Through Body Porcelain
Through body porcelain is a special type of porcelain tile in which patterns, colors, and composition are spread across uniformly throughout the complete thickness of the tile. The term is also often used to refer to full-body porcelain or color-through porcelain with a solid color porcelain body, instead of a surface treatment. A through body porcelain tile is able to maintain its look consistently through wear and heavy use and high-traffic.
Relevance of Through Body Porcelain
Tiles are subjected to impact, abrasion, and wear in high-utility spaces. The design and construction of a through body porcelain tile addresses these challenges directly.
- The unglazed porcelain construction of this tile does not require a surface coating and can limit visible wear.
- The solid color porcelain body can conceal scratches, chips, and edge wear.
- The tile offers long-term durability, making it a perfect choice of spaces where a balance of performance and appearance is needed such as outdoors.
Structure and Performance
The performance of through body porcelain is defined by its internal structure and manufacturing process. Here is a quick look at its composition and structure.
| Feature | Key Points |
|---|---|
| Full-Body Composition | • Uniform material and color throughout • Conceals scratches and chips |
| High-Density Porcelain Body | • Compact structure from high-temperature firing • Improves strength and impact resistance |
| Unglazed Porcelain Construction | • Surface is integral, not coated • Prevents visible wear layers |
| Low Water Absorption | • Minimal porosity • Resists moisture and staining |
| Uniform Color Throughout | • Consistent color across thickness • Maintains appearance in high-traffic areas |
The combination of these properties give the tile its commercial-grade performance and heavy traffic suitability, making it a good choice for commercial spaces such as restaurants.
Applications
Due to its durability and consistent appearance, through body porcelain is widely used in demanding environments.
- Commercial Spaces: Hotels, restaurants, lobbies, bars.
- Industrial Spaces: Industries, institutes, workshops.
- Outdoors: Exterior facades, gardens, entryways, patios.
- Residential Spaces: Kitchens, hallways, bathrooms.
The durability and understated aesthetic of through body porcelain also make it well-suited for contemporary architectural designs.