Product Overview

MSI Zest Midnight 2.5" × 8" Satin Ceramic Wall Tile combines dramatic inky-black color with the softly irregular character of handmade Moroccan zellige. Its elongated subway format and subtly textured surface create a sophisticated architectural finish for kitchens, bathrooms, showers, bars, and decorative feature walls.

The satin glaze catches light with a restrained shimmer, revealing gentle surface movement without the pronounced reflection of a high-gloss tile. Glazed edges and handcrafted-looking irregularities give the dark surface greater dimension and prevent large installations from appearing visually flat.

Zest Midnight supports horizontal and vertical stacking, running bond, herringbone, basketweave, and custom mixed-format layouts.

Technical Specifications

MSI describes Zest Midnight as an inky-black ceramic wall tile with a softly textured surface, satin finish, and subtle shimmer inspired by handmade zellige. MSI Surfaces

Recommended Applications

• Kitchen Backsplashes: Creates a sophisticated dark backdrop behind ranges, sinks, counters, and open shelving.

• Shower Walls: Suitable for full shower surrounds, decorative bands, and recessed niches over an approved waterproofing system.

• Bathroom Feature Walls: Adds dramatic contrast behind vanities, mirrors, and freestanding tubs.

• Wet Bars and Beverage Stations: Produces an elegant, softly reflective surface behind cabinetry and shelving.

• Fireplace Surrounds: May be installed outside the firebox where the complete assembly complies with required heat clearances.

• Powder Rooms: The deep color creates an intimate, luxurious atmosphere in compact interiors.

• Commercial Accent Walls: Appropriate for restaurants, boutiques, hospitality spaces, salons, and reception areas.

Layout Options

• Horizontal Straight Stack: Creates a clean, contemporary linear surface.

• Vertical Straight Stack: Emphasizes wall height and gives the tile a more architectural appearance.

• Running Bond: Produces a classic brick-style pattern with gentle movement.

• Herringbone: Introduces a bold directional pattern for backsplashes, showers, and feature walls.

• Basketweave: Alternates groups of horizontal and vertical tiles for a decorative woven effect.

• Mixed-Format Installation: Coordinate with Zest Midnight 4" × 4" tile to create borders, framed niches, bands, and modular compositions.

Installation & Handling Guidelines

⚠️ IMPORTANT: DARK GLAZE AND CONTRASTING-GROUT TESTING

Grout color has a substantial effect on Zest Midnight. Black grout creates a continuous tonal surface, while white grout sharply emphasizes the glazed edges, joints, and handcrafted texture. Approve a complete mockup before installation.

• Inspect Before Installation: Review and arrange the tiles under the project’s actual lighting before setting them.

• Substrate Preparation: Install over a clean, flat, stable, and properly prepared wall substrate.

• Wet-Area Waterproofing: Shower and tub applications require a complete waterproofing system. Ceramic tile and grout do not waterproof the underlying assembly.

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

• Mortar Color: White mortar is generally preferred where cut edges or portions of the ceramic body may be visible. Follow the setting-material manufacturer’s recommendations.

• Grout Joint: A joint of approximately 1/16" to 1/8" may be considered depending on tile calibration, layout, substrate conditions, and installer recommendations.

• Grout Testing: Test the selected grout on spare tiles. Fine grout residue can be more visible against a dark satin glaze.

• Grout Color: Black or charcoal produces a seamless appearance. White creates bold definition, while medium gray provides balanced contrast.

• Pattern Planning: Dry-lay herringbone, basketweave, and mixed-format patterns to confirm alignment and minimize small perimeter cuts.

• Cutting: MSI recommends wet cutting or the score-and-snap method. Do not dry-cut using power tools because this can generate hazardous silica dust.

• Exposed Edges: Finish open terminations with coordinating trim, a dark metal profile, or another installer-approved edge treatment.

• Movement Accommodation: Include perimeter and movement joints following TCNA EJ171 and applicable construction requirements.

• Order Allowance: Add approximately 10–15% for cuts, breakage, layout selection, and future repairs. Complex patterns may require additional material.

Shade Variation Notice

Zest Midnight carries a V1 shade-variation rating, indicating relatively uniform overall color between pieces. Subtle differences in surface relief, glaze depth, edge character, and light reflection are intentional features of its handcrafted appearance.

Because dark satin surfaces respond strongly to directional lighting, some pieces may appear lighter or darker depending on their position. Arrange the material before installation and distribute reflective differences throughout the surface.

Care & Maintenance

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

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

• Avoid abrasive powders, steel wool, aggressive scrubbers, and harsh chemicals that could dull or scratch the satin glaze.

• Rinse away soap and detergent residue thoroughly because residue may be especially visible on dark tile.

• Dry the surface with a clean microfiber cloth to reduce water spots.

• The glazed ceramic surface normally does not require sealing.

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

Design Profile

• Aesthetic Inspiration: Contemporary zellige, dark luxury, Art Deco, modern industrial, and boutique-hotel interiors.

• Color Character: Inky black, deep charcoal, and softly reflective graphite.

• Visual Advantage: Surface undulation prevents the dark color from appearing flat and creates changing highlights under directional lighting.

• Complementary Countertops: Calacatta Gold marble, white quartz, Nero Marquina marble, soapstone, and Taj Mahal quartzite.

• Complementary Materials: White oak, walnut, natural plaster, ribbed glass, concrete, and leather.

• Complementary Metals: Brushed brass, champagne bronze, polished nickel, gunmetal, and matte black.

• Suggested Grout Colors: Black for a seamless effect, charcoal for subtle definition, or white for dramatic contrast.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the collection called Zelyge?

No. The official MSI collection name is Zest. Zellige refers to the traditional Moroccan tile style that inspires its handcrafted appearance.

Is Zest Midnight ceramic or porcelain?

It is glazed ceramic wall tile, not porcelain.

Is Midnight a pure black color?

MSI describes it as an inky black. Its textured satin surface may create charcoal or graphite highlights depending on the lighting.

Does every tile look exactly the same?

It has a V1 color-variation rating, so the overall color is relatively uniform. Subtle differences in surface texture and reflection are intentional.

Can Zest Midnight be installed on shower walls?

Yes. It is suitable for shower surrounds when installed over an approved waterproofing system using wet-area-compatible setting materials.

Can it be installed on floors?

No. MSI identifies Zest Midnight as an interior wall tile and does not recommend it for residential or commercial floors.

Can it be installed in a herringbone pattern?

Yes. The 2.5" × 8" format supports herringbone, basketweave, stacked, running-bond, and other custom wall patterns.

Which grout color works best?

Black or charcoal creates a continuous tonal appearance. White grout strongly emphasizes the edges and pattern. Test the chosen combination before installation.

Can it be coordinated with the 4" × 4" version?

Yes. The coordinating Zest Midnight 4" × 4" tile can be used for borders, niches, bands, and mixed-format installations.

Does the tile require sealing?

The glazed ceramic surface does not normally require sealing. Cement-based grout may require a grout sealer.