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Article: Let's talk Fish Scale Tile

Let's talk Fish Scale Tile - 300cbt Test 1(Global)

Let's talk Fish Scale Tile

Abanico Fish Scale Tile (also known as fan tiles, scallop tiles, mermaid tiles) are an incredibly beautiful addition to any residential or commercial project. The streamlined and aerodynamic form creates stunning movement and uninterrupted flow. These beauties will make your backsplash, fireplace, shower or bathroom wall stand out. The 1920s Art Deco era popularized this pattern in interior design and its appearance on tiled spaces can be admired in many places across the world.

Where is it made?

We handcraft most of our Abanico Clay tile in Mexico. The Artesanal workshops in the small town of Dolores Hidalgo, just outside San Miguel de Allende, are masters of traditional tile making. Here we create the most stunning glazed tiles.

How is it produced?

Skilled workers often hand cut the shape of this scallop tile to size. After firing the bodies, artisans apply solid color glazes and fire these beauties in a large kiln. Following the firing process, each piece is inspected for quality control, packaged, and ready to install!

Freshly cut Abanico tiles prior to glaze application.

Size and color options?

Our Abanico tile comes in the approximate size of 4" or 6”, measured from the tip. We offer a variety of matte, semi-gloss and gloss colors ranging from soothing neutrals to vibrant crackle finishes.

The most popular glaze colors are Turquoise crackle and Aqua Crackle for a beautiful shimmering wall reminiscent of the ocean. For a more muted and calm look, we love our ever popular Abanico in semi-gloss or gloss white.

Abanico Blend
Abanico 3 color blend inspired by the colors of the sea.

We offer two different visually pleasing “tip” options: sharp, and flat. While the delicate sharp tip visually creates more flow, the flat edge adds a modern twist. In addition, the flat edge is less prone to breakage during installation. 

Sharp Tip
abanico white semi gloss
Flat Tip

What are popular layouts?

Glad you asked. Here is an overview of some great options!

Like a Mermaid tail, designed by Chelsea Kloss Interiors.

Where can you install this beautiful tile?

Our Abanico Clay tiles are suitable for many wall and flooring applications. The natural place for this shaped tile, given it’s gorgeous, wavy movement, is shower walls and bathroom or kitchen backsplashes. This tile can perform in certain outdoor applications as long as it is not exposed to extreme freezing. This tile is not pool rated.

Beautiful wavy, sea shell design with gold accents by ESS Design Build and Render ATX.
Lake Flato Architects specified the Abanico Midnight Clay for the Majestic Theatre in San Antonio.
The oversized black scallop tiles on this fireplace surround give this space much personality. Design by Melisa Clement Design.

Pairing Abanico Scallop tile with other tile

With its graceful and unconventional form, Abanico tiles tend to look fabulous when acting like a statement piece of art. We think it is the vibrant Abanico’s time to shine when paired with calming surroundings. If you choose neutral fan shape tiles, like white or black, consider a natural terra-cotta or go all in with decorative tile. 

Abanico Smoke kitchen backsplash by Lizzie Clarke Interiors looking fabulous with a Saltillo tile foor.
Glazed Abanico Noir Black
Swoon-worthy Spanish Modern bathroom design by Melisa Clement Designs.
Interior Designer Shannon Eddings and Architect Stuart Sampley designed this dream kitchen with functionality and a little boho in mind.

How to install Abanico Scallop Tile?

Remove all tiles from the box, lay them out and blend them for a natural look. Expect to find a few pieces of tile with glaze chips. Though you can sort these tiles out and use them for cuts, including tiles with chips, flakes and irregularities will emphasize the handcrafted look of your installation. Clay Imports recommends installing the scallop tiles with a joint spacing of Min 1/16” and Max: 1/8.” This installation is comparable to conventional tile installation. There is no additional sealing required. Please refer to our Clay Tile installation road map for details and reach out to us with any questions.

What trim pieces can you use with Abanico Tiles? 

We recommend two trim options for these funky shaped tiles. 

Firstly, a special order pencil liner or single bullnose in the same color. 

Creative mind Curtis Jinkins of Neighborhood Studio trimmed their Abanico Aqua Crackle fireplace with a single bullnose of the same color.

Secondly, we recommend finishing the edges with a Schluter trim, more specifically a Schluter Schiene in Satin Anodized Aluminium. This edging is paintable and a neat and clean look to finish your Abanico Fish Scale Tile installation.

Playful Kid's bath design by Quarterlab Design Build featuring a Schluter trim to neatly finish the window edging.

How to order?

Glad to hear that you are considering ordering these beautiful patterns! First things first, we recommend reviewing samples prior to purchase. You can check out up to five samples at no shipping cost online.

Ready to order the full amount? Double-check your measurements. Clay Imports 6” Abanico Scallop tile converts to 7.5 pieces per square foot. Please add at least 15% extra for cuts and waste. You can purchase online, call our office at 512-653-8500, email your sales and design consultant or reach out on our general inquiries line at contact@clayimports.com. Do you need trim pieces? We can take care of this as well. Please be in touch. 


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