Photo Tiles

Wholesale sublimation ceramic tile blanks, sold by the case. Tiles are where print quality actually shows. A mug is looked at from arm's length while it is being used. A tile is looked at closely, at size, on a wall or a desk, and it is judged the way a print is judged.

That is also where the margin is. A 6 x 6 tile costs under two dollars as a blank and sells as framed artwork.

What's in this collection

• Sizes from 1.75 x 1.75 in up to 12 x 12 in
• 4.25 in square in both gloss and matte, plus 6 x 6, 6 x 8, 8 x 8, 8 x 10 and 8 x 12
• 4 in heart tiles and small format tiles for coasters and magnets
• 16 to 200 per case depending on size, one case minimum

Gloss or matte

Gloss gives deeper blacks and more saturated color, which suits photographs and anything with a wide tonal range. Matte kills reflections, which matters if the finished piece will hang under a light or be photographed for a listing. The 4.25 in square is stocked in both so you can compare on the same size before committing to a larger format.

Sizes and what they sell as

The 1.75 in tiles at 200 per case are a components product rather than a finished one: coasters, magnets, pendants, inlays. The 4.25 in is the classic coaster and small gift size. From 6 x 6 upward you are selling wall art, and the 12 x 12 at 16 per case is the display piece.

Image quality matters more here

A low resolution file that passes on a mug will show on an 8 x 10 tile. Ask your customer for the highest resolution original they have rather than a phone screenshot or a social media download, and set expectations before you press rather than after.

Bulk decorating and print on demand

Our Fremont, CA facility offers print on demand and bulk decorating on tiles.

Read the Grandparents Day photo gift guide.

Compare with photo slates, or see photo frames.

ORCA Coatings® is a registered trademark of Photo USA Corp, coating sublimation blanks in Fremont, CA since 1992. Ships from our Fremont, CA and Kentucky warehouses.

Frequently asked questions

What sizes of sublimation tile do you stock?

From 1.75 x 1.75 in up to 12 x 12 in. The full range includes 1.75 in, 4 in heart, 4.25 in square in gloss and matte, 6 x 6, 6 x 8, 8 x 8, 8 x 10, 8 x 12 and 12 x 12.

Do you sell tile blanks in bulk?

Yes. Sold by the case with a one case minimum, no dollar minimum and no account application required for a first order.

How many tiles come in a case?

It depends on size. 200 for the 1.75 in, 100 for the 4 in heart, 48 for the 4.25 in, 36 for most mid sizes, 24 for 8 x 12 and 16 for the 12 x 12. Case prices currently run from about $62 to $157.

Can you sublimate onto any ceramic tile?

No. A tile has to be coated to accept a dye sublimation transfer. Hardware store tiles are not, which is why they produce faded or patchy results. Every tile here carries an ORCA Coatings surface.

Gloss or matte tiles?

Gloss gives deeper blacks and more saturated color, which suits photographs. Matte kills reflections, which suits pieces that hang under a light or get photographed for listings. The 4.25 in is stocked in both if you want to compare before committing.

What resolution image do I need?

Higher than you would accept for a mug. A tile is viewed closely and at size, so a low resolution file that passes on drinkware will visibly break down here. Ask for the original file rather than a social media download.

Do tiles come with a stand or hanger?

Most are sold as the tile alone. Stands and hanging hardware are separate items, which matters when you quote a finished framed or displayed product.

Can tiles be used as coasters?

Yes, and the 4.25 in square is the size most shops use for that. Add cork or felt backing yourself, since the tiles ship without it.

Are printed tiles dishwasher safe?

ORCA Coatings is SGS certified to 3,500 dishwasher cycles, and the coating is UV resistant, which matters for a tile that will sit in daylight on a wall or a windowsill.

Who buys tile blanks in bulk?

Photographers selling print products, personalized gift sellers, memorial and remembrance product businesses, home decor brands and print on demand shops. Memorial work in particular reorders steadily and is not seasonal.