An important element in the art of design
WHAT IS SHADE VARIATION?
At Aquabella®, we know the excitement of selecting the tile for your project. There are endless selections of color, texture, and size. This is an exciting part of the process, and we are here to answer your questions as you narrow down your choices.
As you look through our collections, you will notice that some tiles are very similar, even identical, to the human eye. Some tiles vary significantly from piece to piece in color and texture. Then some tiles fall between those two levels of what we call Shade Variation.
Shade Variation in tile happens in two different ways: naturally through manufacturing or intentional processes.
When Shade Variation occurs naturally, it is due to influences of manufacturing that are unavoidable but expected.
Suppose you go to the bakery every day for your favorite pastry. From one day to the next, you may notice slight differences. For example, yesterday’s pastry was crispier than today’s, due to a subtle difference in baking time or temperature. Perhaps the batch yesterday was made after the oven was pre-heated to the temperature, while today’s was put in the oven just before reaching the temperature. You can think of subtle differences in batches of tiles similarly. This is called batch-to-batch variation.
When you return from vacation and visit the bakery, you notice a noticeable difference in the color and texture of the pastry. The baker changed the flour brand and installed a kitchen ventilation system. Similarly, in the production of tile, changes in raw material, climate, and seasonal humidity levels can cause variation from dye lot to dye lot.
It is also essential to know how shade variation happens intentionally. Manufacturers use different methods to change the look and style of tiles. Tiles can have different textures, colors, and prints within a single series. These differences can vary minimally or drastically and anywhere in between. Understanding Shade Variation and how it applies to tile selection will give you a clear vision of what the finished project will look like.
The Ceramic Tile Distributors Association developed a Shade Variation Guide, which we use at Aquabella on our packaging and samples, to show you what to expect from your selected product.
The shade variation of a product is classified as V1, V2, V3, or V4.
V1 | UNIFORM APPEARANCE
Products with a V1 rating have constant uniformity and few, if any, differences. Differences present are undetectable in appearance. V1 is the best choice if you want the color and texture of each piece to be identical and come together to form an overall solid and unwavering look. Our commercial series, Unglazed and Solid, is a great example of V1-rated tiles.
UG Black 1×1 with Glacier Ledgerstone. Pool by Coastline Pools.
Solid – Cobalt 6×6
Solid – Black 6×6
Solid – Light Blue 6×6
V2 | LOW VARIATION
The V2 rating is assigned to products with visible differences. The tiles in one box will not be drastically different from one another, but just enough to add some dimension and originality to the design. There are not typically too many varying colors and textures in a V2-rated item. Aquabella’s Porcelain Series, Beachfront, has a V2 rating.
Beachfront Crystal Cove 3×12 and Silver Pavers 12x24x3cm. Pool by Medhawk Pools & Patio.
Beachfront – Newport 2×2 & 2×4 Blend
Beachfront – Newport 3×12
Beachfront – Newport 6×6
Beachfront – Newport 1×2
V3 | MODERATE VARIATION
When selecting a V3-rated tile, you can expect to see significantly more colors and textures than a V2-rated tile. In a box of tile, you may see several different faces; while similar in composition and overall look, they are definitely unique. Our porcelain series, Agate, is a good representation of a V3 rating.
Agate – Larimar 6×6.
Agate – Jasper 1×2
Agate – Jasper 6×6
Agate – Larimar 1×2
Agate – Larimar 6×6
V4 | HIGH VARIATION
For a unique and one-of-a-kind design, you may select a V4-rated product. These tiles have an immense variety in texture, color, and patterns. The design, as a whole, will reflect a distinctive, cohesive look; however, from piece to piece, you will notice the unmistakable differences. For example, let’s look at an installation of Indiano from our Melange Series. You can see a distinguishable difference from one tile to the next. The tile appertains to the design when installed and viewed as a whole project. You can also see that this tile maintains its diversity in all varieties offered.
Melange Indiano 6×6. Pool by Backyard Outfitters.
Melange – Atlantico 6×6, pool Toro Consulting & Landscape.
Melange – Atlantico 6×6 Deco
Melange – Atlantico 6×6
Melange – Indiano 6×6 Deco
Melange – Indiano 6×6