How to Install Porcelain

Porcelain installation requires some basic knowledge as well as the proper tools and equipment to perform the installation well. Having the right machines, blades, and bits makes a big difference in the outcome of the installation. In this article we will take a look at some popular porcelain brands and what kinds of porcelain products these brands offer. Additionally, we will briefly look at some equipment that is needed to install porcelain.

Porcelain Brands to Install

Porcelain surfaces are not new. In fact, porcelain has been used for design and decor for many many years. Porcelain tiles have been used for covering surfaces including floors, walls, and backsplashes. These surfaces were installed in kitchens and bathrooms of all shapes and sizes and in a variety of price ranges.

In recent times though, new applications for porcelain surfaces have emerged on the scene. Since porcelain tile and other kinds of porcelain seem to be a staple of the design industry there are a good deal of porcelain brands available from which to choose. Some of the more popular brands of porcelain include the following:

• Antolini Tech
• Atlas Concorde
• Crossville
• Eiffelgres
• Fiandre
• Florim
• Inalco
• Kerlite
• Laminam
• Levantina
• Maxfine
• Marazzi
• Mirage
• Mont
• O-KERA BY OKITE
• PLANE
• Savoia
• Stile
• Techlam
• SapienStone
• XTONE

Browsing through the websites of the porcelain brands in the list above, reveals that each brand of porcelain offers a variety of surfaces including tiles, panels, slabs, and even countertops in some cases. This is because porcelain is so versatile that it is used for many applications. There are however, some important things to know and to have when working with porcelain. Let's look at some of them now.

Proper Tools for Installing Porcelain

Working with porcelain involves a specific set of skills. And if you are working with large panels or porcelain countertops, there are some added practices that must be considered. Even more than the knowledge, the proper tools are necessary if you are going to get great results. Even the most skilled porcelain installer can have a difficult time with a project if the equipment the installer is using does not perform well.

Cutting Porcelain

Cutting porcelain surfaces, whether it is a tile, a panel, or even a countertop, is different from cutting other surfaces. Porcelain is an extremely hard material that must cut using a diamond blade that is designed for the task. Other materials like natural and engineered stone are hard, but they are not as hard as porcelain. In fact, porcelain is among the hardest materials used for countertops. Using a diamond blade for cutting porcelain is one of the key factors in getting great results when working with porcelain materials.

In addition to using the correct diamond bridge saw blade, knowing how to use the blade is imperative. A good practice is to ease into and out of the cut when using a diamond blade. Cutting the material in this manner will help to avoid chips that can happen if the cut is started at full speed. There are other techniques for preventing chips when cutting porcelain. Depending on the type of porcelain, the size, and the thickness other techniques may be acceptable as well.

Coring Porcelain

Another task that is commonly performed when working porcelain is coring. Again, the strength and hardness of the material makes it necessary to use the correct core bit for drilling porcelain. It also means that the installer must know how to use the bit in order to get the best results.

When coring porcelain using the proper tool, the coring is done using the proper amount of lubricant (usually water) and at the correct speed. Using the appropriate speed and lubrication will keep the core bit and the porcelain from getting too hot. Overheating can cause the bit and/or the porcelain to break.

Porcelain Cleaning

A key part of installing porcelain is the clean up phase. Depending on whether you have installed porcelain tile, large format porcelain tiles, or porcelain countertops you will need to clean up. There are a number of substances that can wind up on the surface of a piece of porcelain. Here are a few substances that require special cleaners or chemicals to clean porcelain:

• Adhesive
• Grout
• Limescale
• Metal Marks
• Ink
• Dye
• Rubber
• Rust
• Gum
• Candle Wax
• Marker

There a number of other substances that can require specific cleaners to remove. For the best results using a cleaner after installing porcelain, it is advisable to use the proper cleaner according to the instructions. You can find out what kind of cleaner is the best by inquiring of a company that sells cleaner for porcelain surfaces and finding out what they recommend.

When working with porcelain materials on installations. It is good to know a bit about the tools, the machines, and the cleaners that are designed for tile. When the correct supplies are used in the proper manner, you will be sure to get the best results possible on your project.