Responses

1. 1

   Keith:

   Posted 7 months ago by forum administrator

   I suggest that you order a sample of our Avalon glaze (#14), as this glaze finish was formulated specifically to blend-in with the vintage tilework from that period which has taken on a slightly amber tone over these many years. You may not see this natural 'patina' unless you also order a sample of our standard Gloss White glaze (#10) and put them next to one another.

   The Crackle White glaze (#21) is intended as a decorative glaze finish, and would not be suitable for the restoration project you have described. Most likely you are trying to match the other artifact of vintage tilework, the fine network of 'crazing' lines that formed on the glazed surface due to physical stress that these wall surfaces have been exposed to over time. These crazing features, normally invisible when present in a solid, opaque glaze, are gradually revealed when stained through normal use. In contrast, the White Crackle glaze is clear and transparent, and these crazing features are revealed as they reflect light.

   Not unlike our own wrinkles, crazing is a natural effect of aging in ceramic tiles that adds character as the structure matures. Your new tilework will undoubtedly take on similar characteristics in the future.

   The final consideration for your project is matching the physical dimensions and form of the original tilework. The Subway Ceramics collection is made in the same manner as the originals, and we conform to all the standard physical specifications of the tile produced during this period by virtually all of the tile producers of the day. It is due to this industry standardization that Subway Ceramics is able to faithfully and authentically reproduce the tilework incorporated into over 50 years of American homes and businesses during the pre-war era.