To avoid a mismatch, buy the base and decor tiles of a concept from the same factory, made in the same production period, and approve them laid side by side before loading. Then check the shade and batch on every box.
Mismatch happens because decor tiles are often made in a separate run from the base. A small change in glaze, ink or kiln temperature between runs shifts the background colour. In the box it may look fine; on a grouted wall it shows.
Where mismatch comes from
- Different production runs for base and decor, sometimes weeks apart.
- Effect glazes on decor tiles that change how the background colour looks.
- Decor bought in from another plant and packed under the same design code.
- Decor taken from old stock while the base is freshly made.
- A different kiln or line for decor, with a slightly different firing.
Shade and batch are not the same thing, and both matter here. Our guide on shade and batch numbers explains the difference, and how shade variation is controlled covers sorting on the line.
Before you order
- Ask whether the decor is made in the same plant and on the same line as the base.
- Ask whether the decor will be made in the same run or production period as your base order.
- Ask for physical samples of base and decor from the same batch, not from a showroom board.
- Write the shade and batch rule for both base and decor into the purchase order.
Approving the match
Approve the match on a laid-out panel, not on single tiles in your hand. Lay several base tiles with the decor tiles between them, as they will sit on the wall. Look from a normal viewing distance, in daylight and under the kind of light your customers use.
Photograph the approved panel with the batch and shade numbers visible. That photo becomes the reference for loading and for any later claim.
At loading
- Open boxes of base and decor from the production lot and lay them together against the approved panel.
- Check that the batch and shade codes on every box match the agreed codes.
- Load base and decor for one concept in the same container where possible.
- Record the batch and shade codes of each concept on the packing list.
After arrival
Keep base and decor from the same batch together in your warehouse and sell them together. When a customer needs more decor later, a new batch may not match the old base. Hold a little spare decor from each batch for this. The reasons are explained in highlighter and decor tiles.
Next step
We lay out base and decor together at the factory, photograph the approved panel and check every box at loading. To protect your next concept order, book a free sourcing review.