Product Overview

MSI Zest Star 2.5" × 8" Satin Ceramic Wall Tile captures the softly irregular character of traditional Moroccan zellige in an easy-to-maintain glazed ceramic format. Its Star colorway combines cool white, soft off-white and delicate pastel undertones, creating a luminous neutral surface with subtle handcrafted movement.

The satin glaze provides a gentle shimmer rather than a high-gloss reflection, allowing light to play across the tile’s intentionally uneven surface. Its elongated format supports stacked, offset, vertical and herringbone layouts across backsplashes, shower surrounds, vanity walls and decorative interior features.

Technical Specifications

Although the tile has an intentionally uneven, handcrafted-looking surface, its V1 rating refers to color variation. Surface relief and light reflection may still differ subtly between pieces.

Recommended Applications

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

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

• Bathroom and Vanity Walls: Adds dimensional character without introducing a strong color commitment.

• Tub Surrounds: Provides a practical glazed surface with the visual warmth of handmade tile.

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

• Powder-Room Features: Works beautifully behind mirrors, floating vanities and wall-mounted fixtures.

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

Layout Options

• Horizontal stacked

• Vertical stacked

• Traditional offset

• One-third offset

• Vertical running bond

• 45-degree herringbone

• Double herringbone

• Framed niche or decorative inset

• Mixed-format layouts with Zest Star 4" × 4"

The 2.5" × 8" format can visually widen a wall when installed horizontally or emphasize ceiling height when installed vertically.

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 parts of the zellige-inspired appearance.

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

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

• Wet Areas: Shower 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.

• Dry-Lay the Tile: Arrange pieces before setting to distribute the handcrafted surface movement 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 strongly pigmented grout on spare material before installation.

• Grout Color: Bright white creates a crisp appearance, soft white produces a quieter transition, and pale gray emphasizes the elongated layout.

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

• Exposed Edges: Plan unfinished edges before installation. Use coordinating trim, a suitable metal profile or a professionally finished termination.

• Movement Joints: Provide perimeter and field movement accommodation according to applicable installation standards.

• Order Allowance: Add approximately 10–15% for cuts, layout selection, breakage and future repairs. Herringbone 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, warm minimalism, modern Mediterranean and organic contemporary.

• Color Character: Cool white, soft off-white and delicate pastel undertones.

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

• Visual Advantage: The gentle surface movement reflects light softly without the stronger glare of a conventional glossy subway tile.

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

• Complementary Materials: White oak, walnut, limewash, warm plaster and fluted glass.

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

• Suggested Grout Colors: Bright white, soft white, ivory or pale gray.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the collection called Zelyge or Zest?

The official MSI collection name is Zest. “Zellige” describes the handcrafted Moroccan-tile appearance.

Is Star a yellow tile?

No. MSI classifies Star as cool white and describes it as soft off-white with pale pastel tones. The yellow description currently appearing on the related 4x4 listing is inaccurate.

Is this ceramic or porcelain?

MSI identifies Zest Star as glazed ceramic wall tile. It should not be categorized as porcelain.

Does every tile have a different color?

MSI rates the product V1 for relatively uniform color. However, subtle differences in surface relief, edge shape and light reflection create its handcrafted appearance.

Can Zest Star be installed on a shower wall?

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

Can it be installed on a shower floor?

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

Can the 2.5x8 tile be combined with the 4x4 format?

Yes. Zest Star is available in both formats, 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.