Interactive liquid floor tile - fantasy style flooring. Interactive liquid floor tile - fantasy flooring What is a "live" tile
When it comes to tiles, the inside eye usually sees a solid ceramic surface painted in a bright color or having a pattern. And this picture is completely static and does not change with time and the action of environmental factors. Would you like the tiles under your feet to change their color, “play”, create the illusion of walking on water? Tempting, isn't it? Moreover, with the development of new technologies, such tiles have already become a reality. It is called "live", "liquid" or "interactive" - under these names and look for it in free sale.
Is she really alive?
Naturally, there is nothing living in the structure of this tile. However, the name is given for a reason, and liquid tiles still have some resemblance to a living being. She "feels" the slightest touch and immediately reacts to it by changing her drawing. Each time you pass over this tile, you will change it. And the flooring will always be exclusive!
The structure of liquid tiles: interactive drawing technology
A special colored gel is responsible for creating a changing pattern in a liquid tile. It is located in a rectangular, square or round capsule, consisting of several layers of polycarbonate (sometimes acrylic). With pressure on the surface of the tile, the gel begins to spread, there is a movement effect. After the pressure disappears, the original pattern is partially restored. Since the gel spreads from a high pressure zone to a low pressure zone, it is undesirable to act on the entire surface of the tile at the same time.
Inside each tile along the perimeter there is a compensation groove. Thanks to this solution, the gel, passing through the compensation groove, does not press on the edges of the tile. This ensures that there are no leaks.
The interactive tile can be used at temperatures between 0°C and 60°C.
Where can liquid tiles be used?
Living tile is soft and moisture resistant, so its scope is not limited by anything. It is especially recommended to lay such tiles where people often walk barefoot: in the children's room, in the bedroom, in the bathroom. The effect of interactivity can be beaten in the living rooms, creating a designer interior. Very often, unusual tiles are also used to decorate dance floors in discos, nightclubs, and bars. The main thing is that this room should be heated, since liquid tiles lose all their properties at temperatures below zero.
Initially, the developers of living tiles assumed that it would be used exclusively as a floor covering. But almost immediately, when the product entered the consumer market, additional applications were found for it. Tiles began to be used to cover countertops, bar counters, counters.
If you decide to also follow the example of the public and make the surface of the table in the kitchen interactive, then remember that you can’t cut anything on it with a knife. A sharp blade will definitely damage the tile. At best, it will be covered with scratches and lose its appearance. At worst, if the cut turns out to be deep, the gel will flow out of the tile and it will cease to be “alive”. Also, hot dishes should not be placed on the living tile worktop, the polycarbonate surface will begin to melt at temperatures above 60 ° C.
Design advantages
- High impact resistance. According to this characteristic, liquid tiles are in no way inferior to tempered glass, porcelain stoneware, and laminate. Therefore, do not be afraid to walk on a liquid coating in heels and stilettos.
- Anti-slip surface. Each liquid tile has an anti-slip layer on top, so the chances of slipping on it, even in bathrooms, are minimal.
- Moisture resistance - allows the use of liquid tiles in wet kitchens, bathrooms, pools, bathrooms.
- Hypoallergenic and environmentally friendly. Living tile, thanks to neutral polycarbonate and hypoallergenic colored gel, is completely safe for human health.
- The surface of the tile is “warm”, unlike porcelain stoneware or tiles, so it is pleasant to walk on it barefoot even in winter.
- Liquid tiles are soft due to their cushioning properties.
- Ease of care. Dirt does not linger on the tile, and if necessary, it is easily washed off with ordinary water.
- High sound and vibration isolation properties. If you want to protect yourself from too noisy neighbors from below, cover the floor with liquid tiles and it will immediately become quieter in your apartment.
- UV resistant. The tile does not fade and does not change the brightness of its colors for at least 5-8 years.
Disadvantages of this option
- Only limited areas of the room can be laid out with live tiles, and it will not work to completely cover the floor with them. The fact is that you cannot cut the interactive tile, otherwise the entire gel will spread and the product will deteriorate.
- It is impossible to use tiles at temperatures below 0 ° C, therefore, they are not suitable for outdoor areas, gazebos, terraces, unheated balconies and verandas.
- High price.
The last disadvantage of living tiles, namely the high cost, scares off many potential buyers. Innovative technologies are not cheap these days. However, an interesting floor design can be thought out not only with a continuous “live” coating, but also when combining liquid tiles with carpet, parquet, laminate, vinyl tiles, tiles, etc. Such a coating will cost less than a solid one, however, with sufficient designer skill, the aesthetics will not suffer at all.
Liquid "live" floor tiles are a bright novelty in the market of finishing materials. The spectacular, exclusive coating will not leave anyone indifferent. The most daring fantasies will help to bring this wonderful material to life. The delight of the guests who got acquainted with the 3DVL floor in your living room, office or nightclub is guaranteed. Learn more about the unusual "live" surface.
What is a liquid "live" tile?
This coverage is often called interactive. Its peculiarity is to respond to the slightest touch and change its pattern. Fiction? No, reality!
The unique composition changes the pattern on the surface every time in a new way. The combination of colors never repeats. The drawing does not stand still. Surrealistic paintings appear right under your feet.
Under the influence of any force on the tile, blurry figures begin to move along its surface, light spots without a definite shape, spirals and stripes, reminiscent of a cluster of stars in the Galaxy. Walking on this floor is a pleasure.
Advantages and disadvantages of liquid tiles
Before decorating the room, pay attention to the properties of the material. Knowing the pros and cons of this exclusive coating will allow you to create an interesting interior.
Advantages of liquid tiles:
- environmental friendliness. No toxic materials are used during coating production;
- withstands moisture well. Suitable for bathrooms and swimming pools;
- resistant to chemicals;
- fairly durable coating. If you follow the rules of operation, it will last a long time;
- has high decorative properties. Allows you to create a stylish, creative interior;
- does not fade, does not turn yellow, does not lose color saturation;
- has good shock-absorbing and sound-proof properties;
- does not support combustion.
Another unique property of the living floor is to give joy to others. Watching the play of color and the overflow of gel inside is liked by both adults and children. Sensitive gel reacts even to the movement of pets on the living floor. It is easy to imagine the reaction of others.
Disadvantages of liquid tiles:
- high cost of decorative coating;
- the material reacts negatively to constant uniform pressure. Most (from 50% and above) of the surface should be free;
- do not damage the internal structure or cut the material;
- Do not use liquid tiles in rooms where the temperature can rise above + 69C.
Liquid tile structure
The unique properties of a material can be understood by knowing its composition. The polycarbonate plate consists of several layers, the combination of which gives a fantastic interactive effect:
- base layer.
- cushioning layer.
- Reflective layer.
- Gel layer consisting of 2 components.
- Plastic lens with very high transparency.
- polymer layer. It has anti-shock, protective properties.
Types of liquid tiles
There are several options for the execution of liquid interactive tiles. By changing the substrate, you can get a new effect. The scope also depends on the type of substrate.
Liquid tiles happen:
- transparent. Suitable for decorating bathrooms and bar counters;
- translucent. Looks great on the floor, which has a special backlight;
- white. Against its background, the contrast between the various shades of the gel enclosed inside is clearly visible;
- color. The combination of the colors of the substrate and the gel creates a variety of unusual shades in one fragment;
- with 3D film. Adds realism and volume to the gel "drawings". Any pattern, photograph, children's pictures can be applied to the substrate.
To enhance the effect and additional decoration of each detail of the coating, decorative elements are added to the gel:
- silver or gold sequins;
- asterisks;
- rings;
- particles glowing in the dark, etc.
There is no limit to the imagination of manufacturers of exclusive floor coverings. The addition of new components to the composition of the gel can turn calm tones into luxurious, shimmering, solemn ones.
Application area
"Live" tiles are used in residential and public buildings. A huge number of color solutions allows you to choose both a calmer option, and a more daring, creative one.
In an apartment or a country house, liquid tiles can be used to decorate the floor in the nursery and living room, kitchen or bathroom. Exclusive coverage in the living room will be a source of pride, and in the children's room will bring many joyful minutes to your baby.
The use of interactive tiles in the design of restaurants, bars, cafes, nightclubs allows you to create a fantastic atmosphere. Illumination under the dance floor and a translucent living floor underlay support the mood and enhance emotions during dances.
An interesting option is to use liquid tiles to decorate the bar counter. Visitors to entertainment venues really like the surface, which is constantly changing its color.
Note! If at the bar you cut food or put hot objects on the surface, do without using a “live” cover in this area.
In the children's play area, using interactive tiles on the floor and walls, it is easy to create a fabulous space in which every child can be a magician and command the colors of the rainbow.
Operating rules. Liquid tile care
The living floor is a fairly durable coating. Pay attention to these tips - and the surface will always be in good condition:
- do not walk on the living floor in stilettos. The top layer will be covered with scratches. Appearance will deteriorate;
- do not place heavy furniture and heavy objects on the surface. Remember, pressure over a large area can break the internal structure of the coating;
- in rooms with a high temperature (more than + 69C), the tile is deformed. For baths and steam rooms, this finishing material is not suitable.
Special care products are not needed. It is enough to wipe the living floor with warm water or soapy water as it gets dirty. This will keep the surface glossy.
Do not use abrasive cleaners. Scratches will gradually spoil the appearance of the outer layer.
Do you want to surprise guests and enjoy stylish design in your apartment? Would you like to attract visitors to your establishment with an interesting detail that catches the eye? Create a living floor with liquid tiles! Getting great pleasure from walking on a living floor that changes color at the slightest touch, you will realize that the money was well spent.
Liquid floor tiles are one of the latest innovations in the market of finishing materials. She leaves no one indifferent, her very effective coating, the effects are really mesmerizing. The most daring fantasies will help to bring this wonderful material to life. The admiration of guests who get acquainted with the 3D floor in your living room, office or nightclub is guaranteed. Do you want to know what liquid “live” tile is and what an amazing coating it is.
This coverage is often called interactive. Its peculiarity is to respond to the slightest touch and change its pattern. Fiction? No, reality! What is a liquid tile, we will consider in this article.
The unique composition of liquid tiles changes the pattern on the surface every time in a new way. The combination of colors never repeats. The drawing does not stand still. Surrealistic paintings appear right under your feet.
Under the influence of any force on the tile, blurry figures begin to move along its surface, light spots without a definite shape, spirals and stripes, reminiscent of a cluster of stars in the Galaxy. Walking on this floor is a pleasure.
Advantages of liquid tiles
- environmental friendliness. Toxic materials are not used in the production of liquid tiles;
- Resists moisture well. Suitable for bathrooms and swimming pools;
– resistant to chemicals and reagents;
- very durable coating. With proper use, the coating will last a long time;
- has interesting decorative properties. Allows you to create a stylish, modern interior;
- does not fade, does not turn yellow, does not lose color saturation;
- has good soundproofing properties and depreciation;
- high fire resistance, does not support combustion.
Another unique property of the living floor is to give impressions to others. Not only children like to look at the changing colors and overflows inside the coating. Sensitive gel reacts even to the movement of pets on the living floor. It is easy to imagine the reaction of others. Live tile leaves no one indifferent.
Disadvantages of liquid tiles
– high cost of decorative coating;
- the material reacts negatively to constant uniform pressure. Most (from 50% and above) - the surface should be free;
– do not damage the internal structure or cut the material;
- Do not use liquid tiles in rooms where the temperature can rise above + 69C.
The unique properties of a material can be understood by knowing its composition. The polycarbonate plate consists of several layers, the combination of which gives a fantastic interactive effect:
- Base layer.
- Cushioning layer.
- Reflective layer.
– Gel layer consisting of 2 components.
– Plastic lens with very high transparency.
- Polymer layer. It has anti-shock, protective properties.
Liquid "live" tiles - types of tiles
There are several options for the execution of liquid interactive tiles. By changing the substrate, you can get a new effect. The scope of liquid tiles also depends on the type of base.
Liquid tiles happen:
- transparent. Suitable for decorating bathrooms and bar counters;
- translucent. Looks great on the floor, which has a special backlight;
- white. Against its background, the contrast between the various shades of the gel enclosed inside is clearly visible;
- colored. The combination of the colors of the substrate and the gel creates a variety of unusual shades in one fragment;
- with 3D film. Adds realism and volume to the gel "drawings". Any pattern, photograph, children's pictures can be applied to the substrate.
To enhance the effect and additional decoration of each detail of the coating, decorative elements are added to the gel:
- silver or gold sequins;
- asterisks;
- rings;
- particles glowing in the dark, etc.
There is no limit to the imagination of manufacturers of exclusive floor coverings. The addition of new components to the composition of the gel can turn calm tones into luxurious, shimmering, solemn ones.
Scope of liquid tiles
Liquid "live" tiles can be used for decoration in residential and public buildings. A very wide choice of color schemes makes it possible to choose both a calmer option and a brighter, more creative one.
In an apartment or a country house, liquid tiles can be used to decorate the floor in the nursery and living room, kitchen or bathroom. Elements of such a coating in the living room will become a source of pride, and in the design of a children's room - this will bring many joyful minutes to your baby.
The use of liquid “live” tiles in bright colors or with a 3D effect in the design of restaurants, bars, cafes, nightclubs allows you to create a truly fantastic atmosphere. Lighting under the dance floor and a translucent living floor underlay support the mood and enhance emotions during entertainment.
An interesting option is the use of liquid tiles for decorating so many or a bar counter. Visitors to entertainment venues really like the surface, which is constantly changing its color.
Pay special attention! If at the bar you cut food or put hot objects on the surface, do without using a “live” cover in this area.
In the children's play area, liquid tiles on the floor and walls will easily create a fabulous space in which every child can be a magician and command the colors of the rainbow.
Operating rules. Liquid tile care
Liquid tile is a good and durable coating. Handle it correctly - and the surface will always be in good condition and will serve you for a long time:
- do not walk on the living floor in stilettos. The top layer will be covered with scratches. Appearance will deteriorate;
– do not place heavy furniture and heavy objects on the surface. Remember, pressure over a large area can break the internal structure of the coating;
- in rooms with a high temperature (more than + 69C), the liquid tile is deformed. For baths and steam rooms, this finishing material is not suitable.
Special care products for such tiles are not needed. It is enough to wipe the living floor with clean warm water or soapy water as it gets dirty. This will keep the surface glossy.
But the use of abrasive products for the care of tiles is strictly not recommended. Scratches will gradually spoil the appearance of the outer layer over time.
If you want to impress your guests and enjoy stylish design in your apartment? Would you like to attract visitors to your establishment with an interesting detail that catches the eye? Liquid tile is a really necessary design option! Getting great pleasure from walking on the floor of a liquid “live” tile that changes its colors at the slightest touch, you will understand that your money was not spent in vain.
Video - Illuminated liquid tiles
When it comes to tiled flooring, we think of a static, solid ceramic surface that has a permanent color or pattern. We are used to the fact that the pattern and color of tiles do not change under the influence of external factors. But thanks to modern technology, live floor tiles have appeared. This flooring changes color right under your feet. The pattern on this tile changes under the influence of environmental factors, creating the effect of walking on water. Such a coating is also called "interactive" or "liquid".
Product Features
In fact, the tile is inanimate, but since the product changes its color and pattern under the pressure of our feet, the resemblance to a living creature can be traced. Even when touched by hand, the coating reacts by changing the pattern and color. The most interesting thing is that the floor in the room after each walking on it will change, which makes it unique.
A live tile consists of several layers:
- the lowest is the base layer;
- above it is a cushioning layer;
- followed by a reflective surface;
- after that comes a two-component gel non-toxic compound;
- above is a plastic super-transparent lens;
- the topmost layer is a polymer wear-resistant shockproof coating.
Inside the tile product is a colored gel. It is he who is responsible for changing the pattern under pressure. The gel is filled with a capsule, which has a square, round or rectangular shape. This capsule is made of several layers of polycarbonate, but sometimes acrylic is used to make it.
When pressure is applied to the tiled surface, the gel spreads, creating the effect of water flowing. As soon as the pressure stops, the original pattern is restored, but not completely.
Important! Since the gel flows from a high pressure area to a low pressure area, it is not recommended to simultaneously apply to the entire surface of the product.
A compensation groove is arranged along the inner perimeter of each element. It is needed to protect the edges of the element from the pressure of the spreading gel. As a result, even with strong pressure on the tile, no leaks occur.
Attention! It is allowed to operate the interactive product at a temperature not lower than zero and not higher than 60°С.
Scope of application
This soft and moisture-resistant coating has a fairly extensive area of use. Manufacturers recommend laying live tiles in a room where they walk barefoot, but this is not limited to its scope. So, an interactive product is successfully used:
- in the children's room;
- on the bathroom floor;
- in the bedroom;
- in the living room, interactive coverage will allow you to create an original interior;
- in a bar, nightclub or on the dance floor, it also looks appropriate and unique.
Important! The scope of the liquid product is limited only to heated rooms, since at sub-zero temperatures the element loses its unique qualities and performance characteristics.
The developers of liquid coating intended to use tiles for flooring, but once the product was on the market, designers found many other uses for it. They began to veneer bar counters, countertops and counters.
If you decide to make an interactive tabletop, then during its operation it is important to follow a few rules:
- On a living tabletop, you can not cut anything with a knife, as the blade will damage the polycarbonate layer. Due to scratches, the appearance of the product will suffer.
- When the coating is punctured, the gel will flow out of it and the “liquid” effect will be lost.
- Do not put hot dishes on such a countertop, since the polycarbonate surface begins to melt at a temperature of more than 60 degrees.
Advantages and disadvantages
Among the advantages of living tiled flooring, it is worth listing the following:
- The surface is impact resistant. The tile will not be damaged if you walk on it in shoes with heels or even stilettos. In terms of strength, it is not inferior to laminate, porcelain stoneware or tempered glass.
- Thanks to anti-slip surface on the floor it is impossible to slip even if water gets into the bathroom.
- The product is moisture resistant therefore, we allow its installation in swimming pools, bathrooms, toilets and kitchens.
- It is environmentally friendly and hypoallergenic material. Color gel and polycarbonate will not harm your health.
- Compared to the surface of tiles or porcelain stoneware, living tiles are warm and pleasant to the touch, so it is pleasant to move barefoot on them even in the cold season.
- The cover is soft and shock-absorbing, which reduces noise in the room and reduces the load on the joints and spine.
- Smooth surface does not contribute to the accumulation of dirt, and if necessary, the flooring can be easily washed with water.
- The material has high sound absorption. If the neighbors below are very noisy, then such floor tiles will create good soundproofing for your apartment.
- For a maximum of 8 years, the product retains the brightness of the color. The floor does not fade in the sun and does not fade over time.
Despite the impressive list of advantages, this unique product has some disadvantages:
- Live cover price pretty high. In our country, prices for live floor tiles range from $125 to $660 per piece.
- Because the cutting tiles is prohibited, they lay out only certain sections of the floor. Covering the entire surface in the room with such a product will not work.
- Liquid Coatings not suitable for unheated verandas, terraces, balconies, porches. They are also not used as a street covering, since the material deteriorates at sub-zero temperatures.
The main disadvantage of the interactive floor is its high cost. But if such a tile is combined with another finishing material, for example, with tiles, carpet or laminate, then you can get an original floor covering for reasonable money.
"DESIGN-TILE" (PVC-tile)
"Design Tile" is a new direction of vinyl-based modular flooring, which gives an immense field for imagination. Is a variety.
"Design tiles" (PVC tiles)
The most popular shape is the 30 x 30 cm square, but there are also rectangles and other shapes. "Design tiles" can imitate wood, metal or marble. Tiles with a rough surface (under granite, wood and velvet) are also widespread.
"Design tiles" (PVC tiles)
To give a complete look, decorative elements (corners, borders) are produced.
PVC tiles are used in absolutely any residential, non-residential and commercial premises of various classes.
INTERACTIVE SURFACE
The latest development of flooring - interactive tiles. It is popularly known as - "live tile".
Interactive tiles fully comply with established sanitary standards, are resistant to any mechanical damage and meet the requirements of designers.
Paints used in production interactive tiles are absolutely non-toxic and do not harm either humans or the environment. In addition, all interactive tiles undergo special tests (half of the tile surface is subjected to a pressure equal to 500kg/sq.m).
unusual interactive tiles in the fact that inside the polycarbonate plate a changing pattern is concentrated, which “comes to life” from any touch.
"Live tile"
The whole secret of technology is in the interaction of the internal structure interactive tiles with the influence of the external environment, which has found its successful application in the production of flooring, furniture and other decorative elements of the interior.
General structure interactive tiles has the following structure:
- base layer;
- cushioning layer;
- reflective layer;
- two-component non-toxic gel compound;
- super transparent plastic "lens";
- polymer shock-resistant wear-resistant layer.
Interactive tiles available in two versions - with a white and transparent base. At the same time, an interactive tile with a transparent base can be illuminated with cold light to achieve the maximum effect.
"Live tile"
Using interactive tiles when designing a room, it is necessary to remember its specific features:
- It is unacceptable that a high uniform pressure is exerted over the entire tiled surface. That is, in any case, slightly more than half of the interactive tile area should be free from impact.
- When mounting an interactive tile, it is forbidden to bend it by more than 2 degrees.
- You can not cut or in any other way act on it externally, while damaging the internal structure of the tile.
- Laying tiles should only be done on a completely flat and smooth surface.
- An interactive tile should be supported on its base surface to help prevent unwanted flexing.
- It is allowed to mount interactive tiles on a glass surface.
- Interactive tiles that are not attached to the floor or do not have a support may deform slightly over time. The same thing happens under the influence of high temperatures (the temperature should not be higher than 69 ° C).
- After some time of use, small air bubbles may form inside the interactive tile.
Interactive tiles Produced by manufacturers in five standard sizes:
- 250mm/250mm/6.5mm;
- 497mm/497mm/6.5mm;
- 994mm/994mm/7.5mm;
- diameter 600mm/7.5mm;
- diameter 1000mm/7.5mm.
But at the request of the client, it can be made of any shape and size within the maximum allowable limits (no more than 1000mm / 1500mm).
The color scale is so various that each consumer will find an acceptable color scheme. Although with an individual approach, manufacturers can make tiles of any desired color. That's where expanse for interior designer!
If you are not an extra-class pro in repair work, leave the laying of interactive tiles to professionals in this field, otherwise, even this wear-resistant and durable material will last you only a couple of years, not several decades with a full range of positive emotions.
Very well, "live tiles" will look in the center of the children's room, in the living room (guests will definitely appreciate it), on the bar or on the surface of the dining table, as a headboard. It’s not worth talking about commercial establishments - bars and restaurants, shopping centers, etc. Also, I highly recommend this tile for rehabilitation centers that have relaxation rooms.