can you use mother of pearl tiles in a shower?

Dreaming of a luxurious shower but worried MOP tiles can't handle water? Many hesitate, fearing damage. Good news: its natural origins make it surprisingly suitable for wet areas.

Yes, you can absolutely use mother of pearl tiles in a shower. MOP originates from shells living underwater, making it naturally water-resistant. Proper installation and sealing ensure long-lasting beauty.

Mother of pearl tiles in shower room

The inherent beauty and unique shimmer of mother of pearl make it a coveted material for luxury interiors. While seemingly delicate, its aquatic origins give it surprising resilience, especially when considering wet environments like showers. Let's dive into the specifics.

what are mother of pearl tiles?

Unsure what MOP tiles really are? Thinking they're delicate gems unsuited for practical use? These tiles blend natural shell beauty with modern tile functionality, offering unique design possibilities.

Mother of pearl tiles are decorative surfacing materials crafted from the iridescent inner lining (nacre) of various mollusk shells, prized for their natural beauty and luminous quality.

The shells keeping the pearl

Mother of pearl, also known as nacre, is the strong, resilient, and iridescent material that forms the inner layer of the shells of certain mollusks, like pearl oysters. It's essentially the "mother" of the pearl.

Crafting the Tiles

To create tiles, these natural shells are carefully cleaned, cut, and often shaped into small pieces or chips. These pieces are then meticulously arranged and bonded, usually onto a ceramic, porcelain, or mesh backing, to form a standard tile format. This process allows the natural beauty of the shell to be used similarly to conventional tiles.

Natural Beauty and Variations

The appeal lies in their unique luster and color variations – ranging from pearly whites and creams to blacks, golds, pinks, and the vibrant greens and blues of Abalone shell. Because it's a natural material, each tile possesses subtle individual characteristics, adding to its exclusive charm. They bring an unmistakable touch of luxury and connection to nature into interior spaces.

what happens if mother of pearl gets wet?

Concerned water will ruin your MOP tiles? Fear of discoloration, weakening, or damage holds many back from using them in bathrooms. Relax - these tiles were born in water.

Virtually nothing detrimental happens if mother of pearl gets wet. Being derived directly from aquatic shells, the material itself is inherently waterproof and unaffected by moisture exposure.

Many clients understandably ask if MOP is suitable for wet areas like showers or even swimming pools. The answer is a resounding yes, and the reasoning is simple:

Born in Water

Remember, mother of pearl comes from shells – organisms that live their entire lives submerged in water. The material is naturally structured to withstand constant exposure to water without degrading, swelling, or losing its integrity. It's inherently waterproof.

Surface Moisture vs. Material Damage

If MOP tiles get wet, the water simply sits on the surface. Unlike porous materials that might absorb water and potentially stain or weaken, MOP's dense structure prevents this. If you get water on it, you just need to wipe it dry with a clean towel to prevent water spots, much like any other non-porous surface.

Installation Matters

While the MOP itself is waterproof, ensuring a watertight installation is key in a shower. This means using appropriate waterproof backing, adhesive, and high-quality grout (epoxy grout is often recommended for wet areas) that is properly sealed to prevent water from getting behind the tiles, which is true for any type of tile in a shower.

how do you maintain mother of pearl?

Think MOP requires constant, complex upkeep? Worried the maintenance demands for preserving its beauty are too high? Surprisingly, mother of pearl is relatively low-maintenance.

Maintain mother of pearl easily: clean with a soft cloth and mild, pH-neutral soap and water. Avoid harsh abrasives or chemicals. Protect from heavy impacts, scratches, and excessive heat/sun.

Mother of pearl's luxurious appearance doesn't equate to difficult care. Its natural durability makes maintenance straightforward, ensuring its beauty lasts for decades with minimal effort.

Simple Cleaning Routine

• Regular Cleaning: For routine cleaning, simply wipe the surface with a soft, damp cloth. For more thorough cleaning, use warm water and a mild, pH-neutral soap. Rinse thoroughly with clean water afterwards.
• Drying: Always dry the surface with a soft, clean towel after cleaning to prevent water spots and maintain its natural luster.

What to Avoid

To preserve the integrity and shine of your MOP tiles:

• Abrasives: Avoid abrasive cleaners, scouring powders, steel wool, or rough scrubbing pads, as these can scratch the surface.
• Harsh Chemicals: Steer clear of acidic or highly alkaline cleaners (like bleach or ammonia), as they can etch or dull the natural finish over time.
• Impacts & Scratches: While durable, avoid heavy impacts or intentionally scratching the surface.
• Excess Heat/Sun: Protect from prolonged exposure to direct, intense sunlight or excessive heat sources, which could potentially cause discoloration over long periods.

Optional Enhancements

• Occasional Waxing: Applying a quality paste wax periodically can enhance the shine and provide an extra layer of protection, but it's generally not essential for regular maintenance.

Essentially, treat it gently, keep it clean, and it will reward you with lasting beauty without demanding special routines.

Conclusion

Yes, mother of pearl tiles are suitable and stunning for showers. Naturally water-resistant and easy to maintain, they bring enduring, natural luxury to bathrooms with simple, regular care.