What is Pasta Bianca Tile?
Translated from Italian, “pasta bianca” means “white body” and is used to describe a type of tile that is primarily made in Italy. Pasta bianca tiles are popular in home decoration all over the world. They are called white-body tiles in France, weissscherben in Germany, and white-body tiles in the United States. The name comes from the pale background color of the tile body, called bisque or biscuit, which is usually light gray or beige. These tiles can be given a clear glaze so that the natural colors show through, or they can be glazed with various colors, patterns, and finishes.
Production
To create the body of the tile, a clay powder called talc is pressed into a mold. The clay is a kaolinite produced from iron-free clays characteristic of deposits in France or Germany. After molding, the tiles were fired and glazed. Firing occurs in tunnel kilns that heat the tiles to temperatures of around 1,900 degrees Fahrenheit or 1,010 degrees Celsius. After firing, additional treatment is carried out if rectified tiles are needed. Tile edges are mechanically ground to a smooth, straight edge with square corners so they can be laid close together. A natural edge is left on unrectified tiles.
Types
The two basic types of white body tiles are single-fired tiles, called monoporrosa or Monocottura chiara, and double-fired tiles, called Bicottura. In fact, some Bicottura tiles that receive multiple layers of glaze can be fired up to four times. Both Monocottura and Bicottura tiles are available in many sizes, finishes and designs to allow great flexibility in decoration possibilities.
Applications
Single-fired white body tiles are strong and durable enough that if they have a matte glaze they can serve as interior tiles and some exterior applications. Modern tunnel kilns and improved glazes reduce the porosity of the clay during the monocotting process, making it more resistant to moisture penetration and freezing than when older periodic kilns were used. Double-fired white-paste tiles are more porous than single-cut tiles, so they are restricted to interior use for applications such as bathroom walls and surrounds, tub and shower enclosures, countertops, vanities, and accent walls. They can be very decorative and ornamental.
Advantages
Monocottura white body tiles cost less and are faster to produce because they have a shorter processing time. The single firing process allows for a more resistant, durable, easy to clean, hygienic and decorative product. The tiles have flat backs rather than backs with tabs or buttons, which are necessary to improve airflow in ovens and make tile installation easier. Bicottura tiles present the best techniques to use for interior decorative applications. The natural colors and shades of pasta bianca tile are attractive and blend well with almost any décor, and the glazes are available in a wide variety of colors and textures. Color is permanent and will not fade with sun exposure or cleaning. Ceramic tile is one of the most stain resistant building materials available.