Hand glazed Tiles

Any of our glazed tile sizes can be hand dipped. The best results come from the 6 x 2 inch, 6 x 3 inch and 4 1/4 x 2 1/8 inch formats, where the depth of glaze suits the proportions of the tile.

Hand glazed tiles are supplied loose for hearths, tiled panels and fireplace surrounds, and are used alongside our decorative tube lined and transfer printed sets.

A note on matching. Because each tile is dipped by hand and fired in batches, colour varies slightly from one firing to the next. It is almost impossible to match a hand glazed colour exactly to an existing tile, so order everything you need in one go rather than topping up later. Free colour samples are available so you can check a glaze against your room before committing.

Our tiles are manufactured to BS 6431 and are not guaranteed against crazing, the fine cracking that appears in the glaze over time. The thickness of glaze needed to reproduce the very shiny Victorian colours makes crazing more likely, and on a period fireplace it is usually considered desirable rather than a fault. Ivory, Basalt black, Stockwell grey, 942 and burgundy are less prone to showing it.
Frequently asked questions
What does hand dipped mean?
Each tile is dipped individually rather than sprayed, so the glaze gathers and thins across the face and no two come out quite the same. That variation is what makes them look right on a period fireplace.

Can you match an existing tile colour?
It is almost impossible to match a hand glazed colour exactly, because each batch is dipped by hand and fired separately. Order everything you need in one go rather than topping up later. If you are trying to match tiles in an existing fireplace, see our guide to replacement fireplace tiles — send us a photograph and we will tell you what you have.See also: fireplace hearth tiles and which tiles are heat resistant.