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Gloss vs. Matte Glass Tile: A Sheen Showdown Kitchen Backsplash installation featuring our gloss color Juniper; Image: Malcolm Fearon, Bliss Images Whether you are remodeling your bathroom or building a swimming pool, consider using glass tile for a unique look unlike any other surface material.  Luminescent, impervious and pillowy soft, our recycled glass tile is sure to steal the show.  pool cleaning detergentBut first you'll have to make a few tough decisions, one being the finish – Gloss or Matte?  pool cleaning oxygenSeems so simple, right?  best vacuum cleaner laminate floorsNot when you're the one making the decision!  steam cleaner for sale ireland

Both glass finishes offer a distinctive look, and both have their own set of pros and cons.  To help you decide which finish is best for your project, we've put together a list of all of the benefits and challenges of using our glass contenders.  So here we go, it's a sheen showdown! Pros of using a gloss finish 1. Gloss is reflective:  A gloss surface reflects light, so if you are looking to make your space feel lighter and brighter, this finish is the right choice for you.best steam cleaners uk 2013 2. Gloss is vibrant:  Our glass tile has through body color, meaning the rich pigmentation we use goes all the way through the glass tile body.  carpet cleaning coupons pittsburghA gloss finish highlights the transparent color, making an even stronger visual statement. 3. Gloss is low maintenance: Being impervious to water, glass tile is one of the easiest tile types to keep clean, and a glossy, easy to wipe finish makes maintenance even less painful.

Bathroom shower installation featuring our gloss colors Forget Me Not, Icicle, Dusty Olive, Plankton, and Island Flower;  Cons of using a gloss finish 1. Gloss is slippery:  A smooth, glossy surface will be slippery, especially when wet.  Therefore, we do not recommend using a gloss finish on the floor.  If you do, make sure to choose a small tile size to help with slip resistance, the more grout the better! 2. Gloss highlights imperfections: fingerprints, footprints and water spots–All those pesky imperfections will be exaggerated on a gloss finish.  Gloss is also more transparent than matte finishes, so be aware of your tile backing, it will show underneath lighter gloss colors. 3. Gloss can be distracting:  The reflective quality of a gloss finish isn't for everyone.  If you're looking for a calm, serene aesthetic, gloss probably isn't the right fit.  The reflective quality will create more light, and make colors feel brighter. Gloss Color shown is Plankton

Pros of using a matte finish 1. Matte is soft: While gloss colors are often bold and vibrant, matte colors offer the opposite effect–a soft, muted hue, perfect for creating a calm and soothing space. 2. Our Matte finish is etched: To create a highly durable finish, we etch the surface of our glass tile.  This technique creates a unique surface texture that will last you a lifetime, compared to other glass tiles that only have a thin "matte film" applied to the surface, which will chip and scratch off over time. 3. Matte is is more slip resistant:  If you are looking to put glass tile on a floor, a matte finish is your safest bet.  The etched surface provides slip resistance, to an otherwise smooth and slippery material.  So if you want a glass tile shower pan, go matte all the way! Bathroom showerpan installation featuring our Matte Colors Morning Glory Matte, Forget Me Not Matte, Icicle Matte, Wallflower Matte, Lamb's Ear Matte, and Blueberry Matte; 

Cons of using a matte finish 1. Matte finish costs a little more: Glass tile starts at $28/sf. Because we manually etch the surface for added durability, our Matte finish runs a few dollars more, starting at $34/sf. 2. Matte can require maintenance: A matte finish can be a bit harder to maintain, it's possible for water spots to be more visible if you live in an area with hard water. 3. Matte is not translucent: A color with matte finish will not be as translucent as a gloss finish.  The matte finish creates a cloudy effect, so if you are looking for high translucency and reflection, matte may not be for you. Color shown is Wallflower Matte Can't decide between gloss and matte?  Try mixing both for a unique surface texture and custom look! Want to learn more about Gloss and Matte finishes?  Simply fill out our Design Assistance Form and one of our talented Design Consultants will get back to you within 24 hoursWhen all three messages landed in my inbox on the same day, the problem of soap scum, mildew and hard water buildup grabbed my attention.

I’ve been told that if one person actually writes to me with a problem, that represents a thousand with a similar situation. Three in one day tells me this is a common problem. We recently remodeled our kitchen with stainless appliances. We have treated well water. The very first week we had a large water stain in water dispenser area that I can’t get off. Is there anyway to remove it? How do you remove hard water spots from shower doors?  My shower mat has turned almost black. I have tried to clean it, but unsuccessfully. Can you help me?  Quite possibly one of the best tips to ever land my mailbox came from a guy who is a professional property manager. He handles rental apartments, and lots of them. As an apartment is vacated, his job is to see that it is thoroughly cleaned and made ready for the next occupants. He told me that the biggest challenge is always the bathroom, specifically the tub and shower. He kindly left specific details up to my imagination but let me know that “gross” is not strong enough to describe what he often finds.

And that’s when he gave me his super magical potion—the only product he uses to return showers, tubs, tile, enclosures, faucets and doors to their sparkling clean and sanitized condition. I gave his unbelievably simple recipe a try. In what has to be at least 20 years since I got that letter, I’ve used nothing else to clean tubs, showers, sinks, toilets, patio furniture—just about anything that will stand still long enough to get sprayed, and can be rinsed easily. This product must be rinsed off. To make your own Tub, Tile and Shower Cleaner you will need three things: An empty spray bottle, Dawn dishwashing liquid (any variation as long as it is Dawn and it is blue) and white vinegar. TO MAKE: Pour one cup blue Dawn into a 32-ounce spray bottle (1/2 cup Dawn if you are using a 16-ounce bottle). Fill the bottle the rest of the way with white vinegar. shake gently to mix. TO USE: Spray liberally on the area to be cleaned. Allow to sit from 30 minutes up to overnight, depending on the severity of the problem.

All of the offensive gunk and grime will break down and become soft and gooey. Simply rinse it away. For especially challenging situations—or if this is the initial treatment—use a sponge or brush to gently scrub the surfaces before rinsing. TO TREAT MILDEW, MOLD. While the Tub, Tile and Shower Cleaner works to loosen and remove most mildew, if you see a lot of black growth you will want to pretreat with full strength liquid chlorine bleach before proceeding as above. CAUTION: Never, ever allow chlorine bleach to come in contact with other products, especially vinegar. This could produce chlorine gas, which is deadly. Simply make sure you rinse the chlorine bleach away completely before proceeding to clean with the homemade tub and tile cleaner. TO MAINTAIN: Here’s the best thing about this cleaner—if you use it weekly you will never have to scrub again. Here’s what I do: Once each week I spray down the walls, doors, tracks, faucets, shampoo caddy—everything within reach—with this magical cleaner while I am in the shower.