Surface Systems

Granilla

Calibrated Glass Particles for Ceramic Tiles

Sized and graded to control surface gloss, texture, grip, and decorative depth

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01 The Material

Calibrated
Glass Grits

Granilla are calibrated glass particles applied to ceramic tile surfaces before firing. By varying particle size, hardness, and transparency, they control the final surface — from high-gloss transparency to matte texture, anti-slip traction, and raised decorative relief.

INCA Ceramics manufactures granilla as a complete surface system — from Sugar and GHR to POSH and anti-slip R10/R11 grades. Fine grits melt into smooth, transparent layers. Coarser particles create tactile depth and three-dimensional patterns — applied through wet, dry, or digital glue processes depending on the target finish.

Granilla processing and screening machinery at the INCA facility
Fine to large granulometry Used to control clarity, surface feel, friction, and decorative build.
Matte and glossy families Supports low-reflection architectural surfaces as well as bright transparent effects.
Wet, dry, and digital application routes Slurry-based systems, TR glazes, and digitally placed glue patterns.
02 Surface Systems

Five surfaces powered
by granilla

Each system uses a different particle strategy to control gloss, friction, transparency, and visual build.

01

Sugar

Glossy transparent structure

Sugar uses glossy grits, both hard and soft, that melt into a brilliant transparent 3D structure. The result is smooth to the touch, bright in reflection, and can be left as fired or further taken to lapato polishing for an even more refined surface.

Surface Read Bright and lively
Touch Smooth
02

GHR

Matte, low-reflection durability

GHR is built for matte surfaces with low light reflection and a natural architectural read. With controlled particle distribution, it offers high abrasion resistance, strong transparency, and solid digital graphic development without pushing the surface into gloss.

Surface Read Matte and anti-glare
Performance High abrasion resistance
03

R10 / R11

Fine microgrits for slip-focused surfaces

These microgrit systems are developed for low-gloss, low-reflection surfaces with a focus on slip resistance. Select the grade with your glaze and kiln conditions, then confirm the required slip classification through testing of the finished tile.

Key Benefit Finished-tile slip testing
Visual Read Low gloss transparency
04

POSH

Ultra-fine smooth matte transparency

POSH uses ultra-fine granilla to produce a smooth matte, low-gloss, highly transparent surface with very little surface feel. It supports clean colour development, superior flatness, and also works as a refined base for decorative surfaces that later receive dry granilla application.

Surface Feel Almost none
Role Decorative base layer
05

Dry Granilla

Digitally placed raised decorative pattern

Dry granilla uses large-sized grits, available in matte and glossy versions, with no fines in the mix. A digital machine lays down glue, the granilla is applied through a dry applicator, and the extra material is recovered by suction. This creates precise, high-definition three-dimensional decoration with clear pattern edges and real surface build.

Application Digital glue + dry applicator
Result Precise decorative 3D pattern
03 Application Logic

How granilla is
introduced onto the tile

Wet Application

Granilla is mixed with glue, water, and a small amount of TR glaze if needed, then applied via bell flow, cut flow, or airless spray systems onto the tile surface before firing.

TR Glaze Addition

Granilla is added directly to the milled glaze slurry without any glue. The mixture is then applied just like a conventional glaze — no additional equipment or process changes required.

Dry Application

Glue is placed digitally and large grits are introduced across the full tile surface. Material adheres only where the glue is laid — unused granilla is recovered via suction, giving precise decorative geometry.

04 Technical Properties

Why use Granilla?

The performance value sits in how precisely the particle family is matched to the desired surface outcome.

Calibrated granulometry

Tight particle sizing keeps surface development predictable from batch to batch.

Optical transparency

Selected systems can remain highly transparent even while shaping gloss, depth, or anti-slip performance.

Low-gloss control

Microgrit and ultra-fine families help create matte, anti-glare surfaces without turning heavy or chalky.

Abrasion resistance

Grit systems improve wear behaviour for demanding floor applications and long-service architectural spaces.

Friction management

R10 / R11 systems help raise coefficient of friction while maintaining a surface that still feels refined.

Digital decoration compatibility

Granilla can work with digital graphics, digital glue placement, and layered decorative build strategies.

Smooth-touch engineering

Fine systems can deliver almost no surface feel even when the visual read remains matte or structured.

Decorative three-dimensionality

Large dry-applied grits generate crisp build-up only where the design demands it, not across the full tile.

Selection & Specifications

Match the particles to
your surface target

Choose a surface family, then match the particle distribution and application route to your glaze and kiln cycle. Trial the complete tile system before fixing the production specification.

Sugar

For a glossy, transparent structured surface.

Compare the as-fired effect with the intended lapato or polishing finish.

Discuss Sugar

GHR

For matte surfaces with low light reflection.

Check transparency, graphic development, surface feel and abrasion requirements.

Discuss GHR

R10 / R11

For slip-focused, low-gloss surfaces.

Confirm the required slip classification through testing of the finished tile.

Discuss R10 / R11

POSH

For a smooth, low-gloss matte finish.

Check transparency, flatness and surface feel in the full glaze system.

Discuss POSH

Dry Granilla

For decorative relief placed with digital glue.

Match grit size, glue pattern, applicator and recovery settings to the desired build.

Discuss Dry Granilla

What to share for
a useful trial

Particle distribution
Required size range in µm or mesh, with the sieve system stated; include fines limits where relevant.
Application route
Wet application, glaze addition or dry application with digital glue; share equipment and application weight.
Firing and finish
Peak temperature (°C), cycle (minutes), glaze system and any polishing or lapato step.
Grade specifications
Request the grade code, particle-size distribution and application guidance. Confirm gloss, abrasion and slip requirements on the finished tile.

The R10 / R11 range name does not by itself certify a finished tile. Slip resistance must be assessed on the final surface under the required test conditions.

Ask for grade-specific technical guidance

Need a granilla system for a
specific surface target?

We can help you match granulometry, gloss level, and application route to the tile effect you want to build.

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