Translated from Italian, “pasta bianca” means “white body” and is used to describe a type of tile that is made primarily in Italy. Pasta bianca tiles are popular in home decoration all over the world. They are called white-paste tiles in France, weissscherben in Germany, and white-paste tiles in the United States. The name comes from the pale background color of the body of the tile, called bisque or biscuit, which is usually light gray or beige. These tiles can be given a clear glaze to show the natural colors, or they can be glazed with various colors, patterns and finishes.
Production
To create the body of the tile, a clay powder called talc is pressed into a mold. The clay is a kaolinite produced from iron-free clays characteristic of French or German deposits. After shaping, the tiles were fired and glazed. Firing occurs in tunnel kilns that heat the tiles to temperatures of around 1900 degrees Fahrenheit or 1010 degrees Celsius. After firing, further treatment is carried out if rectified tiles are needed. Tile edges are mechanically ground to a smooth, straight edge with perpendicular corners so they can be laid close together. A natural edge is left on unground tiles.
Types
The two basic types of white-body tiles are single-fired tiles, called monoporous or Monocottura chiara, and double-fired tiles, called Bicottura. In fact, some Bicottura tiles that receive multiple coats of glaze can be fired up to four times. Both Monocottura and Bicottura tiles are available in many sizes, finishes and designs to allow great flexibility in decorating possibilities.
Applications
Single-fired white-body tiles are strong and durable enough that if they have a matt glaze they can serve as interior tiles and some exterior applications. Modern tunnel kilns and improved glazes reduce the porosity of the clay during the monocottura process, making it more resistant to moisture penetration and freezing than when older periodic kilns were used. Double-fired white-body tiles are more porous than single-fired tiles, so they are restricted to interior use for applications such as bathroom walls and surrounds, bathtub and shower enclosures, countertops, vanities, and accent walls. They can be very decorative and ornamental.
Advantage
Monocottura white body tiles cost less and are quicker to produce because they have a shorter processing time. The single firing process makes it possible to obtain a more resistant, durable, easy to clean, hygienic and decorative product. Tiles have flat backs instead of tab or button backs, necessary to improve airflow in ovens and make tile installation easier. Bicottura tiles present the best techniques to use for interior decorative applications. The natural colors and shades of paste bianca tiles are attractive and blend well with almost any decor, and the glazes are available in a wide variety of colors and textures. The color is permanent and will not fade with sun exposure or cleaning. Ceramic tile is one of the most stain resistant building materials available.