Photocell and photopan

Previously, the only way to decorate the wallThe image of a large format was wall-paper. But for some rooms, finishing the walls with wallpapers is not the best option. In the bathroom, kitchen or toilet the wallpaper will not last long, so you have to be content with ceramic tiles. Now, if there was a tile with a photo effect ...

And it exists. A photo stove is a ceramic tile with a photo applied to it. Most often a photographic plate is used for manufacturing photopanel - pieces are applied to individual tilesphotos, and then a single image is collected from them as a puzzle piece. Until recently, high-quality photo-plate was only a dream - the technology of applying images on ceramic tiles left much to be desired. The process of applying a photo image to the tile was time consuming, and the quality of the photo was low.

But the modern photo-plate has far gone from its predecessors. To apply a photo to the tile, a sublimation method. The basis for a photo-plate is the usualceramic tile. It is covered with a special polymer composition. Then an image is applied to the tile. Under the influence of high temperature, the paint passes from the solid state to the gaseous, bypassing the liquid. This process is called sublimation (sublimation). As a result, the paint directly penetrates the coating. Then the tile is covered with a layer of transparent glaze, which protects the image.

The result is a photocell, combining the beauty of photo wallpapers and the stability of ceramic tiles with external influences. In contrast to photo wallpapers, the photocell is not afraid of moisture and temperature changes. Like ordinary ceramic tiles, it's easyclean from grease and dirt. Therefore, a photo-plate is most often used for finishing kitchens and bathrooms. Although the photocell is so beautiful and original that it can be used in the interior of the living room or the nursery.

Usually a photocell is used to make a photopan-drawing, assembled from individual tiles, like a puzzle piece. The size of a photo can be very different. Do you want - you will have a drawing on the whole wall. No - you can lay out a small picture from the photo-plate, and trim the remaining area with ordinary ceramic tiles.

Photopannels are already sold in ready form, with a standard pattern, but many companies provide an opportunity order a photo taken based on your photos. In this case, the photocell will beindividual order, and you can be sure that no one else will have this photo! All that is required of you is a photograph of suitable quality.

The installation of a photographic plate is carried out for the sameprinciple, as well as installing a mirror tile - first you need to lay out the photo on the floor, and then paste it on the wall. Do not be afraid, the layout of the photopannel is easier than assembling a puzzle piece from several dozen details - on the back side of the tiles are written serial numbers like "row number from top to bottom / serial number of tiles in a row".

Unlike conventional ceramic tiles, The photocluster is laid without seams, closely one to another. Joints between tiles need to be rubbed with transparent silicone, so as not to violate the integrity of the photopanno - it should look like a single picture.

It is not difficult to take care of a photographic plate: it is cleaned quite easily. But for cleaning the stovetop from dirt and grease, you should use only liquid household cleaners intended for bathrooms and glasses, and soft sponges or rags. Abrasive materials and products based on aggressive chemical solvents (chlorine, acetone) can damage the protective layer of the tile and the image applied to it.

Of course, a photocell is not the cheapest finishing material. But for originality and exclusivity, it's not a sin to pay. In addition, photopannel is more durable than wallpaper, and is suitable for finishing almost any room.