Frequently Asked Questions

If you have a specific query and can't find the answer here, just let us know.  We're always happy to answer your questions.  Otherwise, just click on the question you would like answered.

1)  What is the difference between Premium Satin, Premium Gloss and Economy tiles?
2)  What is meant by a "Satin" finish?
3)  What quality resolution can I expect from my tiles?
4)  What are the dimensions of your tiles?
5)  Where do you ship to?
6)  Can you give me an idea of freight costs?
7)  How do I clean my tiles?
8)  Can your tiles be used outside?
9)  Where are your tiles produced?
10)  What happens if I receive my tiles broken?
11) Do you charge "per image" or "per tile"?
12)  Are there any hidden costs involved?
13)  How do I install my tiles?
14)  Can my tiles be cut to size?
15)  Can you alter or resize my original image?
16)  What is the lead-time for an order?
17)  Can I track my shipment online?
18)  What forms of payment do you accept?
19)  Do you install the tiles?
20)  What happens if I break a tile?
21)  How long will my tiles last?
22)  What are the Glass Tile specifications?

 

1)  What is the difference between Premium Satin, Premium Gloss and Economy tiles?

Our premium Satin (also called "Satin Hardcoat") and premium Gloss tiles are identical in all but finish. It should be noted though, that the gloss finish (as with a gloss finish on any substrate) is more prone to scratching than the Satin. If you are looking to use your tiles in an area of high traffic or where they will require frequent cleaning, then Satin is definitely the way to go

Our Economy Tiles are (as the name suggests) our most economical tile. These tiles are slightly thinner than our premium range, however the main difference is the coating which is prone to scratching and fading (if in direct sunlight for extended periods). It is suggested that this tile type be used solely for decorative purposes in areas that do not require frequent cleaning.

2) What is meant by a "Satin" finish?

Think of a Satin finish as halfway between gloss and matte. Also called a "pearl" finish as it has very similar reflectivity to pearls. We have found that while images can look breathtaking on gloss tiles, reflections can obscure the image at certain angles. Using Satin tiles rectifies this problem.

3) What quality resolution can I expect from my tiles?

We promote our tile reproduction as "photo-quality" because that is what it is. All our tiles are printed at 300dpi (the same resolution that photo labs use when producing prints of your photos). Our Economy range of tiles return great colour and clarity and the reproduction quality of our Premium tiles is even higher and in a word, superb!

4) What are the dimensions of your tiles? *

Sizes in millimetres (mm):

 * When using these figures to calculate the area of coverage for your project, remember to include a grouting allowance (generally 1.5mm per tile).  We strongly recommend waiting until you receive your order before preparing your surface for tiling.  Lay out the mural on a flat surface with your preferred grouting allowance and then take exact measurements. Remember too, it's always best to allow too much room, rather than not enough.

5) Where do you ship to?

We ship Australia wide via Auspost, as well as internationally. All shipments are registered & insured. Any preset freight charges that are listed on our site are for Australian domestic freight only. For overseas freight prices please contact us.

6) Can you give me an idea of freight costs?

We attempt to keep freight costs to a minimum while ensuring safe and reliable delivery. As freight costs can vary greatly depending on weight, size and destination, it is very difficult to predetermine costs. Due to the Auspost pricing structure it is significantly cheaper to group multiple orders into a single shipment, as the initial costs make up a large part of the total. If you would like an accurate (obligation free) freight quote just contact us with the details of the order you are considering and your postcode.

7) How do I clean my tiles?

We recommend all our tiles be cleaned with a soft cloth and a non-abrasive cleaning fluid. For the economy gloss tiles great care should be taken not to scratch the surface. While harsh cleaning is unlikely to damage the image itself, scratches on gloss tiles can be very distracting to the viewer.

8) Can your tiles be used outside?

Our tiles can be used outside in areas where frosts are not an issue. The inks and coating we use when producing our tiles are manufactured to resist UV light. However, as with any printed product, the tiles will fade over time if regularly exposed to extended and direct sunlight. They are therefore only recommended for use in  shaded areas.

9) Where are your tiles produced?

All design, printing and production is takes place onsite at our small production facility in Northern Tasmania. We do not on-sell murals that have been produced overseas. Our raw (blank) tiles are sourced from the U.S. and manufactured to the highest possible standards.

10) What happens if I receive my tiles broken?
We take great care to ensure your order is packed securely and all shipments are insured through Auspost. You will need to provide us with the Tracking Number of your order, and description (or code) of any damaged tile(s). If you can also supply us with a photo (via email) of the damaged item it will be of great assistance. Auspost require claims for damages to be lodged promptly. We will reprint and resend your replacement tile(s) free of charge.

*Please examine your tiles for damage as soon as they are received and notify us within 24 hours of any damage.

11) Do you charge "per image" or "per tile"?

Quantity discounts are based on a "per tile" basis. For example whether you order 20 tiles, each with a different image, or one image spread over 20 tiles the same quantity discount is applied. For pricing information please refer to our Pricing Page.

12) Are there any hidden costs involved?

No. All final quotes given will fully itemised and submitted for your approval prior to the start of production.

13) How do I install my tiles?

Our tiles are ceramic and can be installed the same as any other ceramic tile, with grouting or adhesives. We do suggest if using grout that an unsanded grout be used to avoid scratching the tile surface. For glass tile installation tips click here.

14) Can my tiles be cut to size?

Tiles can be cut to size by an experienced tiler using a tile cutter with a new or sharpened blade. Due to the coating applied to the tile great care should be taken to avoid surface chipping. If a tile has been damaged due to cutting, a replacement tile can be ordered (replacement costs will apply). Click here for guidelines on cutting our Glass tiles.

15) Can you alter or resize my original image?

Yes! Your image can be enlarged/reduced to almost any size. However, bear in mind that the resolution of the original image is the single most important factor in determining how clear the image will appear on the tiles (see our "Image Tips" page for further details).  Resizing of your image for reproduction is considered part of the production process and no cost is involved. We do offer a professional digital manipulation service for more complex alterations (e.g. photo restoration, colour matching and alteration, removal/addition of objects, etc.)

16) What is the lead-time for an order?

The majority of orders are received and posted within 10 business days of receipt of payment. If you need an order expedited let us know and we will try our best to accommodate you. Orders greater than 100 tiles in size may take longer depending on our production schedule and workload at the time.

17) Can I track my shipment online?

Once we have finished production of your order, we will contact you with a Auspost Tracking Number which you can then track via the Auspost website. Click here to connect to the parcel tracking page.
*Please note that your tracking number may not immediately return a result, as the parcels are scanned when they reach the destination State or Territory.

18) What forms of payment do you accept?

We accept Direct Deposit, Paypal, Cheque or Money Order. Alternatively we can send you a Paypal link via email, which will enable you to pay by Credit Card.  We do not currently have the ability to process Credit Card payments directly.

19) Do you install the tiles?

No, we are solely a manufacturer. To find a tiler in your area just type "Tiling" followed by your suburb/location into Google  (remember to click the "pages from Australia" button first).

20) What happens if I break a tile?

If you break a tile during the installation process we will reprint it for you. The price will be calculated at the cost per tile of your original order. Freight costs will also apply. Please notify us as soon as possible if this has occurred.

21) How long will my tiles last?

A lifetime. If your tile mural is out of direct sunlight and care is taken when cleaning (see: "How do I clean my tiles"), your tile mural will look as good in 10 years as it does the day you receive it.

22) What are the Glass Tile specifications?

These 6" x 6" glass tiles have a textured surface to enable them to be used for flooring applications and are ANSI (American National Standards Institute) and ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) compliant.
They meet the ANSI and ASTM standards without tempering. The non-tempered tile may be cut with a glass cutter, or a tile saw (wet saw application, new diamond blade) or using a waterjet cutting service. We recommend using an Epoxy Thin-Set mortar in white for mounting the textured glass tile in any application. This adhesive should be readily available in most areas, and has exhibited superior bond strength without damaging the image on the tiles. You should use a grout specifically formulated for use with glass tile. Tiles can be cleaned with any household non-abrasive cleaner and a soft cloth or sponge.
Should these tiles be exposed to water on a regular basis, a silicon grout will be required to keep water from collecting on the back of the tiles.