Back at it

If you have read some of my prior posts, you may remember my Azulejo tile project. It required a lot of reimagining to get it approved by the city, and get grant funding, only for a Pandemic to hit and leave everything suspended for a time. In July of 2020, I got the good news that the funding* was still available and the project could move forward. I was excited- and since then have made some progress that I can’t wait to share with you.

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If you would like to read more about the project and the funding process click each link: Azulejo Tile Project and Tenacity

My first supply to order for the project was tile. I had a tile in mind when the project was a wall mural, but now that the tile would be on a stage with high traffic, I had to double check my options. I called Home Depot and Lowe’s both of whom let me know that they don’t install outdoor tile because we live in New England. Outdoor tile is not in demand in New England due to weather conditions and aesthetic. After hearing this info I called some local tile companies.

Things I learned:

1. Porcelain tile is more durable than ceramic for outdoor tile.
2. You have to install tile when it is not too cold or too hot. Spring in New England is ideal.
3. The smaller the tile the better – this helps keep water from getting under the tile and getting trapped.
4. The stage would need to have either drainage or be at an angle so no puddles would form.
5. A protective top coating is a necessity.

Once I knew the particulars of installing outdoor tile, there were two parts of my original proposal I knew I had to change. The first – I would have to hire someone to install the tile. Hiring someone with a vast knowledge of tile installation would ensure the longevity of the project and stage. The second – I wouldn’t be able to use the mural paint I had originally planned- for the longevity and function of the stage and design I would have to use floor paint.

I’ll share all about the paint and design process in next week’s post. Have you installed tile before? If so how did your project go?

* This project is supported in part by a grant from the Fall River Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.