Product Overview

MSI Zest Sky 2.5" × 8" Satin Ceramic Wall Tile combines serene pastel-blue color with the softly irregular character of traditional Moroccan zellige. Its handcrafted-inspired surface features gentle undulations and subtly textured edges, creating dimensional movement across backsplashes, shower surrounds and decorative walls.

The satin glaze catches light with a delicate shimmer without producing the stronger reflection of a glossy subway tile. Its elongated format supports horizontal, vertical, offset, herringbone and basketweave-inspired layouts.

Technical Specifications

The V1 rating refers to color consistency. Subtle differences in surface relief, edge character and light reflection remain intentional elements of its handcrafted appearance.

Recommended Applications

• Kitchen Backsplashes: Introduces tranquil blue color and softly reflective texture behind counters, ranges and sinks.

• Shower Surrounds: Suitable for properly waterproofed shower walls using wet-area-compatible setting materials.

• Bathroom and Vanity Walls: Creates a calm, water-inspired surface behind mirrors, vanities and fixtures.

• Tub Surrounds: Provides an easy-to-maintain glazed surface with an artisanal appearance.

• Fireplace Surrounds: Suitable outside the firebox when installed over an approved substrate and within required clearances.

• Powder-Room Features: Adds soft color and architectural line movement to compact decorative walls.

• Commercial Accent Walls: Suitable for appropriate hospitality, restaurant, retail and reception interiors.

Layout Options

• Horizontal stacked

• Vertical stacked

• Traditional offset

• One-third offset

• Vertical running bond

• 45-degree herringbone

• Basketweave-inspired pattern

• Framed shower niche

• Mixed-format layout with Zest Sky 4" × 4"

Horizontal installation visually widens the wall, while vertical placement emphasizes ceiling height. Herringbone creates stronger decorative movement.

Installation and Handling Guidelines

IMPORTANT: HANDCRAFTED-LOOK SURFACE

Review and arrange the material before installation. Subtle differences in surface relief, edge character and light reflection are intentional.

• Wall-Only Installation: Do not install this product on residential or commercial floors.

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

• Wet Areas: Shower and tub installations require a complete waterproofing system behind the tile.

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

• Mortar Color: White mortar is generally preferred behind pale ceramic tile, especially where the tile body may be visible at exposed edges.

• Dry-Lay the Tile: Arrange pieces before setting to distribute surface movement and light reflection evenly.

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

• Grout Selection: Use grout approved for glazed ceramic. Test dark or strongly pigmented grout on spare pieces before installation.

• Grout Color: Bright white accentuates the textured edges; pale blue-gray creates a quieter transition; medium gray provides stronger pattern definition.

• Cutting: MSI recommends wet cutting or the score-and-snap method. Do not dry-cut with power tools because improper cutting can release harmful silica dust.

• Exposed Edges: Plan visible terminations before installation. Use coordinating trim, an appropriate metal profile or a professionally finished edge.

• Movement Accommodation: Provide perimeter and field movement joints according to applicable installation standards.

• Order Allowance: Add approximately 10–15% for cuts, layout selection, breakage and future repairs. Herringbone or basketweave-inspired layouts may require additional material.

Care and Maintenance

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

• Use a soft cloth, microfiber pad or nonabrasive sponge.

• Avoid abrasive powders, metal scrubbers and aggressive cleaning pads.

• Remove soap residue regularly from shower installations.

• Wipe cooking grease and strongly pigmented splashes promptly from backsplashes.

• The glazed ceramic face normally does not require sealing.

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

Design Profile

• Aesthetic Inspiration: Moroccan zellige, coastal contemporary, Mediterranean interiors and organic modern design.

• Color Character: Soft pastel blue reminiscent of a clear early-morning sky.

• Surface Character: Satin glaze over an intentionally uneven, handcrafted-inspired ceramic surface.

• Visual Advantage: The elongated shape introduces architectural line movement while the gentle shimmer keeps the surface from appearing flat.

• Complementary Countertops: Carrara marble, Thassos White, Calacatta Gold, white quartz and pale concrete.

• Complementary Materials: White oak, natural rattan, walnut, limewash and fluted glass.

• Complementary Metals: Brushed brass, polished nickel, chrome and matte black.

• Suggested Grout Colors: Bright white, soft white, pale gray or light blue-gray.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the collection called Zelyge or Zest?

The official MSI collection name is Zest. “Zellige” refers to the collection’s Moroccan handcrafted-tile appearance.

What color is Zest Sky?

It is a soft pastel sky blue with a satin glaze and gentle handcrafted surface movement.

Is this ceramic or porcelain?

MSI identifies Zest Sky as glazed ceramic wall tile. Third-party listings that categorize it as porcelain are inaccurate.

Does every tile have a different color?

MSI rates Zest Sky V1 for relatively uniform color. However, surface relief, edge texture and light reflection may vary subtly between pieces.

Can Zest Sky be installed on shower walls?

Yes. MSI recommends it for shower surrounds when installed over a complete waterproofing system using appropriate setting materials.

Can it be installed on a shower floor?

No. MSI does not approve this product for residential or commercial flooring.

Can the 2.5x8 tile be combined with Zest Sky 4x4?

Yes. Both formats share the same Sky color and satin handcrafted aesthetic, allowing coordinated mixed-format wall installations.

Does the tile require sealing?

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