Glass tile

This trend can be attributed to recent technological breakthroughs,[example needed] as well as the tiles inherent properties; in particular, their potential to impart intense color, reflect light, and remain impervious to water.

[2] Smalti is made by mixing molten glass with metal oxides for color in a furnace; the result is a cloudy mixture poured into flat slabs that are cooled and broken into individual pieces.

The molten mixture can be topped with gold leaf, followed by a thin glass film to protect against tarnishing.

Traditional smalti tiles are still found today in many European churches and ornamental objects; the method is used by some present-day artisans, both in installations and fine art.

This has allowed impregnation of heat-transfer dyes by a printing process reproducing high resolution pictures and designs.