Should You Choose Glossy Or Matte Tile? A Quick Comparison
07-February-24
You've probably seen both matte and glossy tiles in homes and wondered which would look best in your kitchen or bathroom. With so many tile options out there, making the right choice between glossy and matte can get overwhelming. But it doesn't have to be! In this quick comparison guide, you'll learn the main differences between the two popular tile finishes so you can decide which is better for your next tile project. We'll talk about appearance, maintenance, durability, and price so you feel confident about choosing either matte or glossy tiles to create your dream space.
The Pros and Cons of Glossy Tile
Glossy tile has an appealing shiny, reflective quality that can make a space seem more open and bright. However, the high-gloss finish also has some downsides to consider before choosing it for your home.
Pros
-> Enhances natural and artificial light. The glossy surface helps reflect both natural and artificial light around the room, brightening the space.
-> Easier to clean. The slick, non-porous surface prevents dirt and stains from absorbing into the tile, making glossy tile easier to wipe down and keep clean.
-> Timeless style. Glossy tile has an elegant, polished look that has endured for centuries. It works well in both traditional and contemporary designs.
Cons
-> Shows more imperfections. The shiny surface accentuates any flaws, unevenness, or inconsistency in the tile or installation. Professional installation is key.
-> Can be slippery. The slick, shiny finish may be unsuitable or even dangerous for floors, especially in areas that tend to get wet like bathrooms, kitchens, and entryways. Textured tile or tile with an anti-slip rating is safer for floors.
-> Prone to scratching. The glossy coating can be scratched, dulled, and damaged more easily than matte finishes, even with normal wear and tear.
-> Sealant required. The glossy finish is created by a sealant that requires periodic reapplication to maintain protection and shine. Without a sealant, the tile may stain, dull, and become hard to clean.
In the end, whether you choose glossy or matte tile comes down to your priorities and needs for the space. If light, cleanliness, and style are most important, glossy tile could be a great choice. But for high-traffic or wet areas, matte or textured tile is probably safer and more low-maintenance. Considering both the benefits and drawbacks of glossy tile will help ensure you make the best choice for your home.
The Pros and Cons of Matte Tile
Matte tile has a dull, non-reflective finish that can provide some advantages over glossy tile. However, it also has some downsides to consider before choosing it for your project.
Pros
-> Matte tiles hide dirt and grime. Their textured surface makes stains and fingerprints less noticeable. Spills and splatters won’t show up as prominently.
-> Matte tiles reduce slipperiness. Their slightly rough finish provides more traction underfoot, even when wet. This can be important for high-traffic, wet areas like bathrooms, kitchens or entryways.
-> Matte tiles diffuse light. Their dull surface scatters light in an even, soft glow. This can make spaces seem more open and airy. The matte finish also minimizes glare for a more comfortable ambiance.
Cons
-> Matte tiles are harder to clean. Their textured surface can trap dirt and debris, requiring more scrubbing to remove. Additional sealers and specialized cleaners may be needed.
-> Matte tiles show scratches and wear more. Their uneven surface is more prone to visibly scratching, dulling and erosion over time with heavy use or improper cleaning methods. Re-sealing and touch-up may be required to maintain appearance.
-> Matte tiles lack shine. If you want the bright, mirror-like sheen of glossy tile, matte tiles won’t provide that reflective quality. They have an understated, natural look that lacks luster.
-> Matte tiles may need more maintenance. Due to the potential for dirt buildup, scratching and dulling over time, matte tiles could require additional upkeep like re-sealing, polishing or touch-up to keep them looking their best after installation. Proper care and maintenance is key.
In the end, you need to weigh the pros and cons of matte vs glossy tile for your specific needs and priorities. Matte tile can be an excellent choice if you want a natural, low-maintenance look, but may not be ideal if shine, easy cleaning or durability are top concerns.
FAQs About Glossy Tile: Your Top Questions Answered
Glossy tile can create a stylish look in your home, but you likely have some questions before installing it. Here are the answers to the most frequently asked questions about glossy tile.
1. Is glossy tile slippery?
-> Glossy tile tends to be more slippery than matte tile, especially when wet. For high-traffic, wet areas like bathrooms, consider adding anti-slip pads, mats or sealant to provide more traction and prevent falls.
-> Glossy tile can also be treated with an anti-slip finish or textured to provide more grip. Talk to your tile supplier about options for improving the slip-resistance of glossy tile.
2. Does glossy tile show more dirt and marks?
-> Glossy surfaces tend to show fingerprints, smudges, and marks more than matte surfaces. Be prepared to wipe down glossy tile more frequently to keep it clean and streak-free.
-> Sealing glossy tile with a protective sealant can help prevent stains and make marks easier to wipe away. Re-seal glossy tile every few years to maintain protection.
3. Can glossy tile be used on floors?
-> Glossy tile can be used on floors, but its slippery finish may not be ideal for all areas. For high-traffic or commercial spaces, a matte or textured tile may be safer.
-> If using glossy tile on floors, consider sealing it to provide more traction and durability. Place floor mats, area rugs and cautionary signs in entryways and other places where slipping could occur.
-> Glossy tile on floors requires frequent sweeping, mopping or vacuuming to prevent the buildup of grit and grime that could lead to slips and falls. Be diligent about floor care when using glossy tile.
4. How can I tone down the shine of glossy tile?
-> If glossy tile is too reflective for your tastes, you can reduce its shine in a few ways:
-> Apply an etching or honing sealant which creates a satin or matte finish. Re-apply as needed to maintain the desired level of sheen.
-> Lightly sand the tile with fine-grit sandpaper (400+ grit) to dull the surface. Wipe away dust with a damp cloth and re-seal the tile.
-> Use a matte sealant or topical coating in place of a glossy sealant. Re-apply as needed.
With the right precautions and maintenance, glossy tile can create a sleek, radiant look in your home. Knowing the answers to common questions will help you determine if glossy tile is right for your space.