Welcome
Catalogs (Please allow a few moments for download)
Classic Catalog PDF
Avalon Catalog PDF
Balboa Catalog PDF
Harmony Catalog PDF
Virtuoso Catalog PDF
Saint-Gaudens Tile presents a collection of bronze tiles, bronze liners, bronze hardware, handmade ceramic tile, art glass tile, and glass mosaic tile. All bronze tiles are cast from solid bronze; the finest, hardest, and most beautiful of all metal tiles. Each piece is designed by Valerie Saint-Gaudens, whose long career in jewelry design translates bronze tile into fine jewelry for the home. Many of her bronze tiles are set with real gemstones.
Bronze tile is made from 75% to 100% recycled metal! Its main component is copper, a valuable and fully recycled metal.
As a beautiful backdrop for her bronze tile, Valerie has designed a collection of handmade ceramic tiles, including decorative liners and accents overlayed with bronze - the Balboa Collection.
Alone or with bronze details, the Avalon Glass Collection is a stunning line of layered art glass tiles. Swirls over swirls, glimmering sheers, or sand-textured solids - the Avalon collection is perfectly beautiful.
New to the Avalon line are mosaic tiles in 1x1” and listello sizes, all found under the Avalon section.
Valerie Saint-Gaudens Custom Jewelry
Offering a full line of gold sea-themed jewelry, including fish jewelry, fish wedding rings, marlin rings, mermaids, dolphins, and many other fishing jewelry designs. Visit the website to learn more.
Bronze - Frequently Asked Questions
What is my Lead Time?
How do I install Bronze tile?
What can I do to keep the grout out of the details?
What kind of grout do I use?
The rubber cement has dried and hardened. What do I do?
How do I remove grout haze?
What are my installation limits?
Is there maintenance required?
My tiles look different than the samples at the store, why is that?
Why do my tiles look different than when they were installed?
My bronze tiles have darkened, what can I do?
What will happen if I install bronze tiles in or around my shower, bathroom or pool?
What kind of sealer should I use?
What does the sealer do, and when should I use it?
What finishes are available?
Are all tiles available in all finishes?
Do you have Pewter?
Do you keep all finishes in stock?
Can I use jeweled tiles in my floor?
How do I install the Oak Tree Plaque?
What is my Lead Time?
Because we stock our products, we usually ship the same day. Most orders ship within 24 to 48 hours.
Expedited orders (Next day air and 2nd day air) must be received by 12pm PST.
How do I install Bronze tile?
Bronze tiles are set using thin set, industrial adhesive or epoxy adhesive. Please follow manufacturer’s instructions. When grouting be careful to keep the grout from hardening in the details (see below). Instructions, including photos of the installation process will accompany your tiles.
What can I do to keep the grout out of the details?
If the tile has a smooth edge, masking or other very sticky tape is BEST. Completely cover just the top of the tiles.
For detailed tiles, applying two (or more) heavy coats of Elmer’s Rubber Cement to the tops of the tiles before setting will keep the grout out of the details:
The tiles cannot be warm before you apply the rubber cement, and must be kept out of the sun after the rubber cement is applied. Do not leave the rubber cement on the tiles for more than three days. Otherwise, the rubber cement may not be easily removed.
After the grout has dried, the rubber cement is removed by using a large gum eraser or by rubbing it off with your fingers. Detailed instructions with photos of this process will accompany your tiles.
What kind of grout do I use?
Regular water mix grout will do just fine. However, if you use a grout with “stain guard” or “stain proof” on the label, the acid in this type of grout can react with the bronze, staining the grout and turning the bronze green. If you’re unsure, contact the grout manufacturer and ask them if their grout will affect bronze.
The rubber cement has dried and hardened. What do I do?
Remove the dried rubber cement with a soft cloth, a toothbrush and acetone. Wear protective gloves and do not touch the bronze with your bare hands after applying the acetone (you will leave finger prints). Make sure you have more than one toothbrush as the acetone tends to melt plastic toothbrushes. Once you have removed all of the rubber cement, immediately seal the bronze with a clear paste wax such as Johnson’s Paste Wax because the acetone removes the factory clear coat sealer.
How do I remove grout haze?
Use Pledge furniture polish sprayed on a soft cloth and/or toothbrush to remove any grout haze. Buff with a soft dry cloth to restore the luster.
What are my installation limits?
There are basically no limits. Bronze is very durable. Use bronze tiles in walls and floors, and in wet or dry areas. Bronze only looks more beautiful as it is walked on.
Bronze can be installed inside and outside. Outside installation will change the finish depending on the weather conditions in your area. Silvertone (White Bronze) is much more stable than regular bronze, and will only darken in extreme conditions.
Is there maintenance required?
Yes, there is maintenance required, but it is minimal. The simplest way to clean your bronze tiles is with a soft cloth or toothbrush sprayed with Pledge furniture polish. Buff to restore the luster. Occasionally you may want to reseal your tiles with a clear wax such as Johnson’s Paste Wax to slow the natural aging process of the finish. Bronze that has aged naturally can be re-polished and sealed – see below “My tiles have darkened, what can I do?” Reseal your tiles more often if the tiles are regularly exposed to moisture or you live near the ocean or in a high humidity area.
Note: Do not use grout cleaners on bronze tiles. Grout cleaners contain strong acids which will change the color and finish.
My tiles look different than the samples at the store, why is that?
A slight variation in patina color is a natural result of the patina process and all of the tiles are finished individually by hand. Additionally, older samples will be a deeper bronze color than your newer tiles, which will deepen in color with time.
Why do my tiles look different than when they were installed?
Silicon (golden) bronze will develop a deeper bronze color with time, and when used outdoors, will darken faster, as would a bronze sculpture.
My bronze tiles have darkened, what can I do?
If your tiles become darker than you would like, polish them with a mild green Scotchbrite pad - 3M only, from any grocery or hardware store (not the kind with a sponge on one side).
Note: Do not touch the tiles with your bare hands after you’ve used Scotchbrite; you will leave fingerprints. After achieving the desired color, apply a coat of Johnson’s Paste Wax or any high quality clear paste wax and buff with a soft dry cloth. Silvertone (Nickel Bronze) will not darken unless exposed to harsh chemicals.
What will happen if I install bronze tiles in or around my shower, bathroom or pool?
Installing Bronze in areas where they are constantly exposed to water will quicken the natural aging process of the finish. Resealing at regular intervals with Johnson’s paste wax will slow this process. See above: “My bronze tiles have darkened, what can I do?”
Silvertone (nickel bronze) will darken only slightly in showers.
What kind of sealer should I use?
We recommend Johnson’s Paste Wax or any high quality clear paste wax. Johnson’s Paste Wax should be found in hardware stores in the paint section with stains, shellac, and other finishes.
What does the sealer do, and when should I use it?
The sealer acts as a barrier between your bronze tile and moisture or anything else that may darken the bronze. We recommend resealing once or twice a year. If you live in a humid area or near the ocean you may want to seal more often. If the bronze has darkened more than you like, polish before re-sealing with an all green Scotch Brite pad.
What finishes are available?
Bronze, Silvertone (white bronze), Bronze Verdigris and Oil Rubbed Bronze.
Are all tiles available in all finishes?
The Classic Collection is available in all 4 finishes: Bronze, Bronze Verdigris, Oil Rubbed Bronze and Silvertone.
The Virtuoso Collection is available in Bronze, Oil Rubbed Bronze and Silvertone.
The Harmony Collection is available in Bronze and Silvertone.
Do you have Pewter?
No, we do not use pewter. Pewter is a soft metal and should not be used in floors. Bronze is very hard - perfect for floors or behind cook tops. Our white bronze (Silvertone) is a nickel color, similar to pewter.
Do you keep all finishes in stock?
We stock three finishes. Bronze, Silvertone and Oil Rubbed Bronze.
Bronze Verdigris has a two-week lead time.
Can I use jeweled tiles in my floor?
We don’t recommend it. Our epoxy is extremely strong, but jewels will scratch and can be kicked off. Save the jewels for the walls.
How do I install the Oak Tree Plaque?
The Oak Tree Plaque weighs 23 lbs. The best way to mount the tile is to first mortar it to a piece of hardy backer board that is larger than the plaque. Allow the mortar to dry at least 24 hours. Then use screws to mount the backer board and Oak tree onto the wall studs as an assembly. Hardy backer board is basically concrete and fiberglass - very sturdy.
Price Lists
Bronze Retail Price List - January 2009
Balboa Retail Price List - January 2009
Harmony Retail Price List - January 2009
Avalon Retail Price List - January 2009
Virtuoso Retail Price List - January 2009
Hardware Retail Price List - January 2009
Sample Submittal Form
Project Registration Form
Credit Card Authorization Form
Credit Card Authorization Form
Sample Set Sheets
Classic Bronze Sample Set
Balboa Sample Set
Harmony Sample Set
Avalon Sample Set
Virtuoso Sample Set
Avalon Mosaic Sample Set
Hardware Sample Board
Catalogs (Please allow a few moments for download)
Classic Catalog PDF
Avalon Catalog PDF
Balboa Catalog PDF
Harmony Catalog PDF
Virtuoso Catalog PDF
Here you will find individual tiles that are on sale, discontinued, overstocked, or odd lots.
Balboa ceramic on sale:
We are currently overstocked with Balboa Plaza and Paseo and are selling these items below cost!
Sale prices and quantities limited to stock on hand.
Please call for availability.
Both the Plaza and Paseo come in all 7 Balboa colors: Azul, Cotton, Desert, Moss, Spice, Topaz and Vanilla.
Below represents how the Plaza and Paseo are used:
Plaza, 7"x 3-1/2”. Sale price: $4.25
Close ups of how Plaza is used
Saint-Gaudens Tile which fits the Plaza:
Classic Collection -
Acanthus Medium (111AM)
Acanthus Medium, Jeweled (108AMJ)
Compass Rose (124CRJ)
Carmel (140CJ)
Roma Square (120RS)
Shell (122SH)
Harmony Collection - Balance (601B)
Virtuoso Collection -
Sahara (720S)
Sahara Jeweled (721SJ)
Delta (730D)
PLUS! Can be used with any tile between 1-7/8"and 2-1/4” square.
(Please check against a Plaza sample before ordering as other manufacturer’s tile sizes may vary)
Paseo, 7"x 2-1/2”. Sale price: $3.85
Close up of how Paseo is used
Saint-Gaudens Tile which fits the Paseo:
Balboa Collection - Corona (B503)
Classic Collection - French Flower (123FF)
Virtuoso Collection - Montrose Small (713MS)
Avalon Collection - All 2 x 2 Art, Field and Granite tiles
PLUS! Can be used with any tile between 1-5/16” and 2” square.
(Please check against a Paseo sample before ordering as other manufacturer’s tile sizes may vary)
Glass tile on sale:
Below are discontinued glass tiles being sold below cost!
Sale prices and quantities limited to stock on hand.
Please call for availability.
Art Glass Tile Sale Prices:
1x12 - $1.47
2x2 - $0.45
2x8 - $2.00
3x6 - $2.19
4x4 - $1.94
6x6 - $4.20
6x12- SOLD OUT
Art Glass Sale Colors
Field and Granite Glass Tile Sale Prices:
1x12 - $0.95
2x2 - $0.27
2x8 - $1.19
3x6 - $1.22
4x4 - $1.09
6x6 - $2.10
6x12- $4.25
Field Glass Sale Colors
Granite Glass Sale Colors
Mosaic Glass Tile Sale Price:
$4.86 square foot (each - 12"x12” sheets one inch mosaic x 8mm thick)
Mosaic Glass Sale Colors
Avalon Mosaics Release
We are happy to announce that our new mosaics are here and in stock!
We designed 6 new color blends, some based on the original favorites and some brand new. The best part is we have matched these color blends to some of the most popular Avalon colors, creating a cohesive collection designed to push through your sales of Avalon Glass field tile. The grouted sample boards show these coordinating Avalon field colors.
In addition to the 1x1 mosaics, 4 of our new color blends also come in a new format, Listellos: 1/2” tiles in 2”,4”, and 6” lengths.(Firelight Listello shown above)
Both the mosaics and Listellos are mounted on mesh and sold by the square foot.
To view the Avalon Glass collection, click here.
Harmony Bronze Release
The Harmony Collection is being released October 22, 2007. This Contemporary collection features peaceful Asian designs, bronze “stick” liners, and exciting new etched designs, all in solid bronze and white bronze.
To view the Harmony Bronze line, click here.
Avalon Glass Tile Release
The Avalon Glass Tile Collection will be released January 2, 2008. Formerly the Deborah Hart Collection, Saint-Gaudens has slimmed the line to the top-selling colors and designs and created a beautiful new sampling array. All Avalon Collection tile will be stocked in several sizes. New mosaic blends matching Avalon colors will be released in Spring, 2008.
To view the Avalon Glass collection, click here.
We use only genuine natural gemstones, hand-polished into cabochons. Any jeweled tile can be set with any jewel, and are set to your order. Jewels which naturally have a lot of color variation are shown on the left. You may tell us which color range you prefer and we will do our best to please you.
For more information or to request a catalog, contact us
Avalon Mosaics Release
We are happy to announce that our new mosaics are here and in stock!
We designed 6 new color blends, some based on the original favorites and some brand new. The best part is we have matched these color blends to some of the most popular Avalon colors, creating a cohesive collection designed to push through your sales of Avalon Glass field tile. The grouted sample boards show these coordinating Avalon field colors.
In addition to the 1x1 mosaics, 4 of our new color blends also come in a new format, Listellos: 1/2” tiles in 2”,4”, and 6” lengths.
Both the mosaics and Listellos are mounted on mesh and sold by the square foot.
To view the Avalon Mosaics, click here.
Shows
Here at Saint-Gaudens we strive to only use recycled materials in our products, in our packing materials, and in our offices. We reuse and recycle everything possible and only buy new non-recycled materials when absolutely necessary. Even our office furniture was sourced from the previous tenant and used furniture stores.
Our bronze art tiles are made from 75% post consumer material. Most of the recycled material comes from radiators, copper piping from demolition sites and automotive dismantling. Recycling of bronze prevents useful material resources being wasted, reduces the consumption of raw materials, reduces energy usage, and reduces greenhouse gas emissions, compared to virgin production.
Saint-Gaudens is dedicated to the improvement of our recycling program. We are always looking for new ways to reduce, reuse and recycle. Currently we are researching ways to incorporate post-consumer materials into our new Avalon Glass Tile and in time produce an entire line of Saint-Gaudens Recycled Glass Tile.
We buy only recycled boxes and re-use the boxes in which we receive our raw materials. Saint-Gaudens uses these same boxes that our raw materials come in to store our inventory and then to ship our products. So, if the boxes when you receive our product, look a little less than pristine you will know why.
We are very proud of our successful effort to implement a trash-recycling program for our entire industrial complex. Our landlord said it couldn’t be done but we researched local recycling companies and persuaded him to start a program for all tenants.
We at Saint-Gaudens will continue our environmental protection efforts. We strive for perfection in customer service and we view Recycling as customer service to the planet.
Our Mission Statement
At Saint-Gaudens we strive to produce the most beautifully designed, highest quality decorative ties and hardware. Like any fine art, the beauty of the work is directly related to the skill of the sculptor/designer: Valerie Saint-Gaudens’ goal, in her jewelry design career and now in tile and hardware design, is to bring beauty into people’s lives and environments.
But a beautiful product is nothing without customer service and order fulfillment. At Saint-Gaudens, we take to heart the experience you, our customer, have when ordering from us. Therefore we strive to not only meet but to exceed your expectations as we continue to be the company that everyone loves to do business with. Stocking plenty of product and shipping quickly is our way of saying we understand how important satisfying your customers is to you, and to us. And we promise that if we do make a mistake, we will fix it, period. No excuses.
Family-owned and operated, we apply our values of quality, integrity, responsibility, and commitment to each other in the way we run our company.
About Our Company
For Valerie Saint-Gaudens, necessity has always been the mother of her many inventions. When she was a teenager and unable to afford the silver jewelry she loved, she learned how to make her own. She combined her love of drawing and sculpture with her passion for jewelry, creating pieces with intricately carved settings. This led to a line of sea-themed jewelry, and a happy career designing custom jewelry and wedding rings in gold and platinum.
Necessity arose again when she was designing a remodel of her home in 1998. The foyer tile needed accent pieces, and nothing at all existed in the market. The idea for a sculpted bronze tile came to her as she dreamed of carved acanthus leaves in verdigris patina between her tiles. She carved her first tile design in jeweler’s wax and her husband Ken cast it for her in their jewelry-making workshop. Solid bronze tiles are so much like jewelry - carved decorative metal - that Valerie easily moved into this new design realm. Her knowledge of gemstones enabled her to add semi-precious stones to her tiles.
Very quickly the line grew - she was featured in San Diego Home and Garden Lifestyles Magazine, and in a Designer’s Showcase home. Together, she and Ken created one of the first solid bronze tile collections in the world.
In 2004, Valerie ventured into the world of glazed handmade ceramic tile with the Balboa Collection: tile combined with sculpted bronze overlay designs. Her latest interest is glass tile, beginning with the Avalon Collection of art glass tiles in 2007.
In 2005, Valerie was invited to design a line of door hardware for Trimco, a Los Angeles maker of commercial, hospitality, and residential hardware. Bearing the Saint-Gaudens name and made of her signature solid bronze.
Everyone at Saint-Gaudens, from the bronze finishing experts to the shipping department to the office staff and management, are working hard to help you realize you own beautiful dreams.
Saint-Gaudens Metal Arts
1784 La Costa Meadows Dr. Suite 101
San Marcos, CA 92078
Voice 760 891-0300
Fax 760 752-9914
Sales@VSGMetalArts.com
If you would like a copy of our brochures or if you have any questions, please contact us or fill out the form below.
Any design can be created in bronze or white bronze (Silvertone), up to 24” x 24”. You may submit your own drawing of your design, or we can design for you. Production times vary depending on the design and number of pieces.
In general, all custom designs will carry a modeling fee, which includes any design work and the carving of a master pattern. Production times will be determined by the length of the design process and number of pieces ordered.
Bronze castings can be finished in Bronze, Bronze Verdigris or Oil Rubbed.
The white bronze will be finished in Silvertone.
Please contact us to discuss how we can help fulfill your project’s needs.
Saint-Gaudens retains rights of use and sale of the finished design unless other agreements are made prior to production of the work.
Balboa Use
Balboa Bronze Ceramic is recommended for wall use only, including kitchen backsplashes, showers, and baths. Silicon Bronze will darken faster in a wet or outdoor setting. It can be brightened by polishing with a mild Scotchbrite pad and sealing with Johnson’s Paste Wax. Silvertone (Nickel Bronze) will not darken.
Bronze Tile Use
Saint-Gaudens Bronze Tile is SOLID bronze. It can be used anywhere - floors, walls, outdoors, showers, pools… It will never chip, peel or warp. Installed in floors, it only gets prettier the more it is walked upon. You can use it outdoors and nature will take over, painting Silicon Bronze (golden bronze) with a beautiful verdigris patina. In pools, the verdigris process is sped up by the chemicals used in pool water. While our Silvertone metal (Nickel Bronze) will not darken unless exposed to harsh chemicals, Silicon Bronze will darken with time, and can be brightened (see Care). Over a high BTU cooktop, bronze will never warp or peel because it is bronze through and through.
Bronze tile is as timeless as ancient bronze sculptures that have remained unchanged for thousands of years. Solid eternal bronze is a choice you will always feel good about making.
All our Bronze tiles have been patinaed, hand-polished, and sealed with a durable lacquer sealer.
Avalon Glass
Avalon Glass Tiles are designed for both interior and exterior applications, including showers, baths, backsplashes and pools. Please note that Granite Field tiles are porous between the layers and therefore are not recommended for wet applications unless epoxy grout is used. Please see Glass Installation instructions.
Balboa Tile | Bronze Tile | Avalon Glass
Balboa Tile Installation
The beauty of handcrafted tiles is in the variations - size, shape, and color. Because of these variations, please lay out your design before setting and blend in the colors by selecting from different cartons as you go. All handmade tiles must be sealed with a penetrating sealer before and after grouting, and again within a year.
Saint-Gaudens Balboa ceramic tile with metal inserts may be cut with a wet tile saw. If you are going to cut across an insert you must cut very slowly as the metal inserts are less easily cut and generate more heat when cut than the ceramic tile. Please note that it may be necessary to “dress” the saw-blade afterwards with a hard substance such as granite, glass or a dressing stone because some blades tend to “load” from cutting metal.
Due to aesthetic considerations, adhesive is not applied to the entire back of the metal inserts. If it is necessary to cut out very small sections of the inserts they may become detached from the ceramic part of the tile. The small sections may be reattached with an adhesive rated for glass and metal. Care must be taken to apply no more adhesive than is absolutely necessary to keep the adhesive from view.
As most of our metal inserts are very detailed, before grouting it is essential to cover the metal inserts with tape. You must ensure that the tape covers the insert entirely and is firmly adhered to the ceramic part of the tile on all sides. Avoid getting grout on or under the tape. This will save much time and effort in clean up.
Bronze Tile Installation
Bronze tiles are set using thinset or epoxy adhesive, but special care must be taken in the grouting process to keep grout out of the crevices. If the design allows a tape seal around a solid border, use tape to mask the tile before setting. If the edges of the tile are uneven, apply 2 heavy coats of Elmer’s Rubber Cement to the tops of the tiles before setting. The tiles cannot be warm before you apply the rubber cement, and must be kept out of the sun after the rubber cement is applied. Do not leave the rubber cement on the tiles for more 3 days. After the grout has dried and the rubber cement removed by rubbing it off with fingers, use Pledge furniture polish sprayed on a soft cloth and/or toothbrush to remove any grout haze.
Caution: Grout or grout additives that use “stain-proof”, “stain-guard” or other anti-stain and anti-mildew components may contain acids that can turn Bronze tiles and/or the grout green. If you are unsure if your grout or grout additives contain these components, please contact the grout or additive manufacturer for application information.
DO NOT abrade the tiles with sanded grout in the grout cleaning process, as this may remove the sealer and discolor the metal.
Bronze tiles can be cut with a wet diamond tile saw (go slowly), a hacksaw, or any saw blade made to cut metal. Dry ferrous masonry saw blades generate too much heat and will discolor the bronze.
Avalon Glass
INSTALLATION
- Saint-Gaudens Avalon Glass should not be used in floor applications.
- Glass Tiles should be back-buttered to eliminate any bubbles in the thinset, which will show through transparent tiles.
- The installer should be experienced with cutting and setting glass tile.
- Glass Tiles should be set with latex additive or acrylic modified thinset in accordance with manufacturers instructions for maximum adherence.
- Large wall installations should be installed in accordance with “Movement Joint Design Essentials EJ171-05” in the TCNA Ceramic Tile Installation Handbook to prevent cracking.
- When installing Field and Granite tiles do not allow the mortar to rise above the “color line” in the middle of the tile as the color of the mortar may show through after grouting.
- When grouting make certain the grout joints have been packed down to the mortar bed because you WILL be able to see any voids from the sides of the glass tile.
- We do not recommend the use of a contrasting grout color with Field and Field Granite tiles, because the grout color may be visible at the color line in the middle of the tile
GLASS CUTTING
- We recommend that a special “glass” blade made for cutting glass tile be used.
- Whenever a glass cut side is exposed when set, the cut surface needs to be sanded lightly to remove any sharp edge or flaking.
- Avoid cutting across any air bubbles or pockets in Art tiles. The outside edges of the tile are firmly fused, however air pockets sometimes form during the manufacturing process, and cutting through them may allow moisture, cutting debris or grout into the center of the tile, which may show through.
WATER INSTALLATIONS
- If Glass Tiles are installed in wet applications, be sure to follow industry procedures for proper drying and curing of concrete, mortar and grout (up to 28 days).
- Saint-Gaudens Glass Tiles can be used in all water applications as long as they are properly installed and grout is sealed. Use a high quality sealer after the grout has properly dried to insure moisture cannot get behind the tile.
- All backsides must be free of air and completely covered to prevent any water seepage behind the tile.
- The Granite series is not recommended for water installations unless epoxy grout is used. (See Important Note on Field Granite Tiles below.)
IMPORTANT NOTE: Granite Tiles
- Granite tiles are a layer of textured glass “sand” between two sheets of clear glass. This textured layer is porous, and water may seep in. When installing Granite tiles in any wet area, do not use regular grout. Use an epoxy grout to create a seal around the tiles.
- The porous layer: During cutting and installing you will see moisture “picture frame” around each tile edge. Allow this moisture to dry out before grouting.
- If the epoxy grout is not applied properly (and completely) moisture can again get caught between the layers. It will eventually evaporate but if continued to be exposed, could stain or allow contaminates to form.
OTHER DATA
- Be sure the backing for glass tile is non-flexible and of proper material. Avoid installation directly into wood products.
- The use of a hardy backer or some other concrete type backer board is recommended.
- Any application allowing flexing or compression under the glass tile invites a failure.
- Always make sure the structural integrity of the application supports the weight.
- Translucent tiles in Field and Granite may vary slightly in color. Please check your tiles for color prior to installation. Installation constitutes acceptance.
- Shade and size variation is inherent with handcrafted glass tile. In order to achieve the proper blend of variation, please work from several different cartons for best results.
- Air bubbles and pockets between layers of glass in Art tiles are inherent to the design and manufacture of these tiles. Please see the “Glass Cutting” section of these instructions for additional information about air bubbles.
There are a lot of metallic-looking tiles on the market. While they may look the same at first glance, the differences are like night and day.
Solid Bronze - Saint-Gaudens Metal Arts Bronze tiles are cast in a foundry from molten bronze. They are bronze through and through. Like 3,000 year-old sculptures, they are eternal. You can tell solid bronze by how heavy it feels in your hand. They are hand painted and polished (see below for info on colors and metal alloys.) Bronze has no installation limitations - tiles can be walked-on, buffed, or endure a hurricane (this happened to a customer in Florida - they were pulled out of the rubble and re-used); and they will always look good.
Solid Metal - other metals - Other metals and alloys are used to cast solid metal tiles. Among them are aluminum, pewter, and brass. Aluminum is very corrosive when exposed to moisture, and will develop a powdery white coating. Pewter is a soft metal, easy to cast and finish cheaply, but is not advisable for use in floors because it is too soft. Brass is less expensive than bronze, and has a bright gold color. It is slightly less hard than bronze and can be used in floors.
Solid Metal - plated - A tile can be marketed as solid metal when it is actually a base metal with plating on top. This is the most common solid metal tile on the market. Base metal, commonly known as “Pot Metal,” is soft, like lead, and cheaper to cast and finish. They are plated with very thin layers of nickel, copper, brass, etc, and are usually coated with a shiny sealer. The problem with these tiles is that they bend and break very easily, especially the thinner liners. When bent, the plating cracks and peels off. If cleaned with an abrasive cleaner, the thin plating wears off. For this reason, they can’t be used in the floor. You can tell plated metal tile by its lighter weight, and shiny, costume-jewelry looking finish.
A note about copper: Copper isn’t castable, so you will never see cast solid copper tiles. A copper color can only be obtained by: plating over pot metal; mixing it with resin (see below); or wrapping thin sheets of copper over a rigid base form.
Metal Coated Tiles - A tile design is molded and cast in plastic. They are then spray-painted with a mixture of resin and powdered metals. Several metal colors are obtainable using this method. Because the sprayed-on coating is very thick compared to plating, detail in these tiles is often lost. Coatings can peel off, and tiles can warp near heat.
Metalized Resin - This is a proprietary method of pouring resin mixed with powdered metal into a mold. The resulting tile is resin-based throughout. They are lightweight, and can warp around high BTU cook tops.
Ceramic Metal Glazes - Regular ceramic tiles are fired with glazes that look like metal. Chipping is the most common problem, along with abrasion if walked on, and loss of finish.
We cast in two bronzes with four finishes, and all tiles are sealed with a sculpture quality lacquer.
Bronze - Silicon sculpture bronze - a warm bronze color.
Our Bronze finish is an acid patina that brings on a chocolate brown color. This fragile patina is gently removed by careful buffing, leaving the right amount of color in the recesses, while taking care to not over-polish the high points of the tiles. The texture of cast bronze is so beautiful that we preserve as much as possible in the finishing process.
Our Bronze Verdigris finish is a specific acid patina that greatly speeds up the natural outdoor patina process. Acid reacts with the surface of the bronze, leaving a green copper molecule buildup. The high spots are polished for a natural-looking contrast.
Our Oil-Rubbed Bronze is the same Silicon bronze with a dark brownish-black patina. Only the edges and highest spots are lightly relieved by hand, leaving a rich dark color with the barest suggestion of the bronze underneath. Because these tiles are Solid Bronze our Oil Rubbed Bronze Finish tiles that are installed in floors will eventually polish, on the high areas, to bronze from foot traffic. If the tiles are scratched in any way the metal will show through. However the patina will eventually “heal” itself, and the scratches will darken. Rubbing the sight of the scratch with your hand will quicken this process, as the oil from your skin is a natural patina for bronze. So, if your tiles do become scratched please allow time for them to re-darken before using paste wax or other sealers.
These three finishes should always be considered “live” finishes - bronze darkens naturally with time, heat, etc. When used outside, the darkening is faster, and in time the sealer will wear away and a verdigris patina will begin to emerge. Tiles can be buffed with a Scotchbrite pad to bring back the highlights and then sealed with a coat of Johnson’s Paste Wax buffed with a soft cloth.
White Bronze - Nickel bronze - Our Silvertone a warm white metal.
This bronze with nickel alloy added. The nickel makes the bronze very stable in color. Our Silvertone finish is white bronze with a black acid patina, hand-finished and sealed. White bronze is wonderful for showers or wet areas because it won’t darken.
Balboa Care
Ceramic tile should be sealed before and after setting, and again in one year. Tile can be cleaned with a soft cloth and mild soap. If bronze inserts become dusty or need cleaning, you may use a soft cloth and/or toothbrush with Pledge furniture polish. Silicon Bronze will darken with time, especially in wet or outdoor areas. It can be brightened by polishing with a mild Scotchbrite pad and sealing with Johnson’s Paste Wax. DO NOT use grout cleaners on bronze tiles. Grout cleaners contain strong acids which will change the color and finish.
Bronze Tile Care
To maintain the shine of your tiles or if your tiles are merely dusty, use Pledge furniture polish sprayed on a soft cloth or toothbrush. If necessary, clean with a soft cloth and mild soap. DO NOT use grout cleaners on bronze tiles. Grout cleaners contain strong acids which will change the color and finish. A slight variation in patina color is a natural result of the chemical patina process. Silicon (golden) bronze will develop a deeper bronze color with time, and when used outdoors, will darken faster, as would a bronze sculpture. If your tiles become darker than you would like, polish with a mild Scotchbrite pad - 3M only, from any grocery or hardware store (not the kind with a sponge on one side). After achieving the desired finish, apply a coat of Johnson’s Paste Wax and buff with a soft dry cloth to seal it. Silvertone (Nickel Bronze) will not darken unless exposed to harsh chemicals.
Classic Collection
Solid Decorative Bronze Tiles, Liners, and Hardware
Virtuoso Collection
The Virtuoso Solid Bronze tile collection
Harmony Collection
Contemporary Tile Designs in Solid Bronze
Balboa Bronze
Handmade Ceramic Tiles with Solid Bronze decorative overlays
Avalon Glass
Handmade Art Glass Tiles