Why Is Optical Hazing Such A Widespread Problem With Polished Porcelain Tiles?

Optical hazing is basically a discolouration that occurs with polished porcelain tiles.

These imperfections are normally not noticeable unless light is shone on the tiles from an angle rather than directly.

Some causes of optical hazing may include:

• Imperfections that are caused during the tile manufacturing process.
• The type of materials that are used in the production of porcelain tiles.
• The area or region where the tiles are manufactured. China is specifically known for producing tiles that have optical hazing.
• Poor quality raw materials or manufacturing.
• Stains or discolouration that occurs during the polishing process.
• Reverse water staining can cause marks on the tiles.

It is important to note that polished porcelain tiles are not glazed or coated.

Therefore they do not have any protection against absorbing dirt, oil or other substances that can result in stains.

Sealing or coating porcelain tiles will make them more resistant to stains.

The hazing may present itself in different ways and can result in cloudy imperfections, shadows or even veins running through the tiles.

Although this problem is widespread, there are ways to treat optical hazing and reduce the effects.

 

1. Diagnosing The Problem

Not all imperfections in tiles are due to optical hazing and it is important to diagnose the problem correctly before finding the best solution.

For example, a white haze on the surface may be the result of grouting affecting the tiles during installation.

This is called grout haze and has a very different solution to optical haze.

If there is any uncertainty as to whether imperfections are due to optical hazing, it is recommended to call in the experts to assess the problem.

 

2. Re-polishing Tiles

Re-polishing porcelain tiles can often eliminate optical hazing.

However, not all polishing processes are effective on all types of hazing, especially where the hazing has an appearance of veins running through the tiles.

Stone restoration techniques may be required before the tiles can be re-polished in order to entirely remove the appearance of optical hazing.

 

3. Stone Restoration Methods

Stone restoration normally involves the use of an abrasive chemical to remove defects from porcelain tiles.

This technique will, however, damage the polished surface of porcelain tiles and polishing will be necessary in order to fully restore the tiles to their former glossy sheen.

It is important to be aware that not all techniques to remove optical hazing use a restoration technique and rely primarily on polishing to rectify the defects.

This type of polishing is ideally provided by the experts in tile cleaning and restoration.

Sealing may be recommended after polishing to provide an additional layer of protection.

 

4. Defective Polished Porcelain Tiles

Another good reason to have tiles expertly inspected to confirm optical hazing is because in some cases, this is considered to be a defect under current Australian Consumer Law.

The fact that optical hazing occurs during the manufacturing process or because of inferior materials or inconsistencies in the raw material holds the manufacturer responsible for the possible defect.

This means that the tiles could be returned to the manufacturer for a replacement or refund.

If the manufacturer refuses, there is legal recourse available for reimbursement of expenses that were incurred due to the occurrence of optical hazing.

If legal recourse is not an option to replace the defective tiles entirely, it will be necessary to seek a specialist tile restoration service.

Stone restoration and re-polishing of polished porcelain is not a DIY task as it requires expertise in order to prevent further damage to the tiles.

If you have tiles and are looking for a professional and highly specialised tile and stone care company, then look no further than us at Slique.

Slique has highly-developed systems and processes, which means we provide a tile cleaning service that is second to none.