One, what are the differences between glazed bricks and polished bricks?
1、Different manufacturing processes
Polished bricks are made by compressing and then firing a mixture of clay and stone powders.
- Glass bricks and polished bricks are similar in their manufacturing process, but glass bricks have higher production requirements, requiring better presses that can achieve higher density, and also require higher firing temperatures. Simply put, glass bricks are essentially enhanced polished bricks, and their surfaces typically do not require polishing, resulting in a very shiny appearance.
2、Different water absorption rates and hardness.
Brushed bricks with a water absorption rate below 0.5% are classified as vitrified bricks; those with a water absorption rate above 0.5% are classified as brushed bricks, not vitrified bricks.
The lower the water absorption rate, the higher the hardness. Due to the low water absorption rate of tempered bricks, their hardness is also relatively high, making them less prone to scratches.
The surface of the vitrified brick is smooth but does not require polishing, eliminating polishing pores. Therefore, it is harder and more wear-resistant than polished bricks, and is less prone to surface damage over time, ensuring stable performance.
3、Different levels of stain resistance
Polished bricks, during production, leave uneven pores that can trap dirt and contaminants, making the surface prone to staining. Glass bricks, on the other hand, have stricter manufacturing requirements, with higher compaction density and virtually no pores, making them more resistant to staining.
4、Different brick colors
However, from a color perspective, polished bricks have a relatively uniform color, with limited variation. The colors on the brick surface do not differ significantly.
The vibrant and soft colors of the glass bricks exhibit minimal color variation, allowing for the free blending of different colored powders to create rich and natural color variations.
Two. How to differentiate between polished bricks and vitrified bricks
When distinguishing between glazed bricks and polished bricks, the simplest test is to write a few words on the surface of the brick with a pen. For lower-quality polished bricks, if you try to wipe them clean immediately after writing, the ink may not come off easily, and the writing may have already penetrated the brick. Even for slightly better quality bricks, the ink will likely seep in. However, glazed bricks have a higher density, and the ink is less likely to penetrate.
Three. Which is better, glazed bricks or polished bricks?
1、Select glass tiles for flooring.
For tile flooring, a lower water absorption rate indicates greater strength and wear resistance. When choosing between polished tiles and glazed tiles, it is recommended to opt for glazed tiles.
2、Select polished tiles for the wall
For wall tiles, a lower water absorption rate means a higher difficulty in installation and increased risk of detachment. Therefore, when installing wall tiles, it is recommended to use polished tiles.