Specification

Shade Variation
Shade variation is the tile’s range from complete inconsistency to a more random
appearance. Below is an overview of color and shading of individual tile
selections.
V0 - Monochromatic - Very uniform, monochromatic color
V1 - Low - Consistent color within each tile and from tile to tile
V2 - Medium - Color variation within each tile
V3 - High - Some variation from tile to tile, and within each tile
V4 - Random - Considerable variation from tile to tile
Glazed Porcelain
V0 V1 V2
V3 V4
Glazed porcelains are manufactured to have superior breaking strength, scratch, wear, dirt and water
resistance. Porcelains are a type of ceramic with a much more refined body and are dry pressed. The body of a
porcelain has a <0.50% water absorption rate while the glaze applied to the surface of the tile is impermeable.
All porcelain tiles are fired in a kiln just like ceramics but they are fired under higher heat for longer periods of
time, and under pressure, which adds to the density and durability of the tile.
Glazed Ceramic
Glazed ceramics offer stain and moisture resistance compared to most unglazed clay products. Ceramic tiles are
made from a combination of clays, polymers and fine powders such as sand and feldspar. The body of a ceramic
is often referred to as a “bisque,” or “clay.” Ceramics have either a red or white body, which is typically
determined by the region the clay was mined from. The body of a ceramic has a >0.50% water absorption rate,
while the glaze applied to the surface of the tile is impermeable after firing, making it a low maintenance and
durable wall or flooring surface.
Glazed Body Match
Glazed products typically have a white or red body, however, a glazed body match tile has a tinted body to match
the top glaze color. With glazed porcelain and ceramic tiles, the hardness and abrasion resistance of the glaze will
determine product suitability for a particular application. A colored body is more desirable in case the tile chips
or scratches and the color of the body becomes exposed. If the body matches the glaze, chips and scratches will
not be as evident.
Through-Body/Unglazed
Through-body porcelains are unglazed and exhibit the same color and pattern all the way through the tile. The
pressed dry powder method is also known as Single Charging. During this process, fine powders are colored
during the pressing stage of production and the pigments are consistent throughout the body of the tile.
Through- body porcelain tiles are typically very dense, extremely durable and desirable in applications subject
to heavy abrasion. The advantage to using through body products is the ability to bullnose custom trims on site
and ability to buff out any light scratching.
Double Loaded
Double Loaded, also known as Double Charging, is formed by fusing two layers of porcelain together. The base
layer of porcelain is bonded to an aesthetic top layer where the coloring is already infused into the micro-
powders. Once these two layers are pressed together, they are fired to form one solid tile. No glaze is applied
to the top surface. These tiles can often be bull nosed just like a through-body as the top and bottom layers
are similar in color. The thickness of the top layer is significant enough where the performance characteristics
would be the same as a through-body tile.
Pacific Rim™ •
White