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The term encaustic tile usually refers to the striking colourful patterned tiled floors, which can be found in Victorian gothic and Edwardian properties - or if the property was renovated during the less respectful seventies and eighties you'll probably find these tiles or their fragments littering the garden. The colour and pattern of the tile has been inlaid in a different coloured clay and then literally 'burnt in' therefore making it integral to the tile, rather than as a surface glaze.
In the USA encaustic is now used to refer to the whole floor of this style whether the tiles are inlaid or not.
The word encaustic derives from the Greek word enkaustikos, meaning 'burnt in'. The term refers to the technique in which the pigments are mixed with warm wax, resin or turpentine and then bonded to the tile by heat.
Original encaustic tiles are up to 2.5cm thick, and can incorporate shades of red/brown with white/yellow pattern inlaid to a depth of 2-3mm. As the pattern is burnt deep into the body of the tile, rather than painted on in a surface glaze, they are highly durable, the pattern will never fade, and unlike modern ceramic tiles, when they become chipped or scratched they just reveal more of the same colour. They are also perfect for fire surrounds as the high temperatures at which they are made makes them able to bear intense heat.
Encaustic tiles are easy to clean using a a mild detergent. You should then apply a layer of wax polish or specialist sealant, which should be available at any good tile shop. Damaged tiles can be dug out and replaced through made to order outlets, but care should be taken that the depth of the new tile matches the original.
Though not really accurate the term encaustic has come to be used to describe any number of tiles used in hallways etc including the common monochrome geometric or tessellated floor tiles. However if the process in creating the style did not include burning, they are not the real McCoy.
Tiles courtesy of: Original Features 020 8348 5155 www.originalfeatures.co.uk
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