Grits

Grits are glassy granules applied to the glazed tile that melt during firing to create relief, gloss and texture effects on floor and wall tiles.

What grits are made of

A grit is a frit or glaze in granular form, sieved into defined size ranges. During firing it forms dots or layers that look different from the rest of the surface, which also allows a natural stone look and surfaces with better grip underfoot.

Where grits are used

  • Floor tiles with stone and texture effects
  • Decorative wall tiles with gloss and relief
  • Tiles with localized effects applied by screen printing

Grain size and application

Particle size defines the effect. Fine grains give a subtle texture, and coarser grains create pronounced relief. The grit is held on the tile with a dedicated adhesive, which keeps it in place until firing.

Grits made from our own frits

Since it makes frits, Esmaltec produces grits with the composition and grain size suited to each customer’s effect and firing cycle.

Frequently asked questions

Do grits replace the glaze?

No. They are applied over the glaze, as a decorative finish. The glaze is still responsible for coverage and surface resistance.

Do grits make a floor tile slip-resistant?

Some grits increase surface grip. The result depends on the type, the amount and the glaze, and should be checked through testing.

Need a tailor-made raw material? Our technical team develops the formulation together with your process.

Talk to our technical team