kitchen backsplash tile and water

I’ve been looking at some beautiful art tiles that would look lovely in my kitchen. The problem is, I really don’t think they’re suitable for a kitchen backsplash. They look as if they might absorb water and other liquids, which means they would stain easily. So -- I went to read up on kitchen backsplash tiles and water.

Will kitchen backsplash tiles absorb water? Yes, no, and maybe! It all depends on what tiles you choose.

The terms vitreous and nonvitreous are used to indicate the density and porosity of a tile. These characteristics determine how likely a tile is to absorb water. Tile manufacturers rate tiles in four categories.

Nonvitreous
Nonvitreous tiles are very porous, so they will easily absorb water. The standard absorption rate is 7 per cent or greater. These are not a good choice for a kitchen backsplash tile. If your heart is set on a nonvitreous tile, be sure to use a good sealer, and be prepared to reapply it frequently.

Semivitreous
Semivitreous tiles can be used for most indoor applications. The absorption rate is between 3 percent and 7 per cent. If you use semivitreous tile for a kitchen backsplash, a sealer is helpful.

Vitreous
Vitreous tiles are very dense and not at all porous. They are resistant to stains and absorb very little water. Absorptions rates are between 0.5 per cent and 3 per center. Vitreous tiles are an excellent choice for kitchen backsplash tiles.

Impervious
Impervious tiles are very dense. Water absorption is at a rate lower than 0.5 per cent. These tiles can be used in the wettest locations -- even in showers or outdoors, if you like.

If you aren’t sure about the rating of a tile, you can easily estimate it yourself. Put a few drops of water on the back of the tile (not the glazed or finished surface). If the water soakes in quickly, the tile in nonvitreous. If the water beads up instead of absorbing, the tile is vitreous.

I did the water droplet test on a sample tile. It didn’t sink in really quickly, but it didn’t bead up either. I’m guessing these tiles are probably semivitreous. I’d have to use a sealer. Hmmmm . . . I wonder what the colors would look like under a sealer? I guess it’s time for more tests.