Photographic quality printing - on
ceramics!New technologies offer a new medium for digital output.
Dye-sublimation is a process whereby specially formulated inks,
under heat and pressure, sublimate (change from a solid to a vapor)
and bond chemically with a polymer coating that is on the ceramic's
surface. Unlike earlier transfer methods, sublimation printing is
absorbed right into the surface, resulting in a durable,
high-quality image that withstands UV & wear.
Individual tiles can be created based on a photo or other
artwork. However, the real power of this medium is expressed when an
image is enlarged and printed across a matrix or mosaic of tiles.
The resulting image can be as large as desired. Picture a waterfall
scene wrapped around two walls of a shower stall, floor to ceiling.
Or a kitchen counter backsplash with images of outside the house, or
of family members, or pets.... whatever you have a photo of!
Choices
to be Made:
-
Image(s)
- Any photo or digital
image can be used.
We accept digital images via email, FTP file transfer, or on
CDROM. Photographs can be scanned & originals returned, at no
cost
- The resolution
quality of the original is an important consideration if the
picture is to be "blown up". As there are a fixed number of
color spots (pixels) in a bitmap image (ie. 640x480 .bmp, .jpg,
.gif etc.) these dots of color grow as the image is scaled. We
use specialized S-spline scaling software and can achieve
excellent results even at 10-15X, but some degradation in
clarity is inevitable at larger magnifications.
The compression process in JPEG and GIF files result in loss
of clarity or color range. Uncompressed TIFF or BMP files give better
results but result in a much larger file size
- An alternative method
is to convert the original picture into a vector format (.eps, .ai,
.cdr etc.). This is essentially done by "tracing" the edges of
similar colored areas and storing the result as a mathematical
formula that defines the curved shape. As a vector is scaled up,
the shape edges remain smooth, resulting in a clearer image.
Photographs can typically be scaled to a maximum of ~10x
before the result is too noticeably blurry or pixilated,
depending on the picture content
- The tracing process
can use a variety of settings that determine what range of
colors are combined into an "object". A hi-res trace will result
in thousands or 10's of thousands of small objects. A lower-res
trace will result in fewer objects, giving the image an artistic
or "painted" effect. This can be very attractive, depending on
the subject matter.
We can do the conversion for you, or you can experiment with
the different settings available if you have a graphics program
like CorelDRAW™ or Adobe
Illustrator
-
Tile Size & Type
- Sublimation (coated) tiles are available in a number of sizes,
the most common being 1", 2", 4", 6", 12" and 6x8".
All sublimation tiles are white to start with so the maximum
color vibrancy is achieved
- The smaller the tile, the greater the mosaic effect, but the
higher the cost (more tiles to be printed) and complexity of
mounting.
Tiles can be cut to fit, and some odd
sizes may be special ordered
- Different finishes are available, with different physical
characteristics.
Gloss tiles produce the best
photographic effect, but are susceptible to scratching and dulling
over time, with cleaning or surface wear.
Matte finish tiles give a
softer image, but are the most durable and scratch-resistant.
Satin finish is almost as tough as Matte,
with most of the image clarity of Gloss.
Tumbled Stone tiles give an antique look to any image.
Clear Glass tiles offer back-printed
images for an interesting effect and image protection. Suitable
for counters, tables and floors, they are tempered and available
in textured or smooth surface.
New tiles are under development, and a durable tile suitable
for flooring may soon be available
-
Mounting &
Handling
- PhoTile tilesets are handled the same as any
gloss ceramic tile. They can be cut with a standard tile-cutter to
fit.
Avoid using abrasive cleansers (Comet™
etc.) as they can dull the surface. Avoid solvents (acetone etc.)
that can dissolve polymers/plastics as they can permanently damage
the surface
- A small group of tiles can be mounted in a
commercial frame to produce an
attractive piece of art. Or they can be glued to a piece of
plywood, with or without a border moulding.
Standard picture frames can be used, but may need reinforcement
to support the extra weight of the tiles
- Tiles can be
grouted (or caulked) for a mosaic "grid" effect, or placed side by
side (touching) for a more uninterrupted look. Tiles must be grouted &
waterproofed if used around wet areas or for countertops etc.
NOTE: It is important to only use "unsanded" tile grout,
especially with the delicate Gloss finish tiles.
Caulking is easier to apply, and is available in a variety of
colors that can match the subject matter. However, it remains softer than grout,
and is only suitable for wall art applications
- A variety of adhesives are available depending on the surface
being used. You can even glue directly onto glass surfaces, which
is handy for framing.
Tiles can be cut using a standard tile cutter. A variety of
adhesives are available at any hardware store
- We ship tile sets unmounted, as freight costs and
potential damage are greatly reduced.
Custom framing is available. Call for a quotation
-
Ordering
- When ordering,
specify:
-
TILESIZE: 1",
2", 4"/4.25", 6", 12" or 6x8"
-
TILE TYPE: gloss, matte or satin or
one of our specialty tiles
-
FINAL
DIMENSIONS: determined by # of tiles, matrix (3x3, 4x6 etc.), tile
size and whether the set will be grouted or ungrouted.
For example, a 6x8 set of 4" tiles would measure 24"x32" ungrouted,
or 24.4"x32.6" grouted. We will attempt to stretch or
crop images to fit the dimensions required.
|
