tops and counters. For detailed glass tile specifications - Graffiti Resistant Glass Tile

What special exposures can these products withstand?
For continually wet or immersion service, the extremely low moisture absorption of porcelain tile and glass tile are advantageous. Indoor pools, fountains or the like are ideal for porcelain and glass. Their freeze-thaw stability also makes them perfect for outdoor use in climates which may experience freezing. However, we do not recommend any of our custom printed products for prolonged direct sun exposure. Long term direct sunlight will eventually cause some fading of the image. Exterior use should only be on north-facing or shaded surfaces. Check here for more durability information. For exterior use, see Exterior Grade Tiles (more costly than interior tiles).

Do I send tiles to custom-tiles.com or do you supply the tiles?
We supply our own tiles in the different types mentioned above. This site offers many examples of how our tiles look. Remember that our printing will alter the look of any tile you may decide to provide to us. If you want a certain kind of appearance (e.g., a marble-like vein pattern) added to your image, send us a tile whose pattern you like. We can scan the tile's appearance and add it to the picture you want reproduced on the tile, printing both together on our tile.
If you want a specific tile to be used, you can send them to us for testing. We have to be very careful in using tiles which are sufficiently level to accept high quality printing and acceptance of our proprietary glaze. Minimum order for use of tiles you supply would be 100 tiles with an additional charge of $2.00 per tile for application of our special clearcoat.

What size should my tiles be?
     The best answer depends on the size of the mural and the size of the room. In large rooms (or on a large wall), larger tiles not only look best but require less labor for installation. Our custom imaged ceramic tiles are available up to 8 inches square. Most customers order 6 inch tiles, and these are available in ceramic, glass, tumbled marble, and porcelain tile. This size is good for most kitchen walls (including backsplashes), bathrooms, shower stalls, and medium to large public display areas.
     Also good for kitchen backsplashes (above the stove and/or along the countertops) is 4 inch tile (so-called, but really is 4.25 inches). The advantage to 4 inch tiles is that in smaller areas, the greater number of tiles makes the mural appear larger.
     Another consideration is to use a tile size which evenly divides into the size of the area available for the tile mural. If filling an area 60 inches wide by 18 inches tall, 6 inch tiles would be ideal for a 'perfect' fit (10 tiles wide by 3 tiles tall). The closest fit for 4 inch tiles for those dimensions would be 59.5 inches wide and 17 inches tall for a mural which is 14 tiles wide by 4 tiles tall. This was determined by dividing the number of inches of width and then height (60x18) by 4.25.
     For more information, see Planning a Mural or call Mitch at 434-660-7170.

What does a custom tile mural cost?
Murals are priced on the basis of the number and type of tile. There may be an editing charge if the picture sent to us needs a good deal of alteration to look best for tile printing. Some examples of editing requirements are resizing with cropping (we do not usually charge just for resizing), adding or removing things to/from the image, and complex adjustments in highlights and shadows to improve the color or lighting balance. There is no charge for simple adjustments which we usually make to improve the image for your mural, but if the work will be extensive, we will notify you first. To calculate your cost, multiply the number of tiles needed by the cost per tile on this page, Tile Mural Order.

How do we get the picture to you for our custom tile mural?
    The easiest way is to attach a digital file to your email. Digital files should be at least 240 ppi (100-500 MB files are not uncommon) or as large as possible and we can enlarge it to final image size. We prefer tiff, psd, jpg and non-interlaced png. The file size may be too large for email and so may be sent (free of charge) through YouSendIt.com. Please call 434-660-7170 or email with any questions. You may also send files on DVD or CD.
    If you do not have the image sizes recommended, send the largest you can for us to examine for its suitability for your tile mural project.
    You may send art or photos for us to scan. We will return the original. Package carefully! All work must be flat (no frames or glass). If the artwork is very large and requires an outside scanning service, we will notify you of any extra costs before proceeding.
   Note: All images supplied to Dependable Printing & Imaging / custom-tiles.com are the customer's responsibility as to copyright and permission for reproduction, not the responsibility nor liability of Dependable Printing & Imaging / Custom-Tiles.com.

How durable are the tiles? Can I clean them without hurting the custom image?
   The glass tiles are imaged on the backside so you see the image through the glass. When installed and grouted, the glass tiles are tough enough to be used as floor tiles and on countertops, even resistant to scratching form plates and kitchenware.
    All other tiles (ceramic, tumbled marble, and porcelain) have a clearcoat glaze which is resistant to common household cleansers, including bleach. Do NOT use abrasive cleaners such as rough scotchpads, steel wool, Comet, or Ajax type scouring powder. Here is more durability information If you plan to use tumbled marble tile where it may be exposed to water, it should be sealed with a clear tile sealer after installation. Sealer information here.
     Check here for durability information on Floor Tiles, and here for Floor tile pricing. For exterior uses, see Exterior Grade Tiles (more costly than interior tiles).

How do I install a custom tile mural?
See information on tile installation, grouting, material suppliers, and care.

We are in the trade. How do we obtain discounts?
Purchasing directly from us eliminates any retail mark-up. Further discounts are available through our Dealer Discount program.

Other questions - we are in business to serve you!! - call or email - Mitch Bernard, 434-660-7170.

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General Help & Production Email - Mitch Bernard 434-660-7170
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