Product Overview

Fujiwa Metro Series Shadow Grey 3" x 6" Glossy Porcelain Field Tile brings a classic subway-tile format together with a sophisticated smoky-gray palette and luminous glazed finish. Designed by Fujiwa, a specialist in porcelain tile for pools and architectural water features, this versatile field tile creates clean, reflective surfaces across pool waterlines, spas, showers, backsplashes, and indoor or outdoor feature walls.

The compact 3" x 6" format supports numerous installation patterns, including traditional running bond, stacked, vertical, and herringbone layouts. Its glossy surface enhances surrounding light and gives the neutral gray color a polished, contemporary character suitable for residential, hospitality, and aquatic environments.

Sold as loose field tiles, each carton contains 40 pieces covering approximately 5 square feet. Shadow Grey is approved for pool applications and is frost-resistant, but it is designated as a wall tile rather than a floor tile. 

Technical Specifications

Recommended Applications

• Swimming-Pool Waterlines: Creates a sleek gray border that pairs well with blue, white, black, or natural-stone pool finishes.

• Spas and Water Features: The glossy glaze reflects moving water and accent lighting across fountains, raised spas, and decorative aquatic walls.

• Shower and Bathroom Walls: Provides a durable, easy-to-clean subway-tile surface for shower surrounds, vanity backsplashes, and tub walls.

• Kitchen Backsplashes: Complements white, charcoal, concrete-look, and wood cabinetry in contemporary kitchens.

• Exterior Feature Walls: Frost-resistant porcelain makes it suitable for qualifying outdoor vertical installations when installed with an exterior-rated system.

Installation & Handling Guidelines

⚠️ IMPORTANT: THIS PRODUCT IS NOT RECOMMENDED FOR FLOORING

Use Shadow Grey on walls, pool waterlines, spas, and approved aquatic surfaces. Do not specify it for pool floors, shower floors, decks, or other walking surfaces.

• Substrate Preparation: Install over a clean, rigid, properly prepared substrate. Pools, showers, and other wet areas require a waterproofing system designed for the intended exposure.

• Mortar Selection: Use a premium polymer-modified mortar approved for porcelain tile. For pools or continuously wet installations, select a complete setting system rated for immersion.

• Coverage Requirements: Apply mortar using a suitable notched trowel and achieve full, uniform contact behind every tile. Aquatic installations should not contain unsupported voids where water can collect.

• Grout Joints: A joint of approximately 1/8 inch is generally appropriate, subject to tile calibration, installation pattern, and project requirements. Use spacers for consistent alignment.

• Grout Selection: Use a high-performance cementitious or epoxy grout rated for pools and wet environments. Confirm compatibility with the glossy glaze before installation.

• Expansion and Movement Joints: Provide movement accommodation around corners, changes of plane, structural transitions, and pool perimeters. Do not fill movement joints with rigid grout.

• Quantity Planning: Order approximately 10% additional material for straight installations and 15% or more for herringbone layouts, extensive cuts, or future repairs.

Care & Maintenance

• Routine Cleaning: Wash with clean water and a neutral-pH tile cleaner using a soft cloth, sponge, or nonabrasive brush.

• Pool Maintenance: Maintain balanced pool-water chemistry to reduce mineral deposits, discoloration, and scale along the waterline.

• Mineral Deposits: Use only a porcelain-compatible scale remover and test it on an inconspicuous area before treating the full installation.

• Avoid Abrasives: Do not use steel wool, aggressive scouring pads, or abrasive powders that may dull or scratch the glossy glaze.

• Sealing: The glazed porcelain surface does not ordinarily require sealing. Cementitious grout may require a penetrating grout sealer unless the grout manufacturer states otherwise.

Design Profile

• Aesthetic Inspiration: Modern Industrial, Contemporary Coastal, Minimalist Spa, Urban Transitional.

• Visual Advantage: The glossy smoky-gray surface adds depth and reflection without the strong color commitment of blue or green pool tile.

• Pattern Options: Traditional running bond, stacked horizontal, vertical stack, basketweave, or herringbone.

• Complementary Finishes: White plaster, pale blue pool finishes, stainless steel, brushed nickel, matte black fixtures, concrete-look porcelain, and light natural wood.

• Grout Pairings: Matching gray creates a continuous surface; charcoal emphasizes the geometric pattern; white produces a crisp, high-contrast subway-tile effect.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the correct SKU for Fujiwa Metro Shadow Grey?

The correct product code is METRO-364.

How much does one box cover?

One box contains 40 tiles and covers approximately 5 square feet.

How many tiles are needed per square foot?

Approximately eight nominal 3" x 6" tiles are required per square foot before allowing for cuts and waste.

Can Shadow Grey Metro tile be installed in a swimming pool?

Yes. It is approved for pool applications when installed over an appropriate substrate with waterproofing, mortar, grout, and movement joints rated for aquatic exposure.

Can it be used on a pool or shower floor?

No. The product is designated for wall applications and should not be used on walking surfaces.

Is the tile suitable for outdoor installations?

Yes, for qualifying exterior wall installations. It is listed as frost-resistant, but the complete substrate, waterproofing, mortar, grout, and movement-joint system must also be suitable for local climate conditions.

Does this glazed porcelain tile require sealing?

The glazed tile surface generally does not require sealing. Cementitious grout may benefit from sealing depending on the selected grout and installation environment.