🏛️ THE DESIGN IDENTITY
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The Archetype: The Organic Earth-Luxe Linear Field for high-end swimming pool waterlines, tranquil spa spillways, warm architectural feature walls, and natural linear backsplashes.
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The Contrast: Moving away from cool aquatic blues and stark industrial grays, Rare Earth (LOMBO-881)introduces a rich, grounded, stone-inspired aesthetic. It combines slender, beveled pencil-strip chips with a multi-tonal mix of warm terracotta, deep amber, ochre, and dark basalt undertones that shimmer under water and direct sunlight.
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Design Aesthetics: The premier surface choice for Organic Modern Sanctuaries, Warm Terracotta-Toned Pools, Desert Resort Hardscapes, and Textured Architectural Feature Walls.
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The Mineral Field: Features a high-fired Japanese porcelain body—blending toasted amber, terracotta, rich ochre, dark mineral brown, and a light-diffusing textured glaze.
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The Visual Flow: The slender 1/2" x 3-1/4" pencil-strip chips are mesh-mounted onto flexible sheets. This elongated format creates elegant horizontal or vertical rhythm, making it seamless to wrap around curved spa walls or line pool waterlines.
🏷️ PRODUCT TITLE
Fujiwa Lombo Series: 1/2" x 3-1/4" Rare Earth (LOMBO-881) Porcelain Pencil Mosaic Tile
📝 PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
Bring rich, organic warmth and tactile architectural depth to your outdoor oasis or interior space with Fujiwa LOMBO-881 Rare Earth Porcelain Pencil Tile. As part of Fujiwa's designer Lombo Collection, this tile features elongated pencil-strip chips with gently beveled edges and a multi-tonal, stone-look finish that creates dynamic visual depth underwater and under sunlight.
Each 1/2" x 3-1/4" strip is pre-assembled on a flexible mesh backing (covering 1.18 sq. ft. per sheet) for simple, precise installation along flat or curved substrates. High-fired to achieve near-zero water absorption (0.03%–0.05%), LOMBO-881 Rare Earth is completely frost-proof, chemical-resistant, stain-proof, and weather-durable. Ideal for swimming pool waterlines, full spa linings, outdoor waterfalls, kitchen backsplashes, and shower feature walls, it brings an authentic, handcrafted feel to any environment.
✨ KEY FEATURES
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Slender Pencil-Strip Scale: 1/2" x 3-1/4" beveled chips deliver a modern linear format with subtle 3D edge movement.
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Submerged Aquatic Durability: High-fired porcelain body is completely frost-proof, pool-chemical resistant, stain-proof, and moisture-resistant (< 0.05% water absorption).
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Rich "Rare Earth" Palette: Multi-tonal terracotta, amber, ochre, and deep mineral brown shades complement travertine decks, warm wood accents, and natural stone coping.
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Flexible Mesh-Backed Sheets: Pre-assembled on ~12" x 12" sheets (1.18 sq. ft./sheet) for easy, uniform installation on curved or flat substrates.
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Easy Maintenance Surface: Non-porous glazed face resists pool algae, scum buildup, and hard water scaling.
📊 SPECIFICATIONS
| Technical Property |
Details |
| Manufacturer |
Fujiwa Tile |
| Collection Name |
Lombo Series |
| Model / SKU |
LOMBO-881 (Rare Earth) |
| Material Type |
High-Fired Glazed Porcelain |
| Chip Dimensions |
1/2" Width x 3-1/4" Length |
| Sheet Coverage |
1.18 Sq. Ft. per Sheet (~12" x 12") |
| Thickness |
Approx. 0.30" (~7.7 mm) |
| Surface Finish |
Textured Glazed / Beveled Edges |
| Water Absorption |
Ultra-Low (0.03% – 0.05%) |
| Packaging |
20 Sheets (23.6 Sq. Ft.) per box |
| Applications |
Pool Waterlines, Spas, Waterfalls, Kitchen Backsplashes, Shower Walls |
🛠️ INSTALLATION REQUIREMENTS
⚠️ CRITICAL WARNING: SUBMERGED WATERPROOFING & MORTAR SELECTION
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Pool-Grade Thinset Mortar: Always set porcelain pool mosaics using an ANSI A118.15-compliant polymer-modified thinset mortar specified for submerged applications (such as LATICRETE® 254 Platinum or MAPEI® Kerabond T / Keralastic System).
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100% Mortar Contact: Back-butter mesh sheets as needed to ensure full mortar coverage behind the pencil strips, eliminating hollow air pockets beneath water pressure.
Professional Installation Recommendations
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Recommended Grout: Pair with a waterproof pool grout (such as LATICRETE® Spectralock® PRO Premium Epoxy Grout) in "Warm Gray" or "Alabaster" to soften individual chips, or "Dark Charcoal" for high-contrast linear definition.
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Grout Joint Width: Pre-spaced on the flexible mesh backing for uniform joint alignment throughout.
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Cure Time: Allow a full cure time of 14 to 21 days before filling pools or spas with water.
💡 PRO CARE & MAINTENANCE TIPS
1. Routine Waterline Cleaning: Clean regularly with a soft sponge and a pH-neutral pool tile cleaner to remove body oils and mineral deposits.
2. Maintain Pool Water Chemistry: Keep pool pH (7.2–7.6) and calcium levels balanced to protect grout lines and preserve tile luster.
3. Zero Sealing Required: The porcelain body is completely non-porous and requires no topical sealers or waxes.
💬 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: Is Fujiwa LOMBO-881 Rare Earth tile safe for freeze-thaw climates?
A: Yes! Fujiwa porcelain tiles are high-fired with near-zero water absorption (under 0.05%), making them completely frost-proof and suitable for submerged outdoor applications in cold climate zones.
Q: How does LOMBO-881 Rare Earth compare to LOMBO-830 Wheat or LOMBO-836 Autumn?
A: LOMBO-881 Rare Earth features a richer, stone-like variegated color spectrum with terracotta and mineral-brown undertones, whereas Wheat offers a lighter golden-tan look and Autumn leans into glossy metallic copper/rust tones.
Q: How many sheets should I order for a pool waterline?
A: Calculate your pool perimeter in linear feet. Since each sheet covers 1.18 sq. ft., multiply your waterline height fraction (e.g., 0.5 ft for a 6-inch band) by the perimeter, divide by 1.18, and add 10% to 15% extra for waste and edge trimming.
