Should You Soak Zellige Before Install?
Should You Soak Zellige Tiles Before Installation?
If you’ve researched how to install Zellige, you’ve probably come across instructions recommending that the tiles be soaked in water before installation. So why doesn’t Tiles of Ezra recommend soaking in all circumstances? Unglazed Clay Zellige should never be soaked, as excessive moisture can contribute to adhesion problems and efflorescence that can be difficult to remove. Instead, we prefer our tiles to be clean and dry before installation and installed using the appropriate adhesive and installation method.
Why do some Zellige tiles recommend soaking?
Traditional Zellige is made from natural clay, and handmade ceramic tiles can be highly porous. Some installation methods recommend briefly soaking porous tiles before installation to hydrate the clay body. The thinking behind this method is that a very dry, porous tile can absorb moisture from the mortar or adhesive too quickly, potentially affecting the setting process. For some products and traditional installation systems, soaking can therefore be an intentional part of the installation process.
There is no one-size-fits-all installation method for Zellige.
The correct installation approach depends on the particular tile, its characteristics, the products glue mortar used and the tilers preferances
For Tiles of Ezra, we prefer our tiles to be dry/damp from wet cloth cleaning before mortar is applied and the tiles are installed but not wet.
In particular, soaking Unglazed Clay Zellige can create problems with adhesive adhesion and can contribute to efflorescence. Clay Unglazed Zellige should never be soaked.
Efflorescence occurs when soluble salts and minerals migrate through a porous material and appear on its surface. Once it develops, it can be difficult to remove and can affect the appearance of the finished installation.
For this reason, we don't recommend introducing unnecessary moisture into the tile before installation.
But isn't Zellige porous?
Yes. The natural variation and porosity of handmade Zellige is part of what makes the material so beautiful. But porous does not automatically mean that a tile needs to be soaked. This is an important distinction.
What about cutting?
You may also hear that Zellige needs to be soaked because it makes the tiles easier to cut. While water is important when cutting ceramic tiles, you do not need to pre-soak the entire tile in order to cut it. We recommend using an appropriate wet saw when cutting Tiles of Ezra Zellige. The wet saw introduces water directly to the cutting area, helping to cool the blade and reduce the risk of chipping as it passes through the handmade tile and glaze. It also means less Clay dust and a cleaner cutting environment.
What about washing the tiles before installation?
Cleaning them with a damp cloth before installation is also recommended. Dust and residue from manufacturing, handling and transportation are normal with handmade tiles.Before installation, loose dust and residue should be removed from both the front and back of the tile. A soft brush or damp cloth is suitable for this.
Is soaking "wrong"?
Not at all. Traditional Zellige has been installed using a variety of methods for centuries, and modern installation systems have introduced further variations.
