Frequently Asked Questions
Selecting Your Tile
COLOR:
Does McIntyre make custom colors?
Yes, we frequently make custom glazes. Besides the 250 or so standard glaze colors, we can color match a glaze for your project. You will need to supply us with a sample material or image to guide us. Custom Glazes usually cost an additional 20% plus a development fee.
Can McIntyre match old or other manufacturers' tile?
Yes, McIntyre can do custom tile matching. However, it is usually somewhat expensive and not economically feasible for very small projects. Development and prototyping time depends on how exacting customer requirements are and the allowable timeframe. Usually there is at least a few hundred dollars of development expense in custom tile matching projects. On larger projects, the development costs are reasonable on a per tile basis and therefore may be more affordable.
Can the glaze color range be minimized?
Certain glazes lend themselves more or less to color range selection. Others are not so amenable. We have some influence on "tweeking" the color range of certain glazes. Glaze application is one variable we can usually adjust. Testing is often required to determine what is possible. Usually a job would also require a larger production run to accomplish the end requirement with corresponding costs.
Can a specific part of the glaze range be made?
Sometimes this is possible, but not all glazes can be "focused" on a particular range of the color. See "Can range be minimized?" above.
Can the glaze color range be maximized?
Exaggerating the color range of a glaze is possible with special care in the production process. However, unintended results often occur when glazes are treated "out of spec".
Where can I see your colors? (on the web site)
On the www.mcintyre-tile.com website go to the Products page. You may select "Glaze Palette" to see an overview of all glazes.
Do you make a (specific color)?
You may check our website to see all of our standard glaze colors. If you don't see what you're looking for you might consider a custom glaze.
SIZE/SHAPE:
What sizes do you make?
Each McIntyre Tile line has specific tile sizes associated with it. In addition, custom sizes can be manufactured for all lines.
Do you make custom sizes?
Yes, we can make tiles with custom dimensions. Typically these tiles cost 20% more per tile than the next standard tile size.
Do you make custom shapes?
Custom shapes are also possible. All we need is your specifications for form and size.
DECORATIVE TILES:
Do you have handpainted tiles?
We have several hand painted patterns. We also do a lot of custom painted projects based on customer supplied art work or thematic input.
BROCHURE:
Do you have a brochure? Can you send me a brochure?
Our brochure is available for download from our web site at no charge or for a $10 charge, a hardcopy will be mailed to you.
TRIM OPTIONS:
Do you have trim shapes?
Yes. Surface Bullnosed tiles are available in many sizes as well as extruded trim shapes like Quarter Round and Cove. A large variety of shapes are available to trim most projects. Custom shapes are also an option. Check with the factory.
What do they look like?
You can see our trim shapes in the brochure or on the website.
Do you make custom trim?
Yes, custom trim is available.
WHERE CAN I USE TILE:
Can a particular glaze be used on the floor?
Suitability of usage is primarily determined by the location of the tile, the surrounding conditions adjacent to the tile installation and the specific glaze hardness of the tile used. Each McIntyre glaze is "usage rated". This information is a part of the Master Glaze List and is available in our Specifications and is on the web site.
How slippery is the tile?
Each glaze has a coefficient of friction that is based on the glaze surface and the type of material in contact with the glaze. This number typically is for leather shoes in wet or dry conditions and rubber shoes in wet or dry conditions. Usually, slipperiness can be reduced by using an abrasive grit fired into the tile. In many cases, post installation acid treatment can improve slip-resistance.
Can the tile be used in a swimming pool or fountain?
Yes, McIntyre tile is vitreous. This means that very little water is absorbed into the tile body.
Can I use your tile outside?
Yes, The vitreous quality prevents the tile from breaking in a freeze-thaw cycle typical of exterior conditions.
Which metallics can be used around water?
Metallic tiles are subject to oxidation which changes the surface coloration to more shadow tones.
What happens to them when they get wet?
Oxidation is accelerated in the presence of water.
Ordering Your Tile:
LEAD TIME:
Do you stock tile?
There is very little tile that is stocked. McIntyre manufactures a huge variety of colors and sizes. It is not practical to have ready-made product available. Most tile orders are manufactured to order.
Does anyone stock your tile?
Not at this time.
What is your lead-time?
Our lead time is usually 4 to 6 weeks. This can vary over the calendar year. Check with the factory for current availability.
Can the tile be expedited and at what cost?
Yes, we do have accelerated production placement for a 20% surcharge. This is not always practical. Please check with the factory for availability.
PLACING MY ORDER:
What do I need to do to place an order?
Please send us exact specifications as to quantity, product line, tile size, trim tiles required and any decorative tiles or accessories. We will produce an Order Acknowledgement and return it to you for verification and acceptance. Terms of payment and Estimated Completion will be indicated. Please sign and date and return with any Deposit required and we will schedule your production.
INSTALLATION:
Spacing - How narrow can the grout spacing be?
McIntyre tile can be set "tight", tiles touching but this required some more care in setting tiles. Generally, we recommend a 3/16" grout joint.
Can the tile be set closer than 1/8th inch?
Yes. However, more tiles may be required to cover a given area because the tiles are nominally sized for a 3/16" grout spacing. Tighter spacing will cause more tiles to be needed.
SEALING:
Is it really necessary to preseal the tile prior to grouting?
This depends somewhat on the glaze but largely on site conditions and attentiveness of the installer. Generally, providing optimal site conditions are present (temperature, light, humidity) and the ability to remove grout when required, preseal is not necessary unless a colored grout is used or unless the glaze is very matte.
Can colored grouts be used?
Yes, we advise preseal.
Does the tile or the grout need to be sealed after grouting or on a regular basis?
Vitreous tiles do not need sealing. The grout usually will benefit from sealing.
QUALITIES OF HANDMADE TILES:
Why is the tile not flat?
Handmade tiles are produced with materials and methods that are not consistent with ultra-precise surfaces. If exact dimensionality is a requirement, customers are advised to select mass-produced machine-made tiles.
Crazing - What are all these cracks in the glaze?
Crazing is very fine fractures (cracks) in the glaze surface. They do not penetrate the tilebody surface. The fractures result from the differences in thermal expansion between the glass surface (the glaze) and the claybody. Over time, most clay-glaze systems will craze.
Do they affect the performance of the tile?
We recommend that crazed glazes be sealed so that staining is minimized. The claybody is vitreous, so the crazing will not create undue problems.
