Always on Trend: Black and White Cement Tile

Black and white tile patterns are both classic and contemporary–basically the very definition of timeless design. This seemingly simple color combo is elevated by how deep you can make your design statement, whether you choose a bold geometric look or an elegant, intricate pattern. 

Handcrafted cement tiles change up this vintage tile style with a matte finish that has depth and character, such you see in our with a Troika pattern below.

What is Cement Tile?

Cement tile is made from a centuries-old process, using marble and cement along with natural mineral pigments. We like to say cement tiles deliver emotion through texture rather than the flat printed-on color of ceramic tile. 

Cement tiles are not fired but are created sustainably through intense pressure from a mechanical hydraulic press and then cured naturally like structural concrete.  Cement tiles are so durable they can even be used in high-traffic commercial spaces like restaurants and hotels.

Similar to natural stone, each handcrafted cement tile is unique with slight color variations, the sign of an artisan-made product. Cement tiles come in many different shapes from square to hexagon to fishscale to rectangles.  

Whether it is creating a tile bathroom floor to a kitchen backsplash wall, there are endless possibilities when it comes to using black and white cement tile.

How is Cement Tile Different from Ceramic Tile?

Cement tile is a handmade artisan product, whereas ceramic tile is mass-produced with designs printed on the surface. In addition, they are entirely different materials, which means some tile contractors are not experienced with cement tiles. 

As previously mentioned, cement tiles are more similar to natural stone than ceramic tiles. Sealing and maintenance requirements are similar. 

Learn more about the difference between cement tile and porcelain tile in this video by Adam Esparza of ALE Tile.

What is Black and White Terrazzo Tile?

Terrazzo tile is a type of cement tile enhanced by adding marble chips, or other materials, then grinding down the color layer to expose them. 

Individual tiles may be black chips set in white cement, white chips set in black cement, or the cement and marble chips in the same color, creating a dimensional sheen to the tile.  

What Era is Black and White Tile From?

Black and white tile is a timeless look, but there are periods in history, such as the Victorian era and the 1920s, that are most associated with this color combination.

Today in the 2020s, the twist on this color combination tile is creating unique and unexpected patterns in fun shapes. The rustic matte look of cement tile in solid black and solid white is a good choice for farmhouse and cottage core decor. 

Creating a Black and White Geometric Tile Look

This color combination lends itself particularly well to patterns of tiles, including mixing and matching to create unique borders, which is a classic use of cement tile. 

We recommend planning your pattern in advance, either inspired by the classic looks or working with a professional designer to conceptualize a fresh new take. Let these pictures below inspire you.

Our Gypsy Black & White pattern is one of our original and most popular in-stock options that takes the classic appeal of black and white tile for the bathroom and offers a fresh new look for floor and wall tile.

Balanced black and white floral vine cement tile floor and wall
“Gypsy Black & White” Cement Tile Bathroom Floor and Wall, designed by Centoni Restoration and Development

Another popular way to use black and white tiles is in a lattice pattern, giving tile flooring in any space a fresh, clean, and elegant look. Shown below is our Circulos Black and White Evening.

“Circulos Black & White Evening” Cement Tile Floor and Custom Patchwork Wall, Design by Nicole Chaves Design, Photo by Vivienne Tyler Photography

When it comes to using black and white bathroom tiles, a fresh new take is to use them is in unexpected patterns. 

“Labyrinth B&W Morning” Cement Tile Floor

A black and white checkerboard pattern is classic, but this seemingly simple color combo is elevated by the depth and character that cement tile brings. Just look at our bold, graphic Cubes A Sencillo in this bathroom designed by Dabito, Founder & Creative Director Of Old Brand New. It makes QUITE the statement!

Solid Black Hexagonal Cement Tile Floor and “Cubes A Sencillo” Cement Tile Wall, designed by Dabito from Old Brand New

Can You Use Cement Tiles in a Shower?

Yes, cement tiles can be used in all areas where natural stone is used. Learn more about sealing cement tiles.

This installation is a prime example, with our Large Cubes Excalibur paired with natural stone in this dramatic shower.

Designing with black and white tiles can be a great way to add style and interest to your home or business. Whether it’s a checkerboard look or mixing and matching colors and shapes, Villa Lagoon Tile cement tiles are perfect for making a statement indoors or outdoors. With so many possibilities, there’s sure to be a look that will fit your needs and style. 

Learn more about how your cement tile will be installed.

In-Stock and On Budget

Villa Lagoon Tile in-stock black and white cement tile ships within two business days, with 2-5 business days transit to most of the continental US. Handcrafted one at a time by our skilled artisans, our black and white cement tile patterns start at just $3.99 per piece or $9.27 per square foot.

Cement Tile on a Budget

The Essentials Collection is a curated selection of Villa Lagoon Tile’s most universal and basic cement tiles. Handcrafted one at a time by our skilled artisans and in-stock for under $4.00 per piece, you can easily stay on trend and on budget!

Enjoy Your Outdoor Space All Year Long with this Backyard Remodel ‘How-To’

Our backyard has become an extension of our home living routine and we’re spending more time living and entertaining on our decks and patios. As we head into the colder weather months, interest is increasing in extending outdoor living because it is a safer option. It’s no wonder that backyard home improvement projects are surging. 

So, when Chelsea Foy from Lovely Indeed shared her gorgeous backyard patio remodel reveal and installation ‘how-to,’ we thought the timing couldn’t be more perfect! If you’re thinking of installing cement tile into your outdoor living space, Chelsea perfectly captures the process and experience here

Because cement tile is more like natural stone than other types of tile, it’s important to use sealant before grouting to keep the grout from staining or adhering to the face of the tile. As Chelsea points out in her blog, understanding the right sealant to use is also critical so that the cement tile absorbs minimal staining and retains the color as much as possible. To learn more about the type of sealant you will need, you can download our guide here.

And, we’re always here to help — whether it’s for design inspiration or help to choose tiles for your outdoor (or indoor!) space. Please contact us at [email protected].

Amalena Meadow Cement Tiles Celebrate Global Design

Villa Lagoon Tile designers bring a global perspective to every new tile design, finding inspiration in the shapes, patterns, colors and textures of different parts of the world. Sometimes, that inspiration results in the merging of influences to create one-of-a-kind patterns in handcrafted cement tile. The Amalena tile series blends the bold energy of Cuban design with the intricate details of antique Turkish rugs, making it perfect as an accent wall by a soaking tub or an outdoor living room.


Bathroom design by Preferred Home Builders, Conga Park, CA

Lively floral and geometric forms that are the hallmark of Cuban tile design marry with delicate domes, arches, and minarets that epitomized the architecture and textiles of the Ottoman Empire. The result is a lush, tropical vibe with a twist.


Kitchen Design by Story Hill Renovations, Wauwatosa, WI

Because the Amalena series takes inspiration from Turkish textiles, it is also an ideal choice for creating the classic rug-like effect with a border tile surrounding a field tile on the floor. This type of installation creates a sense of drama in both hospitality and residential projects.

A single row of border tiles will add a finishing touch to a cement tile floor, but if the room is large enough, a border made up of two, three or even more rows of tile can create an opulent and unforgettable impression.

The Amalena series is available in a choice of four colorways that combine our most vivid South Beach Colors. Or, make the look completely your own with our easy-to-use cement tile design tool that allows you to customize your color palette.

These dynamic tiles are made to last: no printed-on color here. Similar to natural stone, each cement tile is unique with slight color variations, the sign of an artisan-made product. Installing cement tiles is similar to installing natural stone, with tighter grout lines and use of a sealant after the tiles are set.


Bathroom design by Preferred Home Builders, Conga Park, CA

To purchase Amalena tile and sealant factory-direct, or to learn more about the benefits of using cement tile, click here.

Cement Tile: A Statement-Making Solution for a Historic Home Remodel

Julie and Barret Blondeau wanted to make a statement when they updated the bathroom in their 90-year-old home in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. To achieve their design goals, they selected cement tile from the Caprice collection from Villa Lagoon Tile to replace the outdated flooring in their bathroom.

Julie was kind enough to chat with us about the new bathroom design and her experience with our cement tile. 

What prompted you to start the bathroom renovation? What were some of the aesthetic design choices that went into creating this bath?

In November of 2017, we bought a 90-year-old home with lots of beautiful historical detail. We wanted to update the house to match our style in a way that would not conflict with its unique character. When we were ready to remodel the bathroom, I knew I wanted to make a statement, and my instinct was it needed to be the flooring. 

I found Villa Lagoon Tile cement tiles and loved the look. I also thought the artisan look would blend seamlessly with the rest of the house. I tend to go neutral with walls, floors, etc., and almost went with the grey and white tiles, but I kept coming back to this black and white design. It’s a perfect fit in our bathroom and makes a beautiful design statement, but it’s also timeless, which is one of the things I love about cement tile. 

Have you used cement tiles before? What do you like about cement tiles? What did you find different about working with cement tiles? 

I’ve never used them before. I like the thickness and the fact that each tile is unique with slight color variations, which is the sign of an artisan-made product. Stone and Tile Works by Manny laid down the cement tile floor and did a beautiful job!

I’ve learned that while cement tile requires a little more care during installation and cleaning, they are made to last. I am also very pleased with how well they clean up, especially because the bathroom is regularly used by my teenage daughters. 

Would you recommend Villa Lagoon cement tiles? Why or why not?

Yes, I would! They are beautiful and unique and there’s a wide range of styles and colors. Everyone who I dealt with at Villa Lagoon Tile are truly cement tile experts and couldn’t have been more helpful and pleasant.

Tell us a little more about your business.

We have lived in Louisiana all our lives and love our area–we take a lot of pride in making it a better place. We enjoy helping others make it their place, too. We own Cottonwood Properties and Realty in Baton Rouge, LA, and we handle both rentals and investment properties. Barret is a Broker/Realtor and I am a Realtor. We are passionate about home life, and the benefit of working with us is that we are involved in every aspect of real estate, so we bring a lot of knowledge to the table. We have our hands in this industry in several different ways, which is great because we get to help on many levels, from house hunting with a client to fixing up a property to sell to someone. We love working with people, but we also appreciate the construction side of this line of work, as well as the creativity involved. 

Visit Cottonwood Properties on Facebook and Instagram.

California Restaurant Glows with Villa Lagoon Tile

Red O Restaurant LogoCement tile floor, from Villa Lagoon Tile, at Red O's new Newport Beach, CA location.

Rick Bayless, the celebrity chef and host of the Emmy-nominated show “Mexico: One Plate At A Time” on PBS, has developed the menu at Red O Restaurant (think red onion) at Fashion Island in Newport Beach, CA. This is Red O’s second location, the first being in Los Angeles. Another location in St. Monica will be opening soon. Red O restaurant features a dramatic interior paired with high-end Mexican food. Designer Martin Lawrence Bullard chose Villa Lagoon Tile’s “Castle” pattern cement tile for much of the floor. The tile was made in Mexico so it was a fitting combination. Rumor has it that the food is really special and we wished we lived closer!

Red O Restaurant's dining room floor, with cement tile from Villa Lagoon Tile.

Restaurant booth, with a cement tile floor from Villa Lagoon Tile.Castle

People often ask us if our tile is suitable for commercial spaces. Cement tile is WONDERFUL in commercial spaces as it often brings “heart & soul” to an interior, and with proper sealants, the constant foot traffic should be no problem.

Red O Restaurant's dining room floor, with cement tile from Villa Lagoon Tile.

Our friend Adam Esparza at ALE Tile created this short video that outlines a few of the reasons why cement tile is such a great material to use in high-traffic hospitality spaces. 

As you can see from Adam’s demonstration, cement tiles are made with a thick layer of pigment that is made to last! No printed-on color here.
Learn more about the benefits of cement tile for your projects at www.villalagoontile.com.

Bringing the Colors of Summer Home All Year Long

If summer is your jam, take your cues from these hues for your home to make every day feel like summer vacation:

Summer color #1: Yellow It’s no surprise that sunny hues are the best way to feel summery. Bring the summer sunshine indoors by adding a touch of gold to walls, floors, and decor. If saturated, bright yellow is a little too much summer, go deeper into golden tones or use yellow as an accent color to brighten any room in a more subtle way.

The deep yellow cement tiles in the Colorful Patchwork Collection bring a subtle glow to this cheerful bathroom.

The hints of gold in this colorful installation of large-format Troika triangular cement tiles imbue this restaurant space with a bright and sunny atmosphere.

Inspired by the colors and patterns of Cuban tile designs, the Tango Vals tiles showcase a summery, energetic point of view.


Did you know summer colors can be mixed and matched in limitless combinations using our Tile Design Tool! Give it try, it’s fun and so easy to use.


Summer color #2: Green From fresh and minty to deep and grassy, we agree with Paul Simon that the greens of summer make you think all the world’s a sunny day. 

This cool green and gold custom tile installation at Phillipe Stark’s SLS Hotel in Las Vegas brings the perfect eclectic vibe to an outdoor pool and bar.

Green hexagonal cement tiles add sophisticated and summerlike pop of color in this cafe.

Rippling with free-flowing color, these green tiles from the Villa Lagoon Tile Watercolor Series evoke the play of sunlight on a body of water. 


Summer color #3: Coral. Living Coral was named the Pantone Color of the Year 2019, and it’s the perfect shade for summer. This warm, lively hue brings a playful vibe to outdoor patios as well as any indoor living or hospitality space.

This dining room exudes warmth and elegance, emphasized by the earth tones of the Lisbon Primero tile on the floor.

Every day is a vacation in the Caribbean with this brightly-colored, island-inspired patio space.

Bursting with summer color, Caprice June cement tile brings the outdoors inside with details inspired by plants and flowers.

“Here on the Gulf coast, we do feel a little of that endless summer vibe,” said Melissa Adams Dillon, who leads the Villa Lagoon Tile design team at their Gulf Shores, AL US headquarters.”That’s why I think about yellows, greens and corals for indoor and outdoor decor for anyone who wants a space that feels like summer all year long!” 

Cement Tile: Not Just for the Floor Anymore!

HGTV Magazine Cober july/August 2018We at Villa Lagoon Tile are all aflutter about the current issue of HGTV Magazine. In this July/August 2018 edition, you will be sure to spot the hippest little mid-century pad that just so happens to rock our cement tile! Owners Dave and Brennen together with the online design company Laurel & Wolf reimagined their condo right into the 21st century.

Pick up or download a copy today so you can tour this amazing home!

Our favorite feature of this home (yes, totally biased!) is the 10ft long kitchen peninsula dressed in our Solid “Seaside Blue” Hexagonal Cement Tile. The natural tonal variation seen from tile to tile introduces an organic element to the space’s modern design by giving it movement and character. We absolutely love to see our tile on verticle surfaces like this! In fact, both homes in the “House Tours” section of the current HGTV Magazine feature cement tile on the wall.  It’s a great way to up your design game by reinventing the boring backsplash or highlighting the sometimes overlooked design elements in your space. For your next project consider adding cement tile to a bar front, fireplace, alcoves, stair risers, or hello, who doesn’t love a good feature wall?  Villa Lagoon Tile can make a thinner version of almost all of our tiles making the verticle application of cement tile even easier! HGTV Magazine House Tours article image from page 106 featuring our teal hexagonal cement tile on the from of the kitchen bar.


To help inspire your next project we’ve put together this collection of installations starring our cement tile on the backsplash and beyond!


Open kitchen with Lancelot blue cement tile backsplash and feature wall
Our exclusive “Lancelot Blue” cement tile takes center stage in this open kitchen design by Super Seven Group and masterfully installed by Jennings Da Silva. Stouffville, Ontario

Tangier Primero cement tile on the courtyard entry wall, set in an arch, and home exterior wall at the main door.
Stunning double arch entryway featuring our “Tangier Primero“. Project by Lori Dennis Interior Design and SoCal Contractor.

Coffee house with bold black and white stripes created by Villa Lagoon Tiles Man Overboard cement tile.
Our “Man Overboard Black & White” creates bold stripes at Alfred Coffee’s Brentwood location, designed by Josh Zad.

Colorful patchwork cement tile on the front of a Mexican restaurants hostess stand.
Fun use of our “Colorful Patchwork” cement tile on this hostess stand at BelAir Cantina in Brookfield, WI.

Front of bar tiled with our concentric hex cement tile.
Butcher and Bee in Nashville features a custom colorway of “Concentric Hex” that wraps the bar. Design by Powell Architects.

Small kitchen with colorful patchwork and solid cement tiles covering the wall.
Cheerful kitchen wall using our “Colorful Patchwork” and a coordinating Solid Cement Tile, Design by Design Build Brooklyn.

This kitchen features two tile patterns with the same color palette, “Casablanca Primero” and “Tangier Primero“, on different walls. Design by Vidal Design Collaborative, Photo by Marcia Prentice.

Teal kitchen with our Crow's Feet gray hexagonal shaped tile set on the walls.
This kitchen uses our exclusive “Crow’s Feet Gray” to put a fun graphic twist on the traditional backsplash. Design by Inspired Spaces, Santa Rosa, CA.

Hotel headboards created using our blue and white Props cement tile.
Our exclusive “Props” pattern from the Stu Neyland Series was used to create the headboards for Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs Hotel.

Restaurant bar front covered with our black and white Ikat style cement tile.
Our exclusive “Ikat” Series of cement tile elevates this bar to black tie status at the San Diego location of Puesto Kitchen.

Blue hexagonal cement tile on the front of a restaurant counter.
Our exclusive “Crows Feet Blue” really catches the eye in this bright restaurant! Miller’s All Day, Charleston, SC. Design by Whitney Rietz Designs.

Wall featuring our Props cement tile in gray, blue, and white.
Our exclusive “Props” pattern from the Stu Neyland Series used on the wall and floors of the Nando’s Peri-Peri in Baltimore, MD.

Decorative beer tap wall covered in our black and white Ikat Series cement tile.
The Railway Stage and Beer Cafe in Vancouver boasts a huge tap wall covered in our” Ikat Series” cement tile. By Cutler Design and the Donnelly Group.

Stair risers set with our Moroccan style pattern Havana Cantina.
You can find our “Havana Cantina” in several locations throughout The Railway Stage and Beer Cafe in Vancouver, but the entry stairs will make an instant impression. By Cutler Design and the Donnelly Group.

Pool Fountain wall using our "Tulips B Ice" cement Tile
Pool fountain wall using our “Tulips B Ice” Cement Tile.

A vertical strip of wall in the dining area that features a mixture of our cement tile.
This creative feature wall was created by using a custom mix of our In-Stock cement tile. Design by Nicole Chavez Design.

Black and white cement tile feature wall in bathroom.
One of our clients used “Charge Black & White” to create this feature wall.

Counter front covered in our blue and white Breeze cement tile with bright Orange chairs in front.
Our “Breeze Blue & White” on the front of this counter at Soapstone Market, Washington DC. Design by Inscape Studios.

Large alcove in progress using our Canterbury Three cement tile.
Large alcove in progress using our “Canterbury Three” cement tile.

Kitchen backslash with our Kasbah cement tile, a white and gray repeating ogee shape.
Kitchen backsplash featuring our “Kasbah Excalibur“.

Feel the Breeze with Tom Scheerer in House Beautiful Magazine

Pick up the May 2018 issue of House Beautiful and escape to the Bahamas with Tom Scheerer’s enchanting interior design featuring our handcrafted cement tile.

House Beautiful Magazine Cover and interior page from May 2018 featuring Tom ScheererTom Scheerer’s designs are always inspired, and this Caribbean Colonial is no exception.  For this project, Scheerer chose to create custom cement tile, “Katie”, in a light and airy colorway.  Pick up your copy of House Beautiful before it’s off the stands to learn more about this beautiful home and how Tom finds his inspiration.


You can find the featured “Katie”  pattern in our Cement Tile Design Tool and design your own!

“Katie” Cement Tile Pattern in Villa Lagoon Tile’s Cement Tile Design Tool


Scheerer has been using cement tile in his designs for years and we are always thrilled to work with him and his team. Check out more photos from various projects below and visit his website and follow him on Instagram to dive deeper into his style.

Beautiful kitchen featuring Villa Lagoon Tile's cement tile on the walls
“Katie” Cement Tile, Tom Scheerer Design

blue and white cement tile on the walls
“Ambrose” Cement Tile, Tom Scheerer Design

Tan and white cement tile pattern, San Antonio, on kitchen walls in Tom Scheerer project
“San Antonio” Cement Tile, Tom Scheerer Design

“San Antonio” Cement Tile, Tom Scheerer Design

Cement Tile Roundup: Restaurant Design

Feast Your Eyes on This!

This post is exactly what you expected, a lovely flight of photos featuring Villa Lagoon Cement Tile in a handful of restaurants.

Bon Appétit!

Photo of our Large Cubes tile at Marcus restaurant at MGM National Harbor
“Large Cubes” Cement Tile at Marcus, MGM National Harbor, MD

Solid Troika Cement Tile at Nando’s Oakville, Ontario Location

Custom "Piedmont" Cement Tile at The Watermark Community Cafe
Custom “Piedmont” Cement Tile at The Watermark Community Cafe

"Mixed Gray Hex" on the floor at Terra in Danbury, CT
“Mixed Gray Hex” Cement Tile at Terra in Danbury, CT

"Ikat A, B, C, D" on the Tap Wall at Railway Stage and Beer Cafe in Vancouver
“Ikat’s A, B, C, D” on the Tap Wall at Railway Stage and Beer Cafe in Vancouver

"Man Overboard" and "Tugboat" Cement Tile at Nando's in Danforth, Toronto
“Man Overboard B&W” and “Tugboat Featherstone & White” at Nando’s in Danforth, Toronto

“Havana Cantina” and Matching Solid Cement Tile Border at their League City, TX Location

“Chevron Grille” Cement Tile at Marcus, MGM National Harbor, MD

"Caprice Sebring" Cement Tile at Jimmy Changas Pearland, TX Location
“Caprice Sebring” Cement Tile at Jimmy Changas Pearland, TX Location

"Crow's Feet" and Solid Gray Hexagonal Cement Tiles at Nando's Ballston Location in Arlington, VA
“Crow’s Feet” and Solid Gray Hexagonal Cement Tiles at Nando’s Ballston Location in Arlington, VA

“Havana Cantina” Cement Tile on the Stair Fronts at Railway Stage and Beer Cafe in Vancouver

Custom "Tulips" with Solid Cement Tile Border at Jimmy Changas in Katy, TX
Custom “Tulips” with Solid Cement Tile Border at Jimmy Changas in Katy, TX

"Circulos B&W" Cement Tile on the Bar Front of Bibi's Burger Bar in Santa Rosa, CA
“Circulos Black & White” Cement Tile on the Bar Front of Bibi’s Burger Bar in Santa Rosa, CA

A Mix of "Concentric Hex" Cement Tile Colorways at Colada's, DC Location
A Mix of “Concentric Hex” Cement Tile Colorways at Colada’s DC Location

"Lisbon" Cement Tile at Cafe Hollander in Mequon, WI
“Lisbon” Cement Tile at Cafe Hollander in Mequon, WI

"Diagonal Four" Cement Tile at Il Tavolino, Chicago, IL
“Diagonal Four” Cement Tile at Il Tavolino, Chicago, IL

Custom "Concentric Hex" on the Bar Fronts of Butcher and Bee in Nashville, TN
Custom “Concentric Hex” on the Bar Fronts of Butcher and Bee in Nashville, TN

"Ikat A" Cement Tile on the Bar Back of BalAir Cantina's Oak Creek, WI Location
“Ikat A” Cement Tile on the Bar Back of BalAir Cantina’s Oak Creek, WI Location

"Mossy Fan Vine" Cement Tile at Alfred Coffee, Studio City, CA
“Mossy Fan Vine” Cement Tile at Alfred Coffee, Studio City, CA

Custom "Charge" and Matching Solid Cement Tile at Union Square Cafe, New York, NY
Custom “Charge” and Matching Solid Cement Tile at Union Square Cafe, New York, NY

Custom "Havana Cantina" with a Matching Solid Border at Jimmy Changas in Katy, TX
Custom “Havana Cantina” with a Matching Solid Border at Jimmy Changas in Katy, TX

Instagram Post Images at the Top of the Page from @marcusnationalharbor, @tacolicioussf, & @eatpuesto

Using Cement Tiles Outdoors: The Importance of Using a Top-Coat Sealant with UV Filters

sls-green-patchwork-pool-vlt

Introduction
The presence of cement tiles as floor and wall covering indoors is established and continues to grow as architects and designers find new uses that enhance their projects. To a lesser extent, the uses of these versatile, colorful tiles outdoors are slowly being discovered. Their use on building facades and walls creates a work of art that compliments the building architecture and design. Cement tiles are prominently used outdoors in a few hotels such as the SLS Miami and SLS Las Vegas as pool decking. The stunning addition of patterned tiles in those areas creates a bright colorful background to the pool designs as bathers and sun worshippers relax sipping Pina Coladas.

An important factor to consider when using cement tiles is the use of the appropriate sealant for indoor or outdoor installations. We have conducted tests that provide clear evidence that the use of a top coat with UV filters is vital to maintaining the vibrant colors in cement tiles. Without the UV filters, the colors can noticeably fade in as little as four to five months.

Testing Method

stain-proof
Dry Treat Stain-Proof Impregnating Sealant

vlt-grout-release
VLT Grout Release & Top-Coat Sealant

A colorful cement tile was selected and prepared by marking off spaces where two sealant treatments would be applied. A Control section on the tile with no sealant was allotted. The test articles were:

  • Dry-Treat – Stain-Proof, a premium Impregnating/Penetrating sealant.
  • Villa Lagoon Grout Release and Top-Coat Sealant, a co-polymer top-coat sealant containing UV Filters.

The products were applied as directed by the manufacturer. Two coats of the VLT Grout Release/Top-Coat were applied and allowed to dry for 24 hours. The Dry-Treat/Stain Proof was applied in succession 3 times and allowed to dry for 24 hours.

On May 9, 2016, the tile were placed outdoors in an open space, no shade or covering. The tile was exposed to all weather elements present in Gulf Shores, Alabama. The weather there is typically hot, humid, lots of sun and lots of rain. Temperatures ranged from 70 F to 95 F with heat indices of >105 F. The tile was not maintained or cared for in any manner. The tile was often in direct all-day sunshine from May 9, 2016, thru September 21, 2016. Periodic rain and thunderstorms occurred, no hail or other weather events were present.

Results

  • Initially, on the test tile just after application of the Dry-Treat a slight change color (enhancement) was noticed but faded over the course of the 24 hour drying period.
  • The VLT Grout Release/Top-Coat Sealant showed a marked color enhancement that continued through the entire test period.
  • The test tile was brought inside on Sep 21, 2016, after 19 weeks+ 2 days exposure.
  • The tile was allowed to cool to room temperature prior to observations being recorded.
  • The test (Treated) tile was compared to an identical tile (Control) that had been stored in a sealed box in a warehouse. It had never been exposed to sunlight.
  • The Treated tile showed obvious effects of weather. On the Treated tile, the Control section where no sealant was applied showed fading in all the colors except for the white portions of the tile.
  • The VLT Grout Release/Top-Coat treated section of the tile showed no fading and the color remained vibrant and rich.
  • The Dry Treat/Stain Proof/Impregnating sealant showed comparable fading as in the Control (no Sealant section).

Discussion

  • The results of this simple test demonstrate that for outdoor use of cement tile, the VLT Grout Release/Top Coat co-polymer sealant with UV filters prevents fading and we consider it to be a superior treatment than the Dry Treat/Stain-Proof product for outside use.
  • The use of the VLT Grout Release/Top Coat co-polymer sealant provides an appealing color enhancement effect on cement tiles.

The UV filters prevented the colors from fading when exposed to bright sunshine for a long period of time. Though not tested in this experiment, we believe the VLT Grout Release/Top-Coat co-polymer sealant will prevent staining from bird droppings and other organic stains from leaves and natural debris.

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