Finishing Moroccan Zelliges
There are different types of options available:
Decorative strips:
You can buy a decorative strip (search under: wooden profiles) at the hardware store. They have these in different shapes. Think of a quarter round, half moon or for example a decorative frame. These have a fixed size and may not fit exactly everywhere on the tile. But you can paint them in the color of your choice and they are easy to attach.Miter cutting:
Even better is to use the same material on the top. You can do this by sawing the tiles slightly mitered and making tops in this way. These then slope slightly upwards and have the same size and appearance as the tile. This does cost some extra tiles (assume the total length in tiles: 2. You can use the 1 tile twice). You can adjust the height / degrees as desired.
Add:
You can also extend the joint a bit higher and bring it back to the wall in a slanted angle or 'slide' arc. This option is cheap because you have already purchased the joint, it matches the tile and you retain the Mediterranean atmosphere. There are many different colours of joint, in addition you can always paint the joint in the colour of the wall or tile, so that it matches better.
Processing in your plasterwork:
The most beautiful option, but very expensive and not always applicable, is to have the plasterwork above/next to the tiles run parallel to the thickness of the tiles. This makes the tiles appear sunken into the wall. This does mean that the wall needs to be thickened by approximately 1-1.5 cm for Zelliges to 2-2.5 cm for Bejmats. You will need extra plaster, wooden panels or plaster for this. Choose an option that suits your situation and your preference. Then you will enjoy it the longest!
Did you know:
- The soil in Morocco is calcareous? Just look at the back of a tile. Sometimes you see white dots of lime. These can expand when the tiles are made wet when gluing, and can sometimes push off a piece of glaze. Therefore, ensure 10% cutting loss, then you can replace some.
- The tiles are left to dry for no less than!! a month!! in the warm Sahara sun before they are glazed? The temperature ensures different drying which ultimately affects the shape and glaze layer.
- The molds are larger than the final size? This size is later marked and chipped diagonally. This allows you to stick the tiles very tightly (cold) against each other and you do not need tile spacers. (always grout to ensure that water and dirt cannot get behind it).
- The tiles are stacked in round ovens like a house of cards? Olive pits are added to this, which creates the beautiful color shades. The lower tiles become much hotter than the upper ones, which creates slight color differences within a batch.
-These tiles need to be moistened before sticking? The tiles are very dry and otherwise absorb all the glue. This also removes dust and dirt.
- Designtegels.nl is full of inspirational photos for every space? Here you can browse for the tile that suits you.
- Also watch the video from our factory in Morocco: Making of zelliges