Have you ever heard the term “dye lot”? It’s not a term that is exclusively used in the tile industry. In fact, it originates in the textile industry, referring to a batch of fabric dyed at the same time, under the same conditions. Dye lots in tile matter alot.
Dye Lots In tile.
The essence of the concept is the same in flooring and tiling. We can say that a dye lot is a set of tiles made under the same conditions, they will have, as a result, similar colors and patterns.
If you’ve been looking at tiles for a project, or paid attention to the color patterns of an existing surface, you will notice that the tile contains minor variations in color.
There is a range of variations that will be normal, since the goal won’t be to have 100% uniformity in look, rather, a spectrum of variations within a certain spectrum that will create a certain pattern that will enhance the look of the installation.
According to Florzz.com , the complaint they hear the most frequently is about the color difference when they order a product.
Also they mention the dye lot difference as one of the reasons they encourage people to get a little extra tile, more than they need in case something goes wrong, then they’ll have extra tile of the same dye lot.
How does this affect the selection process?
Understanding Dye Lots in Tile
When checking stock for a particular tile, typically, we ask about the dye lot. Sometimes the manufacturer won’t have enough of one dye lot to cover the total sqft needed.This is what we recommend:
- Waiting until a new batch comes in to have the amount of tile they need be of the same dye lot.
- Getting what is in stock at the moment and spreading it around or installing the tiles that vary the most in the least visible areas.
No matter what, there will be a spectrum of variation in every dye lot.
What are the factors that affect the dye lot variations?
Have you ever wondered about the tile manufacturing process? Well, if you’re curious and have about 6 minutes to learn about it, check out this video where they’ll walk you through the making of ceramic and porcelain tiles.
How TILES are Made
Part of the process is the printing of the tiles. The firing of the tiles, through a machine called “the kiln”, will largely determine the differences in color. Differences in the kiln temperature, as well as the ratio in the raw materials, the glaze consistency and other factors, will determine the look of any given batch of tile. In other words, a series of variables that is largely dependent on multiple factors of the production chain is what determines the look of a dye lot, that is why is hard to replicate.
Practical tips:
When ordering tile, it is recommended to ask if it’s from the same dye lot.
We usually recommend to get a little extra than what is needed (about 15%), in case anything unexpected happens during the installation. (Tiles break, need to be replaced, measuring errors,etc.) That way, you will have a little extra of the same batch, and it won’t look jarring.
Differences in the kiln temperature, as well as the ratio in the raw materials, the glaze consistency, and other factors, will determine the look of any given batch of tile. In other words, a series of variables that is largely dependent on multiple factors of the production chain is what determines the look of a dye lot, that is why is hard to replicate. When ordering tile, it is recommended to ask if it’s from the same dye lot. We usually recommend to get a little extra than what is needed (about 15%), in case anything unexpected happens during the installation. (Tiles break, need to be replaced, measuring errors, etc.) That way, you will have a little extra of the same batch, and it won’t look jarring. Have any questions or need help with your design? Give us a call or visit our showroom!
Have any questions or need help with your design? Give us a call or visit our showroom!