Caring for Metal Tile and Trims
Proper care and maintenance help preserve the beauty and finish of stainless steel, copper, and decorative metal tile installations.
Metal tile and decorative trims add texture, reflection, and modern design accents to kitchens, backsplashes, showers, fireplaces, feature walls, and commercial interiors. Proper cleaning and maintenance help preserve the finish and appearance of stainless steel, copper, zinc, and mixed-material tile products.
Copper Tile Care
Copper tile naturally develops a patina over time due to oxidation and exposure to air. This aging process creates darker tones and natural color variation that many homeowners and designers prefer.
Copper tile is commonly used on interior walls, backsplashes, decorative borders, and accent installations.
- Suitable for interior wall applications
- Can be used on certain residential floor applications
- Not recommended for exterior installations
- Natural shade variation is normal
Copper finishes may vary slightly between production lots due to natural oxidation and finishing processes.
Stainless Steel Tile Care
Stainless steel tile offers excellent durability and moisture resistance for both residential and commercial applications.
- Suitable for interior and exterior use
- Commonly used for kitchen backsplashes and accent walls
- Can be used on walls and some floor applications
- Resistant to moisture and staining
Routine cleaning with a soft cloth, warm water, or mild soap is generally sufficient for regular maintenance.
Cleaning Recommendations
- Use soft cloths or non-abrasive sponges
- Clean with warm water and mild soap when necessary
- Dry surfaces thoroughly after cleaning
- Use stainless steel cleaner when appropriate
Avoid:
- Abrasive scrub pads
- Steel wool
- Acidic or corrosive cleaners
- Harsh chemical cleaners
Aggressive cleaners may scratch or discolor decorative metal surfaces over time.
Stone Borders with Copper Accents
Copper decorative accents naturally darken and develop a patina finish over time.
To help slow oxidation, a high-quality non-abrasive Carnauba wax may be lightly applied to copper surfaces.
- Do not use abrasive wax products
- Buff surfaces gently after application
- Avoid applying wax into grout joints
Metal Tile Installation Tips
Metal tile installations require proper surface preparation and compatible installation materials.
- Install over clean, stable surfaces
- Use adhesives approved for metal tile applications
- Use tile spacers for consistent grout joints
- Avoid cutting finished edges whenever possible
Metal tile can typically be cut using a wet saw, hole saw, or specialty metal cutting tools.
Caulk and Grout Recommendations
Many decorative metal tile installations use flexible caulks or sealants instead of traditional cement grout.
Siliconized acrylic latex caulk is commonly used in decorative wall applications, while specialty sealants may be recommended for areas exposed to heavy moisture or food preparation.
Protecting Metal Tile Finishes
Protective films on stainless steel and decorative metal tiles should remain in place during installation and removed only after the installation is complete.
Avoid dragging sharp tools or abrasive materials across metal tile surfaces during installation and maintenance.
Long-Term Maintenance
With proper care, metal tile and trims can maintain their appearance for many years in kitchens, bathrooms, showers, fireplaces, commercial spaces, and decorative feature walls.
Natural aging and patina development are normal characteristics of many real metal finishes and often enhance the appearance of the installation over time.
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