Product Overview

MSI Terranello Pearl 4" x 4" Glossy Ceramic Wall Tile brings luminous ivory color and handcrafted character to backsplashes, bathroom walls, shower surrounds, and decorative features. The Pearl colorway combines a cool-white foundation with soft pearlescent highlights that gently change as light moves across the surface.

A subtly irregular, artisan-inspired surface gives each tile greater depth than a conventional flat ceramic square. The glossy glaze emphasizes these delicate variations, creating soft reflections and an elegant handmade appearance without the maintenance requirements of genuine handcrafted clay tile.

The classic 4" square format supports clean stacked grids, offset layouts, diagonal installations, checkerboard combinations, and creative pairings with the coordinating Terranello Pearl 2" × 8" tile.

Technical Specifications

V3 variation means noticeable differences in tone, glaze movement, and surface character should be expected. Blend tiles from multiple cartons to achieve a balanced installation.

Recommended Applications

• Kitchen Backsplashes: Creates a luminous neutral background behind countertops, sinks, ranges, and cabinetry.

• Bathroom Walls: Adds softly reflective color around vanities, mirrors, freestanding tubs, and decorative wall panels.

• Shower Walls: May be installed over a complete waterproofing system using setting materials approved for glazed ceramic in wet locations.

• Tub Surrounds: Produces a light, refined surface that coordinates easily with stone, quartz, and porcelain.

• Powder-Room Features: The pearlescent glaze brings visual depth to compact rooms without overwhelming the design.

• Fireplace Surrounds: Suitable for approved wall surfaces outside direct flame and within the fireplace manufacturer’s clearance requirements.

• Commercial Feature Walls: MSI approves the tile for commercial wall applications such as boutiques, hospitality interiors, reception areas, and restaurants.

This product is not approved for floors, countertops, outdoor installations, swimming pools, or submerged applications.

Installation & Handling Guidelines

⚠️ IMPORTANT: V3 HANDCRAFTED-LOOK TILE

Differences in color, glaze, texture, and surface movement are intentional. Review and blend the complete installation before setting the tile.

• Dry-Lay and Blend: Open several cartons and distribute lighter, darker, smoother, and more visibly textured pieces throughout the wall.

• Substrate Preparation: Install over a clean, flat, stable substrate appropriate for ceramic wall tile.

• Wet-Area Preparation: Shower and tub-surround installations require an approved waterproofing system. Glazed tile and grout do not waterproof the wall assembly.

• Mortar Selection: Use a polymer-modified thin-set mortar approved for glazed ceramic and the installation environment.

• Mastic Limitation: Organic adhesive may only be used where its manufacturer specifically approves the substrate and exposure. Do not use ordinary mastic in submerged areas or wet installations where it is not approved.

• Grout Joint: Determine the final joint width after examining the actual tile dimensions and handcrafted surface variation. Use spacers suitable for irregular-look ceramic tile.

• Grout Selection: Use grout compatible with glossy glazed ceramic. Test highly pigmented or abrasive grout on spare tiles before installation.

• Alignment: Check the layout frequently because small differences in the handcrafted-look edges can become more visible across long horizontal or vertical courses.

• Movement Accommodation: Provide perimeter, change-of-plane, and field movement joints according to TCNA EJ171 and applicable construction requirements.

• Cutting: MSI recommends wet cutting or the score-and-snap method. Do not dry-cut the tile with power tools.

• Order Allowance: Add approximately 10–15% for cuts, shade blending, breakage, layout adjustments, and future repairs.

Care & Maintenance

• Clean with warm water and a mild, neutral-pH tile cleaner.

• Use a soft cloth, sponge, or non-abrasive brush.

• Avoid abrasive powders, steel wool, aggressive scrubbers, and harsh alkaline or acidic chemicals.

• Wipe cooking grease, soap residue, cosmetics, and strongly pigmented splashes promptly.

• The glazed ceramic surface does not require sealing.

• Cement-based grout may require sealing according to the grout manufacturer’s instructions.

• Test specialty cleaners on an inconspicuous area before widespread use.

Design Profile

• Aesthetic Inspiration: Handcrafted Mediterranean, quiet luxury, organic contemporary, coastal transitional, and modern farmhouse.

• Color Character: Luminous cool white with pearlescent ivory highlights.

• Surface Character: Glossy, softly dimensional, and artisan-inspired.

• Layout Options: Straight stack, running bond, diagonal diamond, checkerboard, and mixed-format installations.

• Coordinating Format: Terranello Pearl 2" × 8" Glossy Ceramic Wall Tile.

• Complementary Materials: White oak, walnut, Calacatta marble, creamy quartz, limestone, and warm plaster.

• Complementary Metals: Polished nickel, brushed brass, chrome, champagne bronze, and matte black.

• Suggested Grout Colors: Bright white creates continuity; ivory softens the appearance; pale gray gives each square greater definition.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Terranello Pearl handmade?

No. It is manufactured glazed ceramic designed to reproduce the subtle surface movement and irregular character of handcrafted tile.

What is the correct manufacturer SKU?

The correct MSI item number is NTERPEA4X4G.

What shade-variation rating does it have?

MSI rates Terranello Pearl as V3, meaning noticeable variation between individual tiles should be expected.

How many tiles are included in a carton?

Current packaging information lists 51 tiles covering approximately 5.66 square feet. Verify the current carton before ordering.

Can it be installed on a floor?

No. MSI classifies Terranello Pearl as a wall-only ceramic tile.

Can it be installed on shower walls?

Yes, when installed over an approved waterproofing system using mortar and grout suitable for ceramic tile in wet locations.

Can it be used outdoors or in a swimming pool?

No. MSI does not approve Terranello Pearl for exterior or submerged applications.

Does the glazed tile require sealing?

The glazed ceramic face does not require sealing. Cement-based grout may require sealing.

Will every tile look identical?

No. Variations in color, glaze movement, and surface texture are intentional features of the handcrafted-look design.