What are cement tiles?

What are cement tiles?

Secoin's Encaustic Cement Tiles have a rich history dating back to 1910. These tiles, also referred to as decorative cement tiles or patterned tiles, are a premium handcrafted product with a wide range of colors and patterns. They are used for flooring and wall decoration, both indoors and outdoors.

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Each Tile is a Work of Art

Pattern Designs:


Secoin's Encaustic Cement Tiles feature thousands of different pattern designs. From classic and traditional motifs to modern and impressive patterns, there is a diverse selection to choose from. Some patterns have gentle and delicate floral and leaf designs, while others have geometric shapes and bold lines. The diversity in pattern designs reflects the fusion of cultural inspiration between the East and the West, as well as the combination of ancient and contemporary architectural styles.

 

The tile patterns are continuously created and influenced by architectural trends, cultural movements, and contemporary art. Secoin's collections of Encaustic Cement Tiles are designed seasonally, following design trends similar to the fashion industry. Each tile is a masterpiece in itself, reflecting the uniqueness and personal touch of the artisan's creativity.


Color Variations:


Secoin's Encaustic Cement Tiles come in a standard color chart with 75 colors, ranging from black, white, red, yellow, blue, green, and various shades in between. These colors are carefully selected to cater to different aesthetic preferences. If customers have specific color requirements outside the standard color chart, Secoin can develop custom colors based on their precise specifications.

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Shapes and Sizes of Encaustic Cement Tiles:


Secoin's Encaustic Cement Tiles come in a wide variety of geometric shapes and sizes. In addition to the traditional square tiles, there are rectangular tiles, hexagonal tiles, octagonal tiles, lantern tiles, fish scale tiles, and more. Each shape offers different possibilities for design and arrangement. Alongside standard shapes and sizes such as 20x20cm and 30x30cm, Secoin can also develop custom molds and patterns to meet specific customer requirements. For example, sizes like 10x10cm, 14x14cm, 10x20cm, 7x7cm, 14x10cm, and 15x17cm are available.

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Secoin cement tiles boast a diverse range of captivating designs and sizes.

 

Products with Soul and Emotional Value:


Secoin's international customers often refer to Encaustic Cement Tiles as products with a "soul," living products that possess a unique "emotional value" that sets them apart from mass-produced industrial tiles flooding the market. In Europe, these tiles are recognized as historical and traditional decorative materials. Meanwhile, in countries like the United States, Australia, Japan, and the Middle East, many are attracted to the artistic beauty of Encaustic Cement Tiles, with their diverse and eye-catching patterns. The meticulous and skillful handmade production process carried out by Secoin's artisans is often seen as something "magical" by astonished visitors. All these elements contribute to making Secoin's Encaustic Cement Tiles the embodiment of Vietnamese handmade tile art.


Materials and Manufacturing Process of Encaustic Cement Tiles:


Encaustic Cement Tiles consist of two main layers. The top layer, approximately 2mm thick, is where the colors and patterns are embedded. The base layer, in gray color, is made of fine cement and sand particles to ensure the tile's hardness.

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The first cement tile machine in Vietnam from 1910 

Secoin's manufacturing process for Encaustic Cement Tiles involves nine fundamental steps:

 
1. Preparation of molds and colors: The molds, crafted from copper, create the pattern lines for the tiles. They are meticulously handmade by Secoin's highly skilled artisans. Based on designers' drawings, the artisans transform the patterns into exquisite molds. Secoin possesses artisans with the highest expertise and craftsmanship in Vietnam.
2. Placing the molds into the frames.
3. Pouring colors to create the first layer of the tile: This is the most crucial step in producing the tiles. Secoin's artisans require high skill and dexterity to carefully pour the colors onto the designated areas of the mold. Each tile is created like a completely handmade painting.
4. Removing the molds from the frames.
5. Creating the second layer of the tile.
6. Hydraulic pressing.
7. Shaping and removing the tiles from the molds.
8. Curing the tiles.
9. Applying surface protection and conducting quality checks.
 

 

The resulting tiles are exquisite works of art, thanks to the golden hands of Secoin's artisans. With passion for their craft and skillful techniques, these artisans have made Encaustic Cement Tiles come alive, imbuing them with distinct characteristics that industrial production cannot replicate. Secoin's Encaustic Cement Tiles can be likened to hand-embroidered tapestries, compared to machine-made embroideries.


Advantages and Applications of Encaustic Cement Tiles:


Encaustic cement tiles, crafted as works of art, bring a naturally elegant and unique charm, suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. The surface of these tiles is coated with a protective chemical layer that provides waterproof, oil-resistant, stain-resistant, and UV-resistant properties.


Thanks to the diversity of patterns, colors, and sizes available, customers have the flexibility to choose from a wide range of designs for various areas such as living rooms, kitchens, bathrooms, and bedrooms.


Using encaustic cement tiles in a living room can lend a touch of classical style to a home while maintaining a cozy atmosphere. The intricate patterns of these tiles, when used in bedrooms, can create a serene and soothing ambiance. In a workspace, encaustic cement tiles can enhance creativity, stimulate positive energy, and contribute to a productive environment. Moreover, when used to adorn kitchen walls or bar counters, they can create a lively and convivial atmosphere.


Encaustic cement tiles have the ability to meet the demands of even the most discerning customers, allowing them to choose designs that align with their desired style. Furthermore, these tiles inspire a sense of openness and creative inspiration within living spaces.

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Encaustic cement tiles exhibit remarkable flexibility in terms of patterns, colors, and sizes, allowing for effortless integration with other types of tiles in design schemes.

Another notable characteristic of encaustic cement tiles is their smooth and non-slip surface. As a result, they are highly suitable for applications in areas such as schools, hospitals, or spaces frequented by children and the elderly, ensuring safety.

An excellent thermal insulator, encaustic cement tiles offer a highly advantageous feature. By using these tiles as flooring, you can effectively reduce electricity costs as they help keep homes cool in summer and warm in winter.

Furthermore, encaustic cement tiles possess excellent load-bearing capacity, thanks to their customizable thickness. They can be utilized in various locations, including wall cladding, decorative accents, tabletops, staircases, corridors, gardens, and more. The artistic patterns of encaustic cement tiles also allow customers to incorporate them into planters and garden pots, creating unique and captivating green spaces.

With their exceptional color durability, encaustic cement tiles can maintain their vibrancy for decades. With proper maintenance, customers can enjoy an increasingly lustrous and beautiful decorative foundation over time.

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Encaustic cement tiles are not only durable but also renowned as an environmentally friendly handmade product, thanks to the following characteristics:

 
Natural materials: Encaustic cement tiles are handcrafted using natural materials such as cement, sand, stone powder, color pigments, etc. These products do not use clay, thus avoiding depletion of agricultural land during the manufacturing process.
Green production process: The shaping process is manually executed, combined with hydraulic pressing for consolidation. The curing process of the tiles is carried out at room temperature without the use of heat, thereby minimizing fuel consumption.
Recyclable material: Secoin encaustic cement tiles have a long lifespan and can be utilized throughout the entire lifespan of a construction project. If a structure needs to be demolished or renovated after a prolonged period, the tiles can be crushed and recycled as input materials for other concrete products.
Safe for human health: Indoor air quality is closely linked to human health and is recognized as a significant concern in homes, schools, healthcare environments, and commercial spaces. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) emitted from building materials and interior furnishings are a major source of indoor air pollution.
Secoin encaustic cement tiles are a "GREEN" product and have been certified as safe for the environment and human health with VOC Class A+ (the highest and safest level among the C/B/A/A+ categories).
 
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Step into the world of Secoin and choose the most exquisite tile designs or patterns that suit your home! If you desire a unique space with custom-designed patterns, contact us, and we will transform your inspiring ideas into reality right now.