Glossary of tiling terms
Sgraffito — technique derived from the Italian word for 'scratching'. It involves creating intricate designs by scratching through the top layer of a tile, revealing the contrasting colour of the underlying layer of clay.
The process typically involves applying two layers of clay of different colours onto the tile surface. Once the top layer has partially dried, a sharp tool or instrument is used to carefully scratch away sections of the top layer, exposing the colour beneath.
This technique allows for the creation of detailed and precise designs with contrasting colours, adding depth and visual interest to the tile's surface. Sgraffito has been used in various forms of art and craftsmanship, including pottery, tiles, and decorative ceramics, to achieve decorative patterns and motifs.