Just go into any construction material store to see the immense variety of colors and shapes of glass tiles. And among so many possibilities, doubt becomes inevitable: “which color to use?”, “which format to choose?” or “how to combine the tablet with the rest of the decor?”

It was precisely thinking about how to answer all these questions that this post was written. Check out the Q&A guide below and get up to speed on all things glass tile so you can decide, once and for all, if this is the right siding for your home, when choosing a glass wall art

What are glass inserts?

Glass inserts are small pieces glued to a canvas or paper to be applied to the wall. The effect provided by the pieces is similar to that of mosaics. Even the pills derive from this ancient technique. In Brazil, pastilles began to be present in decoration from the 1930s onwards.

In which areas of the house can they be used?

Contrary to what many people imagine, glass inserts can be used in dry and wet areas. That is, they are not limited to the kitchen and bathroom, despite being the places where the pieces are most used.

This is also no coincidence, as glass is a material highly resistant to moisture, absorbing only 0.05% of water. Therefore, glass inserts end up being a great option for damp and wet areas. However, its use can also be extended to living and dining rooms, bedrooms, entrance halls and house facades.

What are the main advantages of using glass tile?

One of the main advantages of the glass tile is the wide variety of colors, sizes and formats available. With this, it is possible to insert the pieces in practically any style of decoration and environment.

Another advantage of glass inserts is their durability and resistance, far superior to other materials, such as ceramics, for example. The brightness and transparency of the pieces – they do not fade or lose their shine over time – is another positive point of the material.

Glass inserts are easy to clean and do not require major maintenance, as glass is a material that does not retain dirt. Another good reason to adhere to the use of glass inserts is their timeless characteristic, that is, the coating is always high in decoration.

And what are the disadvantages of the material?

The big 'but' of the glass inserts is the placement. The parts need to be installed by someone who truly understands the subject, otherwise the attempt to change the look of the house with tiles can go down the drain. And one of the great secrets of the beauty of the tablets is the grout. The improper application of the grout can also favor the development of mold behind the tiles and become visible, which is not at all interesting.

Another precaution, which is not a disadvantage, is that the wall that will receive the glass tiles needs to be plastered well and leveled, as the tiles are translucent and any defect on the wall will be visible.

How to insert the glass inserts in the decoration?

Glass tiles can be used in all decoration styles, but it is important to remember that they have a high gloss and if that is not exactly what you are looking for, maybe the tiles are not the most suitable.

Glass inserts need to harmonize with the decor color palette, but that doesn't mean they need to be the exact same color. They can serve to create points of contrast in the environment through bright and striking colors.

It is also recommended that insert sizes follow the size of the environment, so small environments use small inserts and larger environments use inserts in the same proportion.

Glass inserts can be used to cover an entire wall or cover just a strip. There is no rule for this, common sense applies when defining the area that will be covered with the tablets so that it harmonizes with the rest of the environment.

Can I use glass inserts on the floor?

Glass tiles are not recommended for use as a floor, as the material is slippery, especially when wet. In that case, the most suitable are ceramic inserts.

How to clean glass inserts?

To maintain the brightness and beauty of the tablets, it is interesting to clean them properly. Manufacturers recommend a mixture of muriatic acid and water diluted in a one-to-one ratio. This solution does not stain, preserves the shine of the pieces and keeps the grout clean.

However, gloves should be used for cleaning, as the mixture is harmful to health. Do not use steel wool, brushes or soaps to avoid causing scratches on the parts.