Cobalt Blue Talavera Single Toggle Switch Plate

Mexican tiles are clay made, and hand glazed. Mexican tile, known also as Talavera tile, require care and maintenance to last for generations and radiate beauty to the surroundings. A tile installation will stand the passage of time getting an antique looking. Because the glaze and clay expand/shrink at different rates "crazing" happens, depending on temperature changes. The more variation in temperature the more "web appearance" will be shown. This effect can be minimized properly sealing the tile installation. We recommend to seal the entire area, including the tiles themselves.

Indoor Applications

Authentic Talavera tiles are ideal for indoor use in kitchens, bathrooms, backsplashes, fireplace surrounds, and decorative accents. The hand-glazed finish provides a durable, easy-to-clean surface that maintains its vibrant colors for decades when properly cared for.

Outdoor Applications

Talavera tiles can be used outdoors in mild climates for decorative purposes such as wall murals, fountains, planters, and vertical surfaces. However, careful consideration must be given to your local climate conditions.

Freeze-Thaw Considerations

Important: Traditional Talavera tiles are not recommended for outdoor floor installations in regions that experience freeze-thaw cycles. Here's why:

• Water Absorption: Talavera tiles are porous and can absorb moisture. In freezing temperatures, absorbed water expands and can cause cracking, spalling, or glaze damage.
• Climate Zones: Outdoor floor use is only suitable in frost-free climates (USDA zones 9-11) where temperatures consistently remain above freezing.
• Vertical Applications: Outdoor wall installations are generally safer than floor applications, as they experience less water pooling and direct exposure to standing moisture.
• Protection: If using outdoors in temperate climates, ensure proper drainage, sealing, and consider covering or protecting tiles during winter months.

Cleaning Recommendations

Regular Cleaning

• Daily/Weekly: Wipe with a soft, damp cloth or sponge using warm water.
• Mild Soap: For routine cleaning, use a pH-neutral dish soap or tile cleaner diluted in warm water.
• Avoid Abrasives: Never use scouring pads, steel wool, or abrasive cleaners that can scratch the glaze.
• Rinse Thoroughly: Always rinse with clean water and dry with a soft cloth to prevent water spots.

Deep Cleaning

• Mix a solution of warm water with a small amount of white vinegar (1:4 ratio) for stubborn dirt or soap buildup.
• Apply with a soft cloth, let sit for a few minutes, then rinse thoroughly.
• For grout cleaning, use a grout-specific cleaner and a soft brush, being careful not to scrub the tile glaze.

What to Avoid

• Harsh Chemicals: Bleach, ammonia, acidic cleaners, and alkaline cleaners can damage the glaze and colors.
• Abrasive Tools: Avoid scrub brushes with stiff bristles, scouring pads, or power washers.
• Steam Cleaners: High heat and pressure can damage the glaze over time.
• Oil-Based Products: These can leave residue and dull the finish.

Sealing

The glazed surface of Talavera tiles typically does not require sealing. However, if tiles are used in high-moisture areas or outdoors, you may choose to:

• Apply a penetrating sealer to the grout lines to prevent staining and moisture penetration.
• Consult with a tile professional about appropriate sealers for your specific application.
• Reapply sealer according to manufacturer recommendations (typically every 1-2 years for outdoor applications).

Installation Tips

• Use a high-quality thin-set mortar appropriate for your application (indoor vs. outdoor).
• Ensure proper substrate preparation and waterproofing, especially in wet areas.
• Allow for proper curing time before grouting and exposure to moisture.
• Use unsanded grout for tiles with spacing less than 1/8" to avoid scratching the glaze.

Color Variation Notice

Each Talavera tile is handcrafted and hand-painted, resulting in natural variations in color, pattern, and glaze finish. These variations are a hallmark of authentic artisanal craftsmanship and should be expected. We recommend ordering samples and viewing tiles in person when possible to appreciate the unique character of each piece.

Maintenance Schedule

• Daily: Wipe spills immediately to prevent staining.
• Weekly: Clean with damp cloth and mild soap solution.
• Monthly: Deep clean grout lines if needed.
• Annually: Inspect for any damage; reseal grout if necessary (outdoor applications).

Questions?

If you have specific questions about caring for your Talavera tiles or need guidance on whether they're suitable for your project, please contact us. We're here to help ensure your tiles remain beautiful for generations.

We ship via USPS parcel, Priority mail or Fedex ground only. Delivery times are only estimates at checkout. These are not guaranteed.Total shipping time is a combination of processing time (2 business days) + shipping time. Please calculate your approximate delivery by adding the processing time of 2 business days for your order + shipping time for your location. If you are purchasing a large quantity of tiles, the checkout cart sometimes shows a higher amount for shipping cost based on weight. Please email us so we can check for better rates before you complete the purchase.

If you need expedited shipping please call us or email us for the additional charges. We estimate your order will be processed and shipped within 2-3 business days after order is placed. Shipping is by USPS Parcel Mail, US Priority mail, or FedEx Ground Service, expect it within 3-6 Days after shipping. We only ship Monday through Friday, no weekends. Tracking information will be sent once the package is processed, expect this notification.We do not guarantee shipping times as these are estimated by the carriers and delays are to be expected at busy times. If you have instructions for delivery, please contact the carrier to provide these as we have no way to notify the carrier of delivery instructions.

**Please open box(s) immediately after arrival and report any damages within 5 days of delivery.

Returns
All of our tiles at Estancia Tiles have a heavily hand-made process involved; as such, imperfections are expected (these are not defects) as this is expected with Talavera tiles and trims. Color variations are to be expected from batch to batch with Talavera. What you see on your screen might not be exactly what you will get, this is mostly due to several factors, among others: lighting when the picture was taken, lighting in your own monitor, but mostly changes in the glazes used between batches. All these factors are beyond our control. If in doubt, we recommend you to order a sample before committing to a bigger order. All products are sold as "Brand New" in its original package. Please check the product description, make sure the merchandise is what you want and it will work with your project. If you are not sure, please send us a email for assistance before placing the order.
Within 30 days from order date, you may return any of the items you purchased from our website for a refund. There will be a 20% restocking fee on returned products. If you simply did not liked it, or for any other reason, you can return it. We will not refund shipping and handling costs. You are also responsible for the shipping cost incurred in sending the product(s) back to us. Please email request for a RMA# before shipping back. You do not have to use the same shipping method to return the items to us, specially if it was an express one. The credit will be issued to the same account used to make the purchase and it will be honored once we get the products back and they are in good condition (not damaged when in transit to your place or back from it).

Unclaimed Packages Policy- If we get unclaimed packages back from you, we will not be responsible for the shipping charges incurred. So you have to pay again for the package to be resent. You will get an e-mail notification on when your package(s) get out and an estimated delivery time, so you are aware of the delivery. You need to make arrangements to be at home if the carrier can′t just leave the package at the front door or if your house is inaccessible. We will cover this expense when a mistake was made on our side. 

Cancellations
All orders are automatically processed on our secure merchant processor when they are placed. During this process we incur irreversible fees. Therefore, while we understand that orders might need to be changed sometimes, we are unable to refund the credit card processing surcharge fees. We strictly adhere to the following cancellation policy:

Some products can not be cancelled once the order is placed. Please contact us for details on the item. If the order can be cancelled BEFORE it has been shipped, you will be assessed a 3% cancellation surcharge fee before credit is issued.

If you cancel your order AFTER it has been shipped the cancellation will have to be treated as a Return with all applicable fees & credit card surcharges.

Orders which are REFUSED AT DELIVERY will be assessed all of the applicable fees listed above - including restocking, cancellation and other applicable fees.
This product is covered by a one-year warranty against defects in materials and workmanship from the date of purchase. If any issues arise within the limited time warranty a repair or full replacement will be done by the manufacturer without any extra cost to you. This warranty will be voided if there has been any unauthorized alteration, modifications, or repairs not performed or authorized by the manufacturer.

Warranty
Because it is hand painted, imperfections are expected! Be aware that most of our products are handmade and that small imperfections, glitches, color non-uniformity are to be expected. Our tile is clay made, and not as strong as the ceramic machine-made, it can be slightly bent, not perfectly flat, so it is up to the contractor to make sure the installation goes smoothly and aligned. Be aware that most of our products are handmade and that small imperfections, glitches, color non-uniformity are to be expected. Our tile is clay made, and not as strong as the ceramic machine-made, it can be slightly bent, not perfectly flat, so it is up to the contractor to make sure the installation goes smoothly and aligned. Talavera tiles should not be used outdoors with freezing temperatures. They are not frost proof and will crack in temperatures under a 40 degree limit. Also Talavera tiles are not recommended for swimming pools due to the pool chemicals will cause crackling on the tiles.
Warranty is to the original purchaser that it will provide replacement or refund the purchase price at our discretion of any product that fails to meet the requirements above within the first year. Labor costs for removal of existing product and installation of replacement product is not included. Color match of the replacement product to that being replaced cannot be guaranteed. This warranty is valid to the original customer and non-transferable. The manufacturer makes no other warranties, express or implied, including merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. Purchaser’s remedy is limited to replacement as described above, and under no circumstances shall the manufacturer be liable for any loss or damage arising from the purchase, use, or inability to use this product, or for any special, indirect, incidental, or consequential damages. No installer, dealer, agent, or employee of Manufacturer has the authority to modify the obligations or limitations of this warranty. This warranty gives specific legal rights. Since some states have laws governing consumer rights and damages, some of the above limitations may not apply to you, and you may have other rights which vary from state to state. Except for these other rights, the remedy provided under this warranty state the limit of the manufacturer responsibilities.

DAMAGES
In the event of a broken piece you must notify us within 5 days or receiving it. We are not responsible for any claims after this time frame. If you detect a broken item, do not return it, keep the box and packaging and notify us immediately. Please email a photo showing all broken tiles and a photo of the box. In the event of a broken item, we file a claim to the carrier and re-send you the product at no cost to you. 

We are not responsible for costs in delay of your installation or project. We encourage you to have the tile before scheduling installation. Also shipping delays are beyond our control. 

*Claims for packages marked "delivered" yet not received and where there is no evidence of “porch piracy” must be made 5 days after “delivery date” but no longer than 15 days to ensure it was not misdelivered or easily found around the premises." Claims for packages presumed to be lost (where the status is not "delivered") must be filed after 7 days (20 days for international) and within 30 days from the last checkpoint.