The layer after the pigment layer,is it 1 to 1 ratio?One cup of portland cement to one cup of silica sand?What about the last layer is it 1 to 3 ratio?I am asking because 40 years ago we bought the tile for our home we built on our own in Juarez mex.They do not make them anymore.They are too expensive, so I am going to make them myself!Any help would be appriciated.
I was making them in san Antonio. It was a center for the tiles just like Havana Cuba etc. they are all over town form the golden age of the 1930`s. The dye is a powdered mineral dye used for staining cement. The proportions of the color layer were as follows , usually 1 part dye, ten parts White or grey portland and two parts sand or silicate. The White portland was used to make pastels colors like pink and aqua and the grey to amle black, brown dark green and red etc. Hope this helps...
@nanadede1952 No you dont... Marble dust is used because they then "polish" the tiles with oxalyic acid which "melts" it and gives it a glassy appearance. You can used simple sifted fine sand instead and "wax" the tiles using beeswax and kerosene to polish the tiles instead. I think it gives a better appearance anyway. Marble dust is not that hard to find though. they sell it in bags more like little chips that is then ground down further. either way is fine...
@nanadede1952 What is used on the molds so the tile can slip off?I tried wiping motor oil,it did not work.The last layer was crumbly.It was a big mess.What did I do wrong?I am a 59 year old grandmother trying to learn this art, some say it is impossible.But I never give up.PLEASE can You give me some advise?I have everything I need but the know how.Thank You!
@nanadede1952 I don't remember seeing any treatment being done to the steel plate, certainly no oil. Since the "down side" or the face of the tile in contact with the steel ultimately becomes the visible side of the tile, I would think any chemical or lubricant would mar the design. It's just a guess, but I think the tiles slide of smoothly because they are at exactly the right humidity; the pigmented surface is just wet enough to cohere, but not so wet that the design runs together.
You got that right bullie!! Im in San Antonio Texas and used to make fifty aof the five color a day. Uh, on second thought the pay was pretty good. But the dust will kill ya. I quit after 9-11 when I saw those men run away with dust on their suits. I looked worse than that every day fort sixteen years. And they wanted insurance money for disability after five hours?!?
@lotsabullies I'm sure you are absolutely correct on all counts. This was dark garage, and the guys were flying. About the only positive thing to be said about the work environment was that it was a very small operation; it wasn't some massive room full of interchangeable laborers. We just happened to be passing by and saw the display of fresh tiles set up by the road, wandered in, and asked if it was okay to take photos.
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nanadede1952 5 months ago
The layer after the pigment layer,is it 1 to 1 ratio?One cup of portland cement to one cup of silica sand?What about the last layer is it 1 to 3 ratio?I am asking because 40 years ago we bought the tile for our home we built on our own in Juarez mex.They do not make them anymore.They are too expensive, so I am going to make them myself!Any help would be appriciated.
nanadede1952 5 months ago
I was making them in san Antonio. It was a center for the tiles just like Havana Cuba etc. they are all over town form the golden age of the 1930`s. The dye is a powdered mineral dye used for staining cement. The proportions of the color layer were as follows , usually 1 part dye, ten parts White or grey portland and two parts sand or silicate. The White portland was used to make pastels colors like pink and aqua and the grey to amle black, brown dark green and red etc. Hope this helps...
Kharkovkid 8 months ago
@Kharkovkid ,do you have any more info on the layers of the cement tiles? do i really need to put marble dust?
nanadede1952 5 months ago
@nanadede1952 No you dont... Marble dust is used because they then "polish" the tiles with oxalyic acid which "melts" it and gives it a glassy appearance. You can used simple sifted fine sand instead and "wax" the tiles using beeswax and kerosene to polish the tiles instead. I think it gives a better appearance anyway. Marble dust is not that hard to find though. they sell it in bags more like little chips that is then ground down further. either way is fine...
Kharkovkid 5 months ago
@Kharkovkid I have written a couple of questions about the making of cement tiles.Can you be kind enough to help me out?Thank You.
nanadede1952 5 months ago
@nanadede1952 What is used on the molds so the tile can slip off?I tried wiping motor oil,it did not work.The last layer was crumbly.It was a big mess.What did I do wrong?I am a 59 year old grandmother trying to learn this art, some say it is impossible.But I never give up.PLEASE can You give me some advise?I have everything I need but the know how.Thank You!
nanadede1952 5 months ago
@nanadede1952
nanadede1952 5 months ago
@nanadede1952 I don't remember seeing any treatment being done to the steel plate, certainly no oil. Since the "down side" or the face of the tile in contact with the steel ultimately becomes the visible side of the tile, I would think any chemical or lubricant would mar the design. It's just a guess, but I think the tiles slide of smoothly because they are at exactly the right humidity; the pigmented surface is just wet enough to cohere, but not so wet that the design runs together.
donflan 3 months ago
@nanadede1952 Where did you get the moulds, i am in need of them, Thank you.
TheEmpressra 1 day ago
You got that right bullie!! Im in San Antonio Texas and used to make fifty aof the five color a day. Uh, on second thought the pay was pretty good. But the dust will kill ya. I quit after 9-11 when I saw those men run away with dust on their suits. I looked worse than that every day fort sixteen years. And they wanted insurance money for disability after five hours?!?
Kharkovkid 2 years ago
@Kharkovkid You worked in America making tiles like these or in Morocco? Also, is that an enamel dye they put in the tiles or? Thanks.
Machiavelli1513 8 months ago
No dust mask, inadequate lighting, low pay. Lousy work conditions with lousy pay I'm sure.
lotsabullies 3 years ago
@lotsabullies I'm sure you are absolutely correct on all counts. This was dark garage, and the guys were flying. About the only positive thing to be said about the work environment was that it was a very small operation; it wasn't some massive room full of interchangeable laborers. We just happened to be passing by and saw the display of fresh tiles set up by the road, wandered in, and asked if it was okay to take photos.
donflan 3 months ago