Digital inkjet is a manufacturing route for a terracotta face, not an automatic advantage or performance result. This guide replaces a 2017 promotional comparison with a practical evaluation framework for colour gamut, apparent detail, pattern repeat, production range, clay body, fired appearance, samples, maintenance and supporting evidence.
The page is narrower than the main Terracotta Rainscreen overview and complements the Digital Inkjet Terracotta Selection Guide. It explains how to test a proposed finish rather than claiming that printed terracotta is universally clearer, more realistic, better or a substitute for natural stone.
All archived item references preserved
The original board contains 18 readable codes. The printed headings describe visual imitation categories; the products remain terracotta rather than granite, marble or wood.
Confirm which codes remain current, the body/profile and dimensions attached to each, the present pattern file, and whether samples belong to one production range. A web board cannot establish scale, sheen, relief, edge colour, batch variation or facade appearance.
What the 2017 process description actually said
| Archived statement | What can be retained | What must be verified now |
|---|---|---|
| Computer-transmitted pattern | The source described a digital design sent by computer for printing. | Current accepted file types, dimensions, scale, crop, repeat tile, colour workflow, revision control and approval reference. |
| Special ink on green body | The source described special ink applied to unfired or “green” terracotta before firing. | Exact current body/surface construction, process sequence, ink or coating scope, edge/return treatment and compatibility with the selected profile. |
| Printing takes a few seconds | Retain only as an archived 2017 production-time statement. | Equipment, panel size, pass definition, setup, line conditions, timing method and whether printing time excludes handling, drying, firing and inspection. |
| Many colours in one go | Retain only as a qualitative archived multi-colour statement. | Current ink/channel configuration, achievable fired colour gamut for the selected body, spot/reference matching limits and sample evidence. |
| Ultra-high-temperature firing | The source said the printed green body was subsequently fired. | Current process description and quality controls; the source gave no temperature, duration, atmosphere, firing curve or product-specific record. |
| High-definition detail | Retain as the article’s historical appearance claim, not a measured result. | Input artwork resolution, current technical print data, intended viewing distance and fired full-size sample; a device number alone cannot prove visible detail. |
| Every panel pattern is different | Retain as an unverified 2017 claim about variation. | Current number of variants, sequence or randomization method, repeat interval, orientation rules, elevation distribution and multi-panel mock-up. |
| “3D” inkjet effect | Retain as the legacy product/process label. | Whether the proposed face has measurable relief, a printed depth illusion, another surface treatment or a combination; do not infer volumetric printing. |
Evaluate the finish across seven linked variables
Clay body and base tone
Identify the exact body, profile, dimensions and pre-print colour. The substrate and firing response influence the finished face; the same artwork cannot be assumed to look identical on another body.
Colour gamut and matching
State the physical reference, target hues, light/dark balance and acceptable difference. Review fired samples under relevant lighting; screen previews and generic colour values are not final production standards.
Resolution and visible detail
Separate source-file detail, printer data and fired visual result. Evaluate the smallest important features on a full-size sample at the intended viewing distances rather than relying on an isolated resolution number.
Pattern library and repeat
List current variants and map recognizable clusters, grain or veins across several panels. Define orientation, rotation, crop and distribution so repetition is assessed at elevation scale.
Fired face and surface character
Review colour shift, sheen, relief, texture, edges and returns on fired pieces. A digital file cannot show how the complete manufacturing sequence will appear on the selected terracotta unit.
Batch range and traceability
Approve a dated range rather than one ideal piece. Record body, finish, pattern revision, sample/lot references and the method for comparing production and future replacement units.
Maintenance context
Define expected deposits, access, water and cleaning products. Request current manufacturer guidance and test the proposed method on a representative sample or mock-up before broad use.
Facade-system boundary
Keep surface approval separate from structural, fire, water, thermal, acoustic and fixing evidence for the complete proposed assembly and jurisdiction.
Use an evidence ladder, not one attractive image
- Archive board: use the retained image and codes only to shortlist visual directions.
- Current labelled chip: confirm the exact body, finish, pattern, date and production status.
- Full-size fired unit: inspect colour, apparent detail, sheen, relief, edge/profile and the pattern at real scale.
- Range set: review enough pieces to define acceptable colour, pattern and surface variation.
- Repeated-panel mock-up: expose pattern recurrence, orientation, joints, cuts, corners and adjacent materials.
- Project mock-up: where required, combine the finish with representative modules, supports and interfaces under recorded acceptance criteria.
- Production benchmark: retain signed samples or a range board, revision/lot traceability and an agreed nonconformance/change process.
Approval at one level does not release every later level. A chip may approve direction, a repeated panel set may approve pattern distribution, and a technical mock-up may address only the assembly and criteria written into its scope.
Match each claim to current evidence
| Decision or claim | Minimum evidence to request | Important limitation |
|---|---|---|
| Colour capability | Current fired sample range tied to the exact body/finish, plus a documented approval reference and viewing conditions | A screen gamut or unrelated sample does not prove the proposed fired result. |
| Fine detail / resolution | Current technical data with defined units and conditions, source-artwork requirements and a full-size fired sample | A nominal resolution value does not alone establish perceived facade detail. |
| Low visible repetition | Current variant count/library, placement logic and a repeated-panel layout or mock-up | “Every piece different” cannot be accepted without a traceable pattern strategy. |
| Batch control | Approved range, lot identification, inspection method, acceptance rule and change/replacement procedure | Variation cannot be judged from one ideal sample or a historical board. |
| Cleaning and stain response | Current guidance and applicable scoped tests or project trials for the exact face and cleaning exposure | A printed or fired appearance does not automatically prove cleanability or stain resistance. |
| Weathering / UV / colour retention | Applicable current report with standard/edition, specimen, exposure, date, laboratory, result and product scope | No permanent-colour, fade-proof or universal-weathering claim is made here. |
| Fire and complete-facade performance | Current product and assembly evidence applicable to the selected build-up, plus project design and approvals | Inkjet-process language does not establish fire, structural, water, thermal or acoustic results. |
| Environmental comparison | Comparable current life-cycle or environmental documents with matched declared unit, modules, scenarios and product/plant scope | Natural-looking imagery and a clay body do not prove environmental superiority to stone, wood or another facade. |
Maintain the approved appearance through the project
Link the selected body, surface and pattern revision to the finish schedule, shop drawings, sample record, panel/elevation map and production release. Define who may change artwork scale, colour target, variant distribution, orientation or cleaning method after approval, and how the effect of a change will be reviewed.
For maintenance, begin with inspection and the least aggressive current manufacturer-approved method appropriate to the deposit. Trial the method in a discreet representative area or sample, record the result, and keep project safety and environmental requirements in view. This guide does not prescribe a universal cleaner, pressure, chemical or interval.
Request evidence and fired samples for the proposed finish
Send the project location, target panel/body/profile, visual reference or archived code, artwork intent, module, viewing distance, preliminary quantity, required standards, delivery destination and programme. Ask for the current pattern options, evidence list and sample sequence before specification or production release.