Surface protective treatments: chemistry, process and Z&S product range

Grinding and polishing operations can expose surface pores in ceramic tiles, allowing contaminants to penetrate and become trapped, thereby reducing the ceramic surface's resistance to staining. To address these issues, protective treatments are applied at the end of the finishing line. Their effectiveness depends not only on the physicochemical properties of the formulation, but also on its interaction with the ceramic substrate and the conditions under which it is applied.

In this episode, we explore the fundamental principles of ceramic surface protection, with particular emphasis on the chemistry of colloidal silica. We also examine the key parameters affecting treatment performance, highlighting why formulation and application processes must be considered together.

Finally, we introduce the POLISHIELD range from Zschimmer & Schwarz Ceramco, exploring the different protective and pretreatment solutions available to meet specific surface characteristics and production requirements.