wall decor

Metal Wall Tile



With their unique sharp and modern feel, metal wall tiles will complement any kitchen or bathroom wall, or even a fireplace trim. Stainless steel, bronze, aluminum and copper are most common materials used.

Metal tiles or metal mosaics can come in multiple shapes and sizes, with an infinite variety of colors and finishes.Their shapes and thicknesses make them suitable in most layouts.
They are available with smooth finishes, polished or unpolished, and with embossed designs.

To satisfy all taste, a wide array of designs were created: brick, stack, diamond, herringbone, basket weave, parquet or checkerboard.

If you consider they are too expensive, think of installing just a few in between glazed or porcelain ones, and you will get an instant impact on your wall decor!
metal tilemetal wall tile

Tile Surfaces

Metal wall tiles surfaces can be made of:
  • Stainless steel with polished look reflects light and colour and looks good alongside vivid hues or against plain white.
    The brushed satin effects will soften metal reflections.

  • Copper tiles are processed with either a grained or buffed finish, allowing different grade of reflection.
    The surface is an orange-goldish color, that it will oxidize in time creating a rich patina. Using a copper cleaner, you can maintain original colour, or you let the copper surface change to a beautiful natural patina finish.

  • Zinc tiles - less known, they can offer the same appeal as any other metal tiles. Usually they are processed with a mill finish; they can be easily grained for a desired brush finish and may be cleaned without special care.
    In time zinc tiles get a "patina", and if you want to avoid this, you should get the ones with a clear coat.

  • Aluminum tiles are available as regular tiles or peel and stick.Lightweight, they are easy to install and maintain. They are durable, and won't scratch or stain.
    With the "peel-and-stick" style, you can have a metal wall tile in no time, without the mess you would get with a traditional installation. You don't need any grout, and as a plus, you can easily cover any irregularities of the walls.



Funky metal wall tiles


Installing Metal Wall Tile

A basic list of things you need to have to install the metal tiles: soap and water, metal tile adhesive, tile spacers (optional), wet saw, acrylic latex caulk, tile sponge, nonabrasive dish scrubber, a 1/8-inch saw-toothed trowel and,of course metal tiles.

Installation steps:

  • Double-check that you have purchased enough tiles. Thoroughly clean wall for tile installation. Remove any oil, moisture or dirt.

  • Apply an adhesive suitable for metal tiles to the wall with the 1/8-inch saw toothed trowel. Allow the adhesive to set for before proceeding.

  • Use tile spacers, if desired, to control the amount of space between the tiles. Note that space is not necessary, since the tiles have beveled edges.
    Apply metal wall tiles with firm, steady pressure.

  • Cut tiles to fit edges using a wet saw unless the manufacturer advises otherwise. Cut tiles with the metal faces up.

  • Caulk the space between tiles using a Siliconized Acrylic Latex Caulk (available at any home construction store).
    Depending on the appearance, use grouted or non-sanded caulk. For high gloss tiles, use 3" or 4" blue masking tape on the edges of the tiles to protect the surface from scratching if you are using sand grout.

  • Remove any large deposits of the caulk with your finger Using a damp tile sponge wipe the caulk at a 45 degree angle to the tiles, use very little pressure.
    Rinse sponge after every stroke.
    Wipe away excess caulk with a damp tile sponge. Rinse the sponge often. Continue to wipe until the lines of caulk are smooth and there is a faint glaze over the tiles. Allow this glaze of caulk to dry for 12 hours or more

  • Let the caulk set up for at least 12 hours,then brake the glaze with a non abrasive pan scrubber and sponge clean.



    • Kitchen metal wall tiles


    Metal mosaics have a sleek, futuristic appeal. Each mosaic is a porcelain base tile with a cut piece of stainless steel adhered to the face of the tile. Shapes vary from round penny, deco to honeycomb.

    Care and Maintenance

    Tiles metal shiny appearance can be easily maintained by cleaning with lint free cloth, a micro-fibre one or sponge. The detergent used for dishes is good for cleaning metal tiles too.

    Copper may be cleaned or polished using any of the copper and brass cleaners commonly found on the market ( if it is not clear coated), the same applying for stainless steel.


    Did you find what you were looking for in Metal Wall Tile? Try the power of Google:

    Want More Wall Decor Ideas?

    Sign-up for "Wall Decor Lovers" - our FREE monthly newsletter. Get inspired, get ideas and stay connected!
    Enter your E-mail Address

    Enter your First Name (optional)

    Then

    Don't worry -- your e-mail address is totally secure.
    I promise to use it only to send you Wall Decor Lovers.

    Add To Your Social Bookmarks

    Enjoy This Site?
    Then why not use the button below, to add us to your favorite bookmarking service and social networking?

    If you don't see what you are looking for, be sure to drop us a line via our Contact Form or check back again soon.

    We're striving to improve our site and we want to hear from you!


    If you find this information helpful,
    share it with your friends!

    [?]

    XML RSS
    Add to Google
    Add to My Yahoo!
    Add to My MSN
    Add to Newsgator
    Subscribe with Bloglines
    Special SiteSell Promotion



    Copyright© 2007-2009 www.art-for-your-walls.com

    powered by sbi