CHAPTER 4  •  Antico Portuguese

Why did you name Chapter 4 Antico Portuguese?

We used the words Antico for the word "antique" as many tiles have some varied texture and rustic glaze coverage, and Portuguese as the Handpainted tiles in this collection are fashioned after the tiles that have adorned many interior and exterior facades throughout Portugal for several centuries.

What are the key features of Chapter 4 Antico Portuguese?

• Everyone loves choices. Since color rather than design has priority in the selection process, we decided to make all designs available in three great but different color combinations. There is TRADITIONAL with the blues and yellows associated with Handpainted tiles from Portugal, France, and Italy, TERRA with the gray, mocha, and warm almond (colors of the earth), and finally CONTEMPO with greens, terra cottas, and gold (a very rich and vivid palette).
• These tiles are Handpainted. If you look closely you can see many brush strokes and quite a tone variation on most tiles. Antico Portuguese is a true representation of artisan Handpainted tiles! These tiles are also made right here in Southern California, rich with the tradition of making artisan Handpainted tiles.
• There are 8 beautiful colors of glazed field tiles that module up with the 5" x 5" Handpainted tiles. These colors were chosen simply because they work beautifully with each of the three-color ways combinations TERRA, TRADITIONAL, AND CONTEMPO Handpainted tiles.
• The line is complemented with big "beefy" antiqued mouldings that add many design possibilities to Chapter 4 Antico Portuguese. These mouldings have some designed-in irregularities true to handcrafted tiles that make them emulate the handmade tiles of yesteryear.

Where can this collection be used?

The Handpainted tiles can be used in any interior wall application and on light duty floors were there is a suitable strong substrate and where continual pivoting (such as in front of a sink) is NOT done. Powder rooms, hearth surrounds, wine rooms, stair risers, koi ponds – fountains, inlays on out-of-door patios with the terra cotta tiles in this Chapter, on barbeque or outside fireplace inlays surrounded by stucco, back splashes in kitchens, and tub surrounds would all be wonderful areas to use these beautiful tiles.

The colored field tiles are suitable for any floor or wall application in homes or commercial floors of light - medium duty wear. Medium duty wear would include most "boutique retail" stores.

Lastly, the 12" and 12" x 24" unglazed flashed terra cotta pavers with stair ogee are excellent for interior or exterior use and from residential to heavy commercial applications. These unglazed tiles also exceed ANSI slip resistance testing standards.

Are there any special design or installation tips for Chapter 4 Antico Portuguese?

Antico Portuguese has surface bullnose and bead to allow for versatile installations.

We produce Chapter 4 Antico Portuguese to reflect the shade variations associated with handmade tile. As with all Jeffrey Court handmade tiles, we strongly recommend laying out and blending the tiles prior to installation. This step will ensure a proper color blend in order to achieve a classic look for your installation.

Several of our natural stone selections from other Chapters look fantastic when used with these painted tiles. Check out Chapter 9 and Chapter 11 natural stone tiles especially when considering alternatives to the glazed field tiles from Chapter 4. Our Golden, Walnut, Chocolate and Philadelphia Travertine's, and the Mystic Green Limestone look fabulous when used with Handpainted tiles from Antico Portuguese.

Please note, if the Handpainted tiles are used outside, they should NOT be in an area exposed to moisture and frequent FREEZE-THAW conditions. Also, harsh pool chemicals especially acids and "hard" water can over time affect the Handpainted tile's surface. Also, we don't recommend installing the Handpainted tiles on the floor in front of a kitchen sink, where constant foot traffic and twisting could abrade the hand painting.