Enjoy free samples when you book a consultation. Find a Showroom

Get free samples with a consultation.

Fireclay Tile Mark
Hi, ! Search Site View cart
Application
Original Ceramic
Natural Press Ceramic
Glass
Mosaic
Handpainted
Brick
Filter By Application
  • Kitchen + Backsplash
  • Bathroom + Shower
  • Floor Tile
  • Wall Tile
 
  • Commercial Use
  • Outdoor Tile
  • Pool Tile
Modern subway tile striped pool 8
Original Ceramic
  • All Original Ceramic Colors
  • Studio Glazes
    New
  • Ceramic Stains
    New
  • Shop Shapes
  • Shop Patterns
  • Trim + Architectural Moldings
Resources
  • All Resources
  • Spec Sheet
  • Installation Guide
  • Design Files
  • Guide to Tile Trim
2023 img hi res full usage design Atypical design Studio photo jordan Layton wainscott offset cardamom 3x9 floor tile iron ore 2 hexagon FC596427 1

Original Ceramic tiles showcase handmade qualities with unique variations in color, crazing, and finish.

Your first 5 color samples are FREE through a rep

BOOK AN APPOINTMENT BROWSE ALL SAMPLES
Natural Press Ceramic
  • All Natural Press Colors
  • Shop Shapes
Resources
  • All Natural Press Resources
  • Spec Sheet
  • Installation Guide
  • Design Files
  • Trim Guide
2024 residential full usage 4x4 terre verte satin red jasper satin indigo satin 2x2 red jasper satin bathroom checkerboard straight set 6x12 cove base indigo satin Pluck Architecture Leonid Furmansky FC796720 2

Our budget-friendly ceramics line, Natural Press is made with your largest indoor and outdoor projects in mind.

Your first 5 color samples are FREE through a rep

BOOK AN APPOINTMENT BROWSE ALL SAMPLES
Glass Collection
  • All Glass Colors
  • Shop Sizes
Resources
  • All Glass Resources
  • Spec Sheet
  • Installation Guide
  • Design Files
Modern blue subway wall glass tile 2

Our radiant Glass Tile provides a freshness that pairs perfectly with today’s modern designs indoors or out.

Your first 5 color samples are FREE through a rep

BOOK AN APPOINTMENT BROWSE ALL SAMPLES
Mosaic Collection
Learn More
Original Ceramic Mosaics Original Ceramic Mosaics Natural Press Mosaics Natural Press Mosaics Glass Mosaics Glass Mosaics
Custom
  • Learn More
  • Book a Free Consultation
  • Get a Quote

Your first 5 color samples are FREE through a rep

BOOK AN APPOINTMENT BROWSE ALL SAMPLES
Handpainted Collection
Shop All Nine Collections
Agrarian Agrarian Moroccan Moroccan Classic Cuerda Seca Classic Cuerda Seca
Custom
  • Learn More
  • Book a Free Consultation
  • Get a Quote
Resources
  • All Handpainted Resources
  • Spec Sheet
  • Installation Guide
  • Design Files

Your first 5 color samples are FREE through a rep

BOOK AN APPOINTMENT BROWSE ALL SAMPLES
Brick Collection
  • All Brick Colors
  • Shop Sizes
Resources
  • All Brick Resources
  • Spec Sheet
  • Installation Guide
  • Design Files
  • Brick Trim
Glazed Thin Brick Destination Eichler Blue Brick Fireplace

Brick’s hand-mixed glazes enrich its surface, delicately exposing its unique textures and variations with the colors of the environment around us.

Your first 5 color samples are FREE through a rep

BOOK AN APPOINTMENT BROWSE ALL SAMPLES
Quick Ship Tile
  • All Quick Ship Tile
  • Ceramic Tile
  • Glass Tile
  • Brick Tile
  • Handpainted Tile
Budget-Friendly Tile
  • $12 Essentials
  • $18 Foundations
  • Factory Sale
2022 img hi res full rights residential photo design plural design studio bathroom floor tile mini star and cross antique white grout FC 407104 2

Our bestselling tile products all ready to ship in five days or less.

Residential Specifiers
  • Find Your Rep
  • Custom Projects
  • Design Packages
Commercial Specifiers
  • Find Your Rep
  • Custom Projects
  • Commercial Pricing
  • 2025 Resource Book
Meet Your Partners
  • Virtual CEU
Trade callout

As a member you’ll receive exclusive access to new products, a professional discount, plus personalized service from our trade team who can help bring your vision to life.

Learn More →
Design Packages
  • All Design Packages
  • Bathroom
  • Kitchen
  • Fireplace
  • Pool + Fountain
Custom Tile
  • Our Custom Capabilities
  • Book A Free Consultation
Tile Installation
  • Overview
  • FAQ
  • Book a Free Consultation
Enscape 2025 04 08 12 57 54

Visualize our tile in your space with our comprehensive design packages.

By Product
  • Original Ceramic
  • Natural Press
  • Glass
  • Brick
  • Handpainted
By Type
  • Product Specification
  • Installation Guides
  • Design Files
  • Price Guides
  • Product Guides
  • Brochures + Catalogs
Popular Topics
  • Trim + Moldings
  • Pools
  • Customization
  • Sustainability
Get Help
  • FAQ
  • Book a Free Consultation
  • Contact Us
  • Track Order
Blog
  • All Blog Posts
  • Design + Inspiration
  • Project Spotlight
  • Tile School
Gallery
  • All Gallery Entries
  • Bathroom
  • Kitchen
  • Commercial
Where Color Meets Craft Original Ceramic Tile

Where Color Meets Craft: Reintroducing Original Ceramic Tile

See Featured Blog →
New traditional bathroom floor subway green tile 3

Nicholas Potts: Historic Primary Bathroom

See Featured Gallery →
Find a Showroom
Support
FAQ Track Order

Questions? We're here to help
Available 6am-5pm PST Monday-Friday

FCT Icons Chat cropped
Live Chat Online Now
FCT Icons Call cropped
Call Us (800) 773-2226 (toll-free)
FCT Icons Email cropped
Email support@fireclaytile.com
Modern subway tile striped pool 8
  • Kitchen + Backsplash
  • Bathroom + Shower
  • Floor Tile
  • Wall Tile
  • Commercial Use
  • Outdoor Tile
  • Pool Tile
2023 img hi res full usage design Atypical design Studio photo jordan Layton wainscott offset cardamom 3x9 floor tile iron ore 2 hexagon FC596427 1

Original Ceramic tiles showcase handmade qualities with unique variations in color, crazing, and finish.

  • All Original Ceramic Colors
  • Studio Glazes New
  • Ceramic Stains New
  • Shop Shapes
  • Shop Patterns
  • Trim + Architectural Moldings
Resources
  • All Resources
  • Spec Sheet
  • Installation Guide
  • Design Files
  • Guide to Tile Trim

Your first 5 color samples are FREE through a rep

BOOK AN APPOINTMENT BROWSE ALL SAMPLES
2024 residential full usage 4x4 terre verte satin red jasper satin indigo satin 2x2 red jasper satin bathroom checkerboard straight set 6x12 cove base indigo satin Pluck Architecture Leonid Furmansky FC796720 2

Our budget-friendly ceramics line, Natural Press is made with your largest indoor and outdoor projects in mind.

  • All Natural Press Colors
  • Shop Shapes
Resources
  • All Natural Press Resources
  • Spec Sheet
  • Installation Guide
  • Design Files
  • Trim Guide

Your first 5 color samples are FREE through a rep

BOOK AN APPOINTMENT BROWSE ALL SAMPLES
Modern blue subway wall glass tile 2

Our radiant Glass Tile provides a freshness that pairs perfectly with today’s modern designs indoors or out.

  • All Glass Colors
  • Shop Sizes
Resources
  • All Glass Resources
  • Spec Sheet
  • Installation Guide
  • Design Files

Your first 5 color samples are FREE through a rep

BOOK AN APPOINTMENT BROWSE ALL SAMPLES
Mosaic Collection
Learn More
Original Ceramic Mosaics
Original Ceramic Mosaics
Natural Press Mosaics
Natural Press Mosaics
Glass Mosaics
Glass Mosaics
Custom
  • Learn More
  • Book a Free Consultation
  • Get a Quote

Your first 5 color samples are FREE through a rep

BOOK AN APPOINTMENT BROWSE ALL SAMPLES
Handpainted Collection
Shop All Nine Collections
Agrarian
Agrarian
Moroccan
Moroccan
Classic Cuerda Seca
Classic Cuerda Seca
Custom
  • Learn More
  • Book a Free Consultation
  • Get a Quote
Resources
  • All Handpainted Resources
  • Spec Sheet
  • Installation Guide
  • Design Files

Your first 5 color samples are FREE through a rep

BOOK AN APPOINTMENT BROWSE ALL SAMPLES
Glazed Thin Brick Destination Eichler Blue Brick Fireplace

Brick’s hand-mixed glazes enrich its surface, delicately exposing its unique textures and variations with the colors of the environment around us.

  • All Brick Colors
  • Shop Sizes
Resources
  • All Brick Resources
  • Spec Sheet
  • Installation Guide
  • Design Files
  • Brick Trim

Your first 5 color samples are FREE through a rep

BOOK AN APPOINTMENT BROWSE ALL SAMPLES
2022 img hi res full rights residential photo design plural design studio bathroom floor tile mini star and cross antique white grout FC 407104 2

Our bestselling tile products all ready to ship in five days or less.

  • All Quick Ship Tile
  • Ceramic Tile
  • Glass Tile
  • Brick Tile
  • Handpainted Tile
Budget-Friendly Tile
  • $12 Essentials
  • $18 Foundations
  • Factory Sale
Trade callout

As a member you’ll receive exclusive access to new products, a professional discount, plus personalized service from our trade team who can help bring your vision to life.

Learn More →
Residential Specifiers
  • Find Your Rep
  • Custom Projects
  • Design Packages
Commercial Specifiers
  • Find Your Rep
  • Custom Projects
  • Commercial Pricing
  • 2025 Resource Book
Meet Your Partners
  • Virtual CEU
Enscape 2025 04 08 12 57 54

Visualize our tile in your space with our comprehensive design packages.

Design Packages
  • All Design Packages
  • Bathroom
  • Kitchen
  • Fireplace
  • Pool + Fountain
Custom Tile
  • Our Custom Capabilities
  • Book A Free Consultation
  • Overview
  • FAQ
  • Book a Free Consultation
By Product
  • Original Ceramic
  • Natural Press
  • Glass
  • Brick
  • Handpainted
By Type
  • Product Specification
  • Installation Guides
  • Design Files
  • Price Guides
  • Product Guides
  • Brochures + Catalogs
Popular Topics
  • Trim + Moldings
  • Pools
  • Customization
  • Sustainability
Get Help
  • FAQ
  • Book a Free Consultation
  • Contact Us
  • Track Order
Blog
  • All Blog Posts
  • Design + Inspiration
  • Project Spotlight
  • Tile School
Gallery
  • All Gallery Entries
  • Bathroom
  • Kitchen
  • Commercial
Where Color Meets Craft Original Ceramic Tile

Where Color Meets Craft: Reintroducing Original Ceramic Tile

See Featured Blog →
New traditional bathroom floor subway green tile 3

Nicholas Potts: Historic Primary Bathroom

See Featured Gallery →
Blog
  • All Blog Posts
  • Design + Inspiration
  • Project Spotlight
  • Tile School
Gallery
  • All Gallery Entries
  • Bathroom
  • Kitchen
  • Commercial
Where Color Meets Craft Original Ceramic Tile

Where Color Meets Craft: Reintroducing Original Ceramic Tile

See Featured Blog →
New traditional bathroom floor subway green tile 3

Nicholas Potts: Historic Primary Bathroom

See Featured Gallery →
Blog
  • All Blog Posts
  • Design + Inspiration
  • Project Spotlight
  • Tile School
Gallery
  • All Gallery Entries
  • Bathroom
  • Kitchen
  • Commercial
Where Color Meets Craft Original Ceramic Tile

Where Color Meets Craft: Reintroducing Original Ceramic Tile

See Featured Blog →
New traditional bathroom floor subway green tile 3

Nicholas Potts: Historic Primary Bathroom

See Featured Gallery →
Explore All Samples
Quick Ship Samples
Quick Ship Samples
Original Ceramic Samples
Original Ceramic Samples
Natural Press Samples
Natural Press Samples
Glass Samples
Glass Samples
Brick Samples
Brick Samples
Handpainted Samples
Handpainted Samples

Your first 5 color samples are FREE through a rep

BOOK AN APPOINTMENT
Certified B-Corp Climate Neutral Employee Owned American Made Search Shopping Cart User Lightning Bars Houzz Instagram Pinterest Tiktok LinkedIn YouTube Facebook Twitter Times Check Check Circle close arrow-right Next Arrow Previous Arrow question question print envelope PDF File Minus Plus Pencil
  1. Home
  2. Blog
  3. The Fireclay Innovation Lab

Behind The Scenes

The Fireclay Innovation Lab

By Lindsey Bourcier

2019 Q4 Innovation Lab Glaze Mixing Water

Welcome to the place where chemistry and color meet. Our in-house Innovation team is constantly at work concocting, weighing, mixing, testing, and tweaking glazes to develop new products and perfect custom color requests. Keep reading to learn more from our Product Development and Innovation Specialist, Juan Carlos.

Meet Juan Carlos!

2019_q4_innovation_lab_juan_carlos_portrait.jpg?mtime=20191107163009#asset:482121


Can you tell us what you do at Fireclay Tile?
I've been with the Fireclay Tile family for 13 years. I develop all of Fireclay's new glazes and custom colors for commercial projects. I've been working in glaze development for almost four years now.

Slide58.JPG?mtime=20191023125016#asset:478109

Tile shown: Small Diamond in Bora Bora

What made me initially get into this line of work was that our Ceramic Engineer, Khai spotted me while I was working in our Glazing Department. Khai saw that I had great potential in glaze making and development and became my mentor in the field.

Juan-Carlos-Garcia.png?mtime=20191023142719#asset:478147

Juan Carlos on the glaze line, 2015

What's a typical day like in the Innovation Lab?
I start my day by reviewing all of our new Custom Requests. I also check the color tests I set up the day before for custom sample creation, color matching, etc. I also support our glaze makers and glaze making department.

2019_q4_innovation_lab_glaze_discussion_enrique_juan_carlos.jpg?mtime=20191023125112#asset:477333

Aside from color development, what else happens in the Innovation Lab?
In addition to developing new colors, my team and I work to match existing colors for "Add-On" projects. When someone doesn't order enough tile, and need to add-on, we ask that they first send in a color "Control Sample" so we have a reference to their original order. Although 100% color matching is not guaranteed due to natural batch variation, we always try our best.

Glaze-Tests-Test-Test-Strips-Tile-4.jpeg?mtime=20191023125029#asset:478111Glaze-Tests-Test-Test-Strips-Tile.jpeg?mtime=20191023125021#asset:478110

Take me through the process of creating a glaze color...
Glazes are made from a base of frit (a type of ceramic glass) and color pigments (stains). From there, everything is batched. Batching is the process of weighing our glaze ingredients in preparation for mixing.

2019_q4_innovation_lab_glaze_measuring_2.jpg?mtime=20191023125055#asset:477334

After batching, our glaze ingredients are well mixed-- we have to make sure that the glaze isn't too watery or too thick. Each glaze color has its own density.

Aromas-2-2015-Glaze-Making-Testing-15.jpeg?mtime=20191023125059#asset:478113

Once the glaze is well-mixed, we sieve the glaze with a mesh screen so that there are no lumps. After the glaze has been sieved, we test the glaze to make sure it was made correctly.

2019_q4_innovation_lab_glaze_mixing_2.jpg?mtime=20191023130011#asset:478120

Click here to watch a video of how the Innovation Team creates a custom color match.

Behind the Scenes -- Glaze Before and Afters!

Here's the formula for our glaze Rosemary:

rosemary-glaze-pigments.JPEG?mtime=20191023141137#asset:478145


Rosemary
!

Mandy Moore's Fireclay Rosemary Bathroom

Tile shown: Rosemary 3x6 // Design: Sarah Sherman Samuel, Emily Farnham Architecture // Photos: Tessa Neustadt

Here's the formula for our glaze Sand Dune:

Sand-Dune-Glaze-Pigments.JPEG?mtime=20191023141117#asset:478144


Sand Dune
!

2019_Q1_image_full-rights_residential_influencer_The-Fresh-Exchange_Megan-Gilger_basement_bathroom_tile_shower_walls_sand-dune_2x6_vertical-broken-joint_niche_with-schluter_FC-234548.jpg?mtime=20190227155521#asset:439322

Tile shown: Sand Dune 2x6 // Design + Photo: The Fresh Exchange // Installation: Shugart Builders

Here's the glaze formula for Nautical:

natutical-glaze-pigments.JPEG?mtime=20191023141045#asset:478143


Nautical!

3x6__Blues__Kitchen__Nautical__Offset__Subway_Tile__Tile_6.jpeg?mtime=20180515190850#asset:220366

Tile shown: Nautical 3x6

Here's the glaze formula for Crater Lake:

Crater-Lake-Glaze-Pigments.jpeg?mtime=20191023141030#asset:478142


Crater Lake!

Emily Henderson Fireclay Bathroom

Tile shown: Ogee Drops in Crater Lake // Design: Emily Henderson // Photo: Jess Isaac

What's your favorite Fireclay Tile color?
My favorite Fireclay color is Boundary Waters-- it was one of my first colors that I developed to go into our Blaauw kiln.

2019_q1_boundary_waters_2x4_parquet.jpg?mtime=20190529105430#asset:441382

Tile shown: Boundary Waters 2x4

What's something you're most proud of?
One of the projects that I'm most proud of is for an upcoming airport project in Queens, New York. I developed approximately 28 new custom colors total. The turnaround on the project was extremely fast. In two days I developed four custom glazes. I never thought that I could pull of so many custom colors in such a short amount of time.

2017_q3_image_colorful_1x1_ads_stilbite_mesolite_tangerine_persimmon_saffron_chardonnay_olivine_serpentine_venetian_green_sea_foam_emerald_fluorite_azurine_aqua_powder_blue_cerulean_martinique_santorini_blue_9.jpg?mtime=20180913131806#asset:409737


What's your favorite part of your job?
My favorite part of my job is that I'm always getting to learn something new. I love developing new colors and helping out in production when needed. I enjoy being able to see all of Fireclay's different colors, sizes and shapes that are glazed every day-- it's never boring here.

FireclayTile-31.jpeg?mtime=20191023130354#asset:478122

When you're not at Fireclay Tile, what do you like to do in your free time?
When I'm not at Fireclay, I love spending time with my eight-year-old daughter. We do activities together such as hiking, swimming, gymnastics, self-defence, and volunteering at her school.

2019_q4_innovation_lab_glaze_calculation_juan_carlos.jpg?mtime=20191017153605#asset:477335

What's your favorite thing about your new, renovated Innovation Lab space?
My favorite thing about the new space is that the lab is now separate from the Production floor. We have our own tools and our own quiet space for research and lab testing.

2019_q4_innovation_lab_glaze_shelves_2.jpg?mtime=20191017152349#asset:4773182019_q4_innovation_lab_glaze.jpg?mtime=20191023124933#asset:477321

Want to see more of the Innovation Lab where all new products are created? View our gallery!

Love Fireclay's glazes as much as Juan Carlos does? Order color samples today! Need some color consulting? Simply call, chat, or fill out our Design Assistance Form and one of our talented Design Consultants will get back to you shortly.

Shop the Story

Small Diamond Sheeted - Escher Tile in Bora Bora Gloss
2x4 Straight Set Sheeted Tile in Caspian Sea Gloss
  • 1/ Bora Bora Gloss, Small Diamond Sheeted - Escher
  • 2/ Caspian Sea Gloss, 2x4 Straight Set Sheeted

Footer

About Us

  • Our Story
  • Our Team
  • The Factory
  • Installation Services
  • Showrooms
  • Press
  • Careers

Get Help

  • 1-800-773-2226 6am-5pm PST M-F
  • Email Us
  • Track Order
  • FAQ
  • Shipping
  • Returns

Resources

  • Trade
  • Commercial
  • Design Assistance
  • Specs
  • Design Files
  • Installation FAQs
  • Shop our Catalog

Become an Insider

We'll keep you updated with new products, design trends, promotions and any exciting happenings around the studio.

Instagram Tiktok Houzz Pinterest Facebook YouTube LinkedIn
Privacy Policy Terms of Service Accessibility

© Fireclay Tile 2025

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website.  Learn More