Tile Dye Lots and Variation in Tile Color – The Complete Guide
Recently, someone in our Facebook Group, Interior Design Ask Anything, ran into an issue when they purchased backsplash tile for their kitchen. When their installer put the tile up, the tile was all different colors, but a variation of various shades of white. What really happened?
Their first question was if it was possible to get tile from all the same dye lot. The answer is yes. It’s reasonable to get all the tiles in one dye lot. That being said, if you’re buying online or going through a big box store, it’s more difficult. As an interior designer, when I order tiles for clients, I use my direct accounts so that we have more control over the end result and product that can get any damages handled immediately. Some tiles don’t only vary in dye lot, but also in dimension.
Once I looked into the tile our group member was referencing, I saw that it had a V4 rating. V4 means it has high amounts of color variation throughout the entire box. Dye lot will matter very little if seeking a specific color/lot because each tile is so different. There is a crackle glaze on this particular tile, however this doesn’t impact the color variation directly (at least not in this case).
If seeking a uniform color throughout the backsplash, then the homeowner should have selected a V1 tile in a smooth texture. This would provide the most even color throughout the project. To take it a step further, the tile should have then been from the same dye lot. Usually, the dye lot is printed on the box itself. If ordering online, then be sure to add this to the request.
Different Variation Types
I mentioned that V1 tile has a uniform color throughout. This means it has a uniform appearance and minimal to no difference in color between tiles in each batch.
V2 rated tile means there will be a slight variation in tiles. This is where there starts to be noticeable differences in pattern and texture.
V3 rated tile means it will have a moderate variation in color. The color from tile to tile may vary.
V4, as explained before, has a dramatic variation of color throughout a box of tiles. This is a reflection for the way the manufacturer has intended for the tile to be used. I.e creating dramatic looks.
The variation rating can be found online in the product specification details. Sometimes this is displayed as a chart, but should be available to view. If you cannot find the details for a tile online, always get in touch with the manufacturer to request the details.
For this kids bathroom we chose a V1 rated tile to ensure the same color and texture was achieved throughout the shower walls.
In this kitchen space, V1 tiles were chosen to achieve a consistent and sleek look.
For the mud room, the hexagonal floor tiles have a V2 rating so we knew they may vary in color. Due to the high traffic nature of this area though, this color variation adds dimension to the space and was intentional.
In this girl’s bathroom however, the pink shower tiles are actually V3 tiles! They have slightly different texture and pattern on them, and a variation in color. Again, this was intentional for the overall design of the space.
Other Aspects to Consider
Color can also be impacted by the tile’s texture, the color temperature of the lighting, and the other colors around it. This is why I always recommend gathering samples of the materials intended for the space to ensure everything works well together.
The color temperature will impact the warmth of the tile color and how accurately the color renders. If the tile is in a space with 2700 Kelvin Temperature lighting, then it will appear warmer, and possibly slightly amber in color. If the Kelvin temperature of the lighting is cooler, then the tile will appear colder in color and slightly more blue in color.
When a tile is textured on the surface, then shadows may fall unevenly on the surface of the tile. This is a characteristic as opposed to a defect in most tiles with this feature, however the color is impacted. Shadows and highlights are more pronounced. When the tile has a shiny finish, shadows and highlights are even more pronounced.
Other colors around the tile will impact how a color is perceived. Color can reflect from surface to surface. For example, a white backsplash next to a midnight blue cabinet may reflect some blue on the tile in specific conditions. A strong colored backsplash could also reflect its color onto nearby surfaces.
In the kitchen project below, the main backsplash tiles have a V1 rating. We wanted a sleek and uniform appearance to the overall space, and a V1 rated tile makes this much easier to predict and achieve. The accent over the stove is rated V4 because it’s natural marble with mother of pearl that varies greatly from piece to piece.
Do you have a remodeling or new construction project that you need help with? Be sure to reach out to our team to help. We work locally in the Chicagoland area and offer virtual design services across the U.S.