Editor's Note: A house that has just been moved into suddenly changed color, and the cause was tiles, flooring, and wallpaper. It turns out that these three materials are naturally "chameleons," but experts still offer important tips for purchase, installation, and use. If you prepare in advance, you can effectively slow down the rate of color change.
Tile Discoloration and Water Absorption
Case: Xiao Zhu still remembers that the wall tiles in his bathroom started to change color after just one month of living there. The original white glazed tiles turned an uncoordinated gray, and the more he looked at them, the darker they became. He called a tile shop, and the factory sent someone over for half an hour. Before leaving, the person said, “This isn’t a quality issue with the tiles themselves, but a problem during installation. You need to contact the decoration company.†Xiao Zhu then reached out to the company that had done the renovation. They sent the same mason who had installed the tiles. The mason didn’t investigate much and told Xiao Zhu directly, “The moisture content in this batch of tiles was too high.†At that point, Xiao Zhu was completely confused about who should take responsibility for the discoloration.
In the market, I met Mr. Wang, a tile seller with many years of experience. According to him, the chance of wall tiles changing color on their own is not very high. As long as the vitrified, polished, or porcelain tiles are genuine, they shouldn’t discolor. However, antique bricks, due to their firing and glazing processes, are more prone to chromatic aberration.
However, he also agreed with the mason’s opinion: “Tile discoloration is indeed related to water absorption.†So when buying wall tiles, it’s important to check the water absorption rate and the glaze resistance. Tiles with low water absorption and good glaze are less likely to discolor. Wang demonstrated a simple test: he dropped a drop of water on the back of a tile and observed how quickly it was absorbed. He explained that if the water seeped in slowly, the water absorption rate was low.
Additionally, he advised customers to buy from authorized dealers or direct stores, where the products are reliable and the quality is guaranteed. “Avoid shops that sell multiple brands, as they may have unclear sources or even counterfeit products,†he warned.
After speaking with Mr. Wang, we visited Maifeng Decoration to further explore whether tiles could cause color changes. The manager, known online as “The First Line,†confirmed that yes, tiles can cause discoloration. Based on Xiao Zhu’s situation, he suggested checking if the floor tiles had also changed color. If so, it might indicate poor waterproofing and possible leaks. From years of experience, he emphasized that bathroom waterproofing should be done at least twice, and the water test should last no less than 48 hours.
If only the wall tiles are discolored and the floor is fine, “The First Line†believes it could be due to the mason not soaking the tiles properly before installation. This could lead to the tiles absorbing moisture from the cement and changing color.
Finally, when purchasing tiles, it’s best to ask whether they are suitable for acidic or alkaline cleaners. Using the wrong cleaner can damage the glaze and eventually cause discoloration.
Wooden Flooring: Color Consistency Is a Concern
Case: Chen Dajie bought solid wood flooring at 528 yuan per square meter, which she was told was a special promotional price. If purchased at the regular price, it would cost nearly 900 yuan per square meter. But when the flooring arrived, she was unhappy because some planks were darker than others, and a few had large knots. She felt the product did not match her expectations of high-quality solid wood flooring.
The Fudeli flooring staff, upon hearing the situation, said, “Chen Dajie should be happy because she bought authentic solid wood flooring.â€
It turns out that solid wood flooring naturally has color variations, textures, and knots. Moreover, oxidation causes the color to darken over time. For example, red wood may eventually turn black. In contrast, composite or laminate flooring doesn’t have these issues. Some products labeled as “solid wood†are actually just thin layers of real wood on top of other materials, and they don’t change color easily.
If you want solid wood flooring that changes color slowly, Xiao Li suggests choosing the right type of wood. “For example, eucalyptus wood oxidizes more noticeably, while other species are more stable.†Also, choose the right color: “Dark-colored floors are less likely to show oxidation, while light-colored ones may become dull and unattractive over time.â€
Before laying the floor, it’s also important to prepare properly. Unpack the flooring 48 hours before installation to let it adjust to the home’s temperature and humidity. Then, do a “pre-sorting†by selecting the planks, separating those with color differences, and placing them in hidden areas like under furniture or beds.
Low-Cost Wallpapers Are More Likely to Yellow Over Time
Case: A netizen named “Flying Pig†joined a group buy for wallpaper before the woodwork was installed. She bought 28 rolls at 175 yuan each. Because of the low price, the manufacturer didn’t provide installation, accessories, or returns. When the painter applied the wallpaper, three of the 28 rolls had yellowed. Worse yet, the painter warned her that the rest might not last a year.
Fan Wei, a wallpaper sales expert, analyzed the issue: “Either it’s a quality problem, or it’s old stock that’s been stored for years.â€
Fan Wei explained that wallpaper discoloration isn’t usually due to installation or usage, but rather the quality of the product. Generally, cheaper wallpapers carry higher risks. Lighter colors are more prone to yellowing. Imported wallpapers tend to be of higher quality, though they may take longer to arrive.
Due to the dusty environment in the city, the part of the wallpaper near the floor tends to fade faster. If it’s PVC wallpaper, you can spray a soft detergent and gently wipe it with a dry cloth to restore its color. For other types of wallpaper, use a “safe bleach†solution, apply it to a cloth, and wipe the affected area. Wait 30 minutes, then rinse with water.
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