Mexican Tiles

Mexican tiles can give an expensive, handcrafted look to hearths and backsplashes for minimal cost. This well-known, traditional style Mexican tile incorporates flowers, birds and Spanish colonial designs in bright colors. Mexican tiles are perfect for use in Southwest decorating.

Host Joan Kohn explores the rustic beauty and special warmth of handmade Mexican tiles with Karen Gosnell, president of the Mexican Tile Company.

Mexican tiles, created with the clay of the country, provide a stunning handmade look and quality for extremely affordable prices.
Mexican tiles can be used almost anywhere in the kitchen: counters, backsplash, tabletops, wainscoating, floor inserts, baseboards.
Be careful which type of tile you choose for high-use areas, since some tiles are more fragile than others.
Saltillo tiles are unglazed tiles popular for flooring. One application is to install them flipped over with the back facing up for a more rustic look. They can also be used for backplashes and counters if properly sealed. Saltillo tile is the most affordable style of Mexican tile.
Sealing is critical with tile maintenance, since it is the sealer and not the tile that gets all the wear and tear. Never use a water-based sealer exclusively. There should always be a solvent- or oil-based sealer applied under the water-based coat.
Mexican tiles now come in a whole range of colors. Traditionally they were made in blues, yellows and greens but now come in raspberry, red, purple and a whole rainbow of colors.

Guests
Karen Gosnell
Designer, Mexican Tile Corp.
2222 E Thomas Rd.
Phoenix, AZ 85016-7826
Phone: 602-954-6271
Fax: 602-957-4461
Also in this Episode

Kitchen Design : Episode KDE-503
•	Contemporary Condo Kitchen
•	Mexican Tiles
•	Fantasy Tour: Southwest Kitchen

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