Winckelmans – Authentic French Porcelain Stoneware Mosaic
Discover the exceptional quality of Winckelmans porcelain stoneware mosaic, produced in Northern France since 1867. As the last European manufacturer of unglazed, fully vitrified ceramic mosaic, Winckelmans combines 150 years of craftsmanship with modern precision technology. These tiles are characterized by their extreme density, through-body coloring, and near-zero porosity – the perfect material for heavy-duty commercial floors, historical restorations, wet areas, and architectural applications where durability and authenticity are essential.
The History of Winckelmans
The history of Winckelmans is closely linked to the late 19th-century architectural revival in France. The company was originally founded in 1867 in Northern France, specializing in stoneware. The crucial step toward the production of unglazed tiles was taken by Théophile Winckelmans, who opened his factory in Lomme, near Lille, in 1894. From the beginning, the goal was to supply products that were both elegant and aesthetic, as well as technically versatile and adaptable.
Winckelmans operates as a family business that has been in operation for over 150 years, with five successive generations. The factory survived destruction by bombings in 1944, after which it was rebuilt, and the radical trend changes of the early 1980s. This institutional resilience and ability to adapt have ensured that the production techniques and material composition of the original porcelain stoneware have been preserved.
Winckelmans' current positioning is that of a custodian of a critical industrial heritage. The company is the last European manufacturer to offer this specific type of unglazed, fully vitrified product. With a factory in Lille and approximately 120-150 employees, Winckelmans produces about 700,000 square meters of tiles per year, 80% of which is destined for the export market.
What is Fully Vitrified Porcelain Stoneware?
Winckelmans mosaic belongs to the category of dry-pressed, unglazed porcelain stoneware tiles. This is a high-quality ceramic composition characterized by the vitrification process. During production, the tiles are pressed under high pressure and then hard-fired at extremely high temperatures. This process ensures an extreme density of particles throughout the tile mass.
An essential feature is the through-body coloring (teinté dans la masse). This means that the dyes and patterns are distributed across the entire thickness of the tile mass. It guarantees that even in the case of deep wear from heavy traffic, the color remains completely intact. This fundamentally distinguishes porcelain stoneware from glazed tiles, where the color is only present in a surface layer.
The Production Process
Winckelmans combines traditional craftsmanship with modern, automated machinery, including investments in robotics and new kilns to increase productivity and quality. This approach of 'traditional industrialization' is crucial to ensuring the authenticity of the product in combination with the efficiency and scale needed to meet international demand.
The production process includes:
- High-pressure pressing: Raw materials are compressed under extreme pressure
- Vitrification: Firing at extremely high temperatures for maximum density
- Through-body coloring: Pigments are distributed throughout the entire mass
- Quality control: Each tile is checked for consistency
Exceptional Properties
Near-Zero Porosity
The density achieved through vitrification results in extremely low porosity, officially classified as "close to zero". According to European standards, this falls under group B1A, indicating water absorption of ≤0.5% (conform EN ISO 10545). The tiles are impermeable to water and most liquids.
Extreme Wear Resistance
The combination of through-body coloring and extreme hardness, verified by the UPEC classification system, provides exceptional resistance to surface damage and mechanical wear. Color integrity is maintained even after decades of heavy traffic.
Suitable for All Environments
Winckelmans mosaic is virtually impenetrable and suitable for use in all environments: indoors or outdoors, on floors and walls, in wet or dry conditions. The tiles are resistant to freeze-thaw cycles, water, and chemicals.
Natural Matte Finish
The unglazed stoneware is distinguished by its natural, untreated, matte finish. This avoids the 'shiny, plastic' gloss often associated with other tile types. The sharp, flat edges and understated appearance resonate with the authentic aesthetics of historical architecture.
Dimensions and Specifications
The Winckelmans product range includes more than 50 different shapes and sizes, resulting in over 5,000 standard tile designs.
Micro-Mosaic 12x12mm
- Tile size: 12x12mm (½ inch)
- Tile thickness: approximately 4mm (1/6 inch)
- Sheet size: 31x31cm = 484 tiles
- Coverage per m²: 10.4 sheets
- Coverage per 30.5x30.5cm (1 sq ft): approximately 1 sheet
- Delivery: on sheets (mesh-backed) or loose tiles
Other available formats:
- 20x20mm (standard square mosaic, 3.8mm thick)
- 50x50mm (larger mosaic plaques, 5mm or 9mm thick)
- Rectangles, hexagons, octagons, triangles, diamonds, and rounds
Note: Different thicknesses are available for different applications: 4mm for walls and light floors, 5mm for standard floors, and 9mm for commercial floors with very heavy traffic.
Color Palette
Winckelmans works with a palette consisting of 24 base colors for the geometric ranges, structured into different typologies:
Uni-colors
Consistent, solid tints such as Super Blanc (white) and Noir (black) for sleek, modern designs.
Porphyry colors
Rich, marbled colors like Green-509 and Rust-506 for a natural, organic appearance.
Speckled colors
A unique range where various color particles are combined in one tile, such as Pyrenees-PYR and Amazon-Ama. The speckled finish is particularly valuable for high-traffic applications because it effectively masks dirt and signs of wear – a historically valued property that today improves visual hygiene and ease of maintenance in busy public spaces.
Working with Winckelmans Mosaic
Cutting and Tools
Despite the extreme density and hardness of the fully vitrified porcelain stoneware, the tiles are known for their relative ease of cutting:
- Standard tile nippers: Suitable for most cutting tasks
- Score-and-snap nippers: For precise, geometric shapes
- Oil-filled glass cutter with breaker: For the most accurate work
Installation and Grouting Advice
Important: Use Grout Without Pigment
A strict guideline for application is the use of unpigmented grout. The reason for this is that the unglazed, extremely dense surface reacts differently than porous or glazed materials. Pigments in the grout paste can accumulate on the microscopically small, matte surface and result in unwanted staining or an uneven finish that is difficult to remove.
Installation requirements:
- Preparation: When using underfloor heating, it must be switched off during the cleaning phase, and the floor must be cold and dry
- Cleaning: Remove grout film and construction dirt approximately 48 hours after laying, after the grout has cured
- Material requirement: An allowance of 10-15% is recommended to cover cutting loss
- Adhesive: Use suitable tile adhesive for ceramic tiles
Maintenance and Sealing
One of the greatest advantages of fully vitrified porcelain stoneware is its minimal maintenance requirements. Due to porosity being near zero, the tiles are impermeable and retain their appearance for decades without the need for sealing.
Optional impregnation: Although sealing is not required for technical protection, impregnation can be optionally applied if maximum protection against dirt and moisture is desired (e.g., with HMK S234 Stain Stop). When impregnators are used, it is vital they are applied thinly and any excess product is wiped away immediately with a clean, lint-free cloth.
Daily maintenance:
- Clean with neutral soap and water
- Avoid aggressive chemicals
- No sealer needed
- Resistant to all normal cleaning agents
Applications of Winckelmans
The UPEC certification and extreme properties make Winckelmans universally applicable:
- Commercial floors with heavy traffic: Shops, hotels, restaurants, offices
- Public spaces: Metro stations (Parisian Metro style), airports, museums
- Wet areas: Bathrooms, swimming pools, spas
- Outdoor applications: Terraces, entrances, facades
- Residential: Kitchens, bathrooms, hallways, entrances
- Historical restorations: Reproduction of original floor patterns and encaustic tilework
- Custom projects: Logos, specific drawings, and complex patterns
Sustainability and Environment
Sustainability is an integral part of Winckelmans' production ethos:
- Minimal environmental impact: Durable materials and energy-efficient production
- Virtually no waste: The production process generates almost no waste
- Fully recyclable: The tiles can be recycled at the end of their lifecycle
- Long lifespan: Decades of use without loss of quality
- No maintenance products needed: No sealers or special cleaning agents required
Customization and Reproduction
Winckelmans excels in customization and restoration. By combining traditional manufacturing processes with modern computer technologies, the company is able to accurately reproduce existing patterns:
- Reproduction of historical floor patterns
- Custom logos and drawings
- Complex geometric designs
- Color matching for restoration projects
- Combination of different shapes and sizes
UPEC Classification
Winckelmans mosaics are classified using the UPEC rating system, which assesses the suitability of tiles for different usage environments based on four criteria:
- U (Usure): Wear - resistance to mechanical abrasion
- P (Poinçonnement): Heavy traffic - resistance to heavy loads
- E (Eau): Water - resistance to moisture and water
- C (Chimique): Chemical resistance - resistance to chemicals
This classification is crucial for architectural selection, as it confirms suitability for heavy commercial and public applications.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "through-body colored" mean?
At Winckelmans, the dyes are distributed throughout the entire thickness of the tile (teinté dans la masse). This means that even with deep wear, the color remains intact – the tile looks the same on the inside as on the outside. This is fundamentally different from glazed tiles where only the surface is colored.
Do I need to seal Winckelmans tiles?
No, it is not necessary. Due to the near-zero porosity (≤0.5% water absorption), the tiles are naturally impermeable. Sealing is optional and only recommended if you want extra stain protection in very specific circumstances.
Can I use Winckelmans in a swimming pool?
Absolutely! Winckelmans is ideal for swimming pools and other wet areas. The material is impermeable to water, resistant to chlorine and chemicals, and retains its color. Major projects like the Helperbad in Groningen are finished with Winckelmans.
Are the tiles suitable for underfloor heating?
Yes, Winckelmans mosaic is compatible with underfloor heating. Please note: switch off the underfloor heating during the cleaning phase after installation and ensure the floor is cold and dry before starting to clean.
Why shouldn't I use pigmented grout?
The unglazed, matte surface of Winckelmans reacts differently than glazed tiles. Pigments can accumulate in the microscopically small surface and cause unwanted stains that are difficult to remove. Always use unpigmented grout.
Can I have historical patterns reproduced?
Yes! Winckelmans combines traditional manufacturing with modern computer technology to accurately reproduce existing patterns, logos, and specific drawings. This makes it ideal for restoring historical floors and encaustic tilework.