Why Glossy Tiles Are Not Recommended in The Shower?

Why Glossy Tiles Are Not Recommended in The Shower?

Glossy tile is a bad idea for the shower floor, or any other surface, because the floor will not hold up water, and the moisture will build up over time. This can cause various structural problems with your home. There’s also a risk of slipping on the slick surface if you’re in wet shoes.

Another reason that glossy tile is a bad idea is that it wears out quickly.Other reasons include:

1. Shiny Tiles Are Slippery

You’ve probably noticed the mirror effect on shiny plates and other objects that you’ve looked at for an extended period.

So, you don’t have to worry about what your shower will look like from a distance because it will always look like a shiny, chrome-like rectangle of water.

2. They Attract Mold and Mildew

Have you noticed how easy it is for your shower curtain to get moldy when the grout lines of your tiles are a shiny black?

This is because mold likes to grow on the dark, moist spaces between tiles. And since shiny tiles are so slippery, it’s even easier for things like soap scum and body oil to sit in these crevices and start growing mold.

So, you’re left with dull tiles and a dingy-looking shower every time you clean it not exactly ideal.

3. They Reflect Light

Glossy tiles will make the shower look very shiny and reflect light from the overhead lights and other fixtures in a very bright way.

This is distracting and will make your bathroom look a little tacky when you clean it. Also, that mirror effect can be annoying.

It’s tough to focus on cleaning your body after you’ve spent a few minutes looking at your reflection.

Is Glossy Tile A Bad Idea for The Shower Floor?

Glossy tile is a ceramic tile that you can coat with a high-gloss finish. You can use it in shower floors and tubs, which you can install or refinish, but it also has many other applications.

Many people opt for ceramic tile in the shower if they’re looking to save money. But ceramic tiles are more expensive and tend to be more slippery, especially during wet conditions.

Ceramics also scratch easily, which causes the grout lines to get dirty faster.

Another type of tile that homeowners sometimes rely on if they are on a budget is linoleum. Linoleum comprises natural materials, so it’s more eco-friendly than other types of tile.

However, it’s not very durable and wears out relatively quickly. It’s also challenging to clean and requires much more maintenance than most people want to do with their floors.

Stone tiles are another commonly used option for the shower floor, but they are costly and wear out quickly.

If you use glossy tile for your shower floor, ensure you’re ready for all the issues that will come with it.

If that doesn’t seem reasonable or you don’t want to deal with any of those issues, then there are plenty of great alternatives to glossy tile.

For example, you can use a natural stone tile with a matte finish, such as slate or river rock.

Is Matte or Glossy Tile Better for A Shower Wall?

The kind of tiles you want for your house depends on personal preference. What you choose will largely come down to how your tiles affect the look of your home and what kind of household chore you want to avoid.

For example, glossy tiles are great for areas that need their grime wiped up more easily, while matte tiles are better for areas with a high incidence of foot traffic.

Glossy tiles have the advantage of being extremely easy to clean. They’re great for areas such as kitchens and bathrooms, where they’ll often see heavy-duty use.

They’re also a good choice for those who don’t mind the high maintenance costs associated with keeping them clean.

Another good thing about glossy tiles is that they wear well. Many tile manufacturers will extend their warranties to 5-10 years, depending on the category or product. That’s pretty good for a floor covering that wears down so quickly.

There are also some drawbacks to using glossy tiles, however. One of the biggest ones is that the glossy finish tends to be prone to scratches and scuffs.

You will need to use a specially formulated cleaner for tiles, or you’ll end up with bumps and scratches all over your glossy bathroom floor.

Spaces	Matte tiles are Ideal for spaces such as hallways, kitchens, and bathrooms	Glossy tiles are Better for concealing smudges, stains, and dried water droplets
Cleaning	Matte tiles are easy to clean when they’re wet	Glossy tiles, when clean, it’s shiny; when dirty and dry, it looks dull. You can’t simply wipe it down to remove dirt or use an abrasive pad on the dirty surface without getting scratching
Appearance	Matte tiles are available in many colors, including white and black	Glossy tiles are available in less colors and patterns but do offer options for providing a custom look to your tile surface
Pricing	Matte tiles are affordable	Glossy tiles are costlier than matte tiles

What Tiles Should I Use on The Shower Floor?

Type	Features
Porcelain	Porcelain tiles are usually installed on tile floors, as they are more water-resistant than other tiles. They’re also harder and more durable. Porcelain tiles come in various styles and designs, like simple white or brown or with a mosaic effect that is either matte or shiny.
Terrazzo	Terrazzo tiles are soft but can be scratch-resistant too. They can come in different designs, such as plain or laid with a pattern. The hard surface of the tiles adds stability to the floor.
Ceramic Tile	Ceramic tiles are installed on kitchen and bathroom floors instead of porcelain or limestone tiles for their water retention capacity, longer life span, and durability. Ceramic tiles range from natural looking to transitional designs.
Slate	Slate is durable and very resistant to water. It has a natural look, so it blends in with the rest of the floor.
Granite	Granite is costly, but you can save on installation because it’s specifically designed for wet areas like shower floors. The material can be very slippery when wet, so use textured or patterned grout to help improve traction.
Limestone	Like marble, limestone has a refined look and can be used on wet areas like shower floors. It looks good with traditional-style bathroom tubs.
Marble	Marble is another expensive material for shower floors, but it’s tough and resistant to water. The slick surface may prove dangerous when wet, so you need textured or patterned grout or anti-slip mats on the floor.

What Is the Difference Between Gloss and Polished Tiles?

Gloss and polished tiles are a new addition to the bathroom tile options.

Many people wonder if gloss and polished tiles are any better than other types of bathroom tiles.

In most cases, gloss and polished tiles will make the cleanliness of your bathroom cleaner as they are usually made with a stronger surface to help show additional grime or dirt on it.

Gloss and polished tiles also give off a shinier appearance for those who like more of an extravagant style for their bathrooms.

	Gloss	Polished
Finish	The low-sheen satin finish applied to tile sets	Smooth finish and no texture that can trap dirt, debris, or moisture
Cleanliness	Repel dirt and debris, so they need to be cleaned less frequently than polished tiles	Easy to clean and maintain
Installation time	Less installation time	More installation time
Difficulty of installation	Gloss tiles have a low sheen and a matte feel that can be difficult to remove from the sink	Difficult to install
Light reflection	Little or no light reflection	High light reflection

Can You Make Shiny Tile Dull?

Yes, If you’re looking to make your shiny tile appear less reflective, you might think about buying an expensive tile sealant, but it turns out that there is a straightforward solution: use oven cleaner.

The process is really simple, and the results are instant. 

Here Are the Steps:

The oven cleaner usually contains ammonia, which you need to get that dull look, but it also contains bleach.

These chemicals can react with some of the materials in your tile, so ensure that you protect it by laying down plastic sheeting or cardboard.

Then spray the oven cleaner on the tile and wipe away with a sponge soaked in water. Do not soak your sponge in water first, or you may even have difficulty wiping it off.

Don’t worry about the tile’s colors. The chemicals in the oven cleaner are not as strong as ammonia, so they will not affect any colors.

Remember to read all instructions on the can and follow them to avoid harming your tile. The process might seem lengthy, but removing the shine from the tile doesn’t take long or make it dull again.

It will also remove stains and mold very quickly in most cases. It’s a very simple and effective fix, so give it a try.

Is Polished Tile Hard to Keep Clean?

It’s pretty easy to clean. You can use a wet sponge and soap. You can also use a vacuum cleaner or a damp mop. There are also disinfectant cleaners that you can use to keep your tile looking new.

You can lay down a tiled floor, an excellent way to prevent dirt from getting into the grouting and around the base of your walls.

The best way to clean any floor is by sweeping or vacuuming and then mopping with a neutral pH-level cleaner.

As for the grout lines, you can clean them with a damp cloth or a mixture of vinegar and water (1/4 cup of each).

It’s best not to use the vinegar and water mix on grout lines, as this can cause them to deteriorate faster.

You can treat grout with a commercial tile cleaner or a mixture of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide. You can also use toothpaste to clean the grout if it has become dull and gray over time.

But remember, you should treat any colored grout lines with care and caution, as they can easily discolor or stain.

If you have an older tile floor that has seen better days, it’s essential to protect the grout in your current installation with a quality grout sealant.

You can apply this sealant like a professional with a pumice tool or rubber float.

Are Glossy Tiles More Slippery?

Yes, The glossier the tile, the more slippery they are- wallpapers can be just as slick. The coating on the tiles that produce their sheen enhances their reflectiveness so that tiles are more slippery than matte or textured surfaces.

Tile surfaces are rigid and smooth. You can’t get much traction when something is hard and smooth, so things like flooring are slippery. When you combine the two factors, you can get something very slippery.

Slips and falls are essential aspects of the safety of your home. The National Safety Council recommends homeowners take steps to reduce the likelihood of falling.

For instance, some people have concerns about preventing slips and falls in their kitchen because they use them a lot.

To reduce the chances of slipping or tripping in their kitchen, many people put non-skid tiles on the floor – to keep it from getting slippery.

Slipping and falling can lead to severe injuries. If you slip into the shower, you could fall and hit your head on the wall. If you slip on an icy walkway, you could break a bone in your leg or arm.

Should Shower Tile Be Matte or Glossy?

The shower tile should be matte, not glossy. Like most people, you probably get a picky attitude regarding what tile to buy for your shower.

You might think that matte tile is for older people or that glossy tile is better for safety.

In reality, the best shower tiles are both matte and glossy in varying degrees of each finish, as you can use them interchangeably depending on your preference and budget.

Matte tiles have a darker, grittier look and are easier to clean than glossy tiles. This makes them great for bathrooms in low-traffic areas like the shower.

Glossy tiles, on the other hand, offer a high-gloss finish which is excellent for high-traffic areas like the tub or shower.

You can use matte tile in these areas and still maintain its strength and durability, though you will want to be careful where you walk barefoot.

Some tiles mix the two finishes and come in a sheen or mat finish. You can use these depending on your preference.

One thing to remember: Because they are a mix of matte and glossy finishes, they are not suitable for low-traffic areas like the shower.

There are several ways matte finishes can make shower tile more durable. The most common way is to use matte paint that lasts long and protects against mold and mildew.

It also gives the tile an aged look that most people prefer over a glossy paint.

Can You Use Polished Porcelain Tile on A Shower Floor?

Yes, You can use polished porcelain tile on a shower floor.

If you’re looking to install polished porcelain on your shower floor, then it’s suitable to use an adhesive mortar base or cement backer board and set the finished tiles with either mortar or a thin set.

If you’re laying any tiled surface in a wet area, ensure that the backer board you use is waterproof.

You can do this using a cement backer board with a polystyrene plastic coating on its backside. There are also waterproof tile sealers available that you can use on a shower floor.

If you’re wondering about using porcelain tiles on the walls of your shower, make sure that the tiles you select go with your other design scheme and don’t stick out too much from the rest of the shower decor.

While porcelain tile is an excellent choice for a floor, it isn’t suitable for wall tile because polished porcelain is not very durable and is susceptible to scratches.

If you’re looking to do a backsplash in porcelain tile, try not to tile right up to the top of the shower wall to prevent moisture penetration, which can cause damage.

Tiling over your shower drain is also not suitable because this is where most of the moisture will collect in your shower.

Another option is if you are going to use polished porcelain tiles on your shower floor, use a specialized, transparent sealer.

I use this in my shower to help protect the porcelain tiles from moisture and stains.

It works by sealing the porcelain’s surface with a transparent layer that prevents water from entering the tile’s interior and leaving behind marks or stains.

You can use this sealer on metal, wood, glass, ceramic surfaces, and tile.

How Do You Apply High Gloss Tile Sealer?

Steps of applying high gloss tile sealer.

• Apply the sealant liberally with a trowel or wide putty knife, spreading in a thin layer to cover all exposed surfaces of the tile. 
• Make sure that there are no streaks left behind. 
• Try not to leave puddles of excess sealant on the tile’s surface. 
• Allow adequate time for the sealant to dry (3 hours). 
• Wipe up any excess from floors, counters, or other porcelain flat surfaces to which you may have applied the sealant.
• You should allow the sealant to dry according to the manufacturer’s instructions (usually 1 hour).
• Apply a second coat by repeating 1 – 4 above. 
• Allow the sealant to dry. 
• Buff the surface until it reaches a high gloss finish using a clean, soft cloth.

Conclusion

The first thing to consider when choosing your shower tile is if you want one of the many matte or glossy finishes.

You may decide to have a mix of both in your bathroom, but a matte finish would be ideal for the shower.

Get estimates from different contractors on what it would cost to install tile in your bathroom and ensure it fits your budget. Next, bring home samples of tile and samples of all your countertops and sinks.