In the field of textured ceramic surfaces, the growing adoption of matt and anti-reflective finishes answers very concrete needs for designers and manufacturers: visual control, aesthetic consistency and long-term reliability. These solutions enhance texture and colour even on large slabs and deliver functional value thanks to anti-slip performance, chemical resistance, tactile comfort and easy cleaning. Within this context, NEXT Surfaces is a technology developed by Sicer for high‑technical‑level indoor and outdoor applications.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- What is NEXT Surfaces
- Technical features
- Key benefits for the ceramic industry
- Applications and intended use
- NEXT Surfaces vs traditional solutions
- Compatibility with industrial processes
- Conclusion
- FAQ
Textured ceramic surfaces: what is NEXT Surfaces and why it is changing the concept of ceramic surface
In today’s ceramic industry, the surface has evolved from a purely aesthetic finish into a core technical-functional element of the project. A ceramic surface must now deliver measurable performance, long-term reliability and visual control—especially in complex applications such as large formats, high-traffic areas and indoor–outdoor spaces. Within this context, NEXT Surfaces is a technology developed to meet evolving requirements for tactile texture, safety and performance—overcoming the limitations of traditional finishes and setting a new benchmark for matt ceramic surfaces.
Sicer’s approach to material innovation
NEXT Surfaces reflects Sicer’s approach to developing technical, textured ceramic surfaces, where R&D, process control and application performance are tightly integrated. The technology is designed to achieve fully matt and anti-reflective surfaces with stable, repeatable technical characteristics. The goal is not only an aesthetic result, but a reliable and safe surface that can be consistently managed within industrial production cycles, meeting the needs of ceramic manufacturers, designers and architects.
The technical features that make NEXT Surfaces unique
NEXT Surfaces is a special mix of ceramic microgrits with a very fine, calibrated particle size, developed to enable high-performance textured surfaces in technical ceramics. It is a ready-to-use formulation designed for easy preparation and application, while ensuring strong control over the final result. NEXT Surfaces makes it possible to obtain fully matt and anti-reflective surfaces with excellent cleanability, chemical resistance, tactile comfort and anti-slip properties.
Matt and anti-reflective ceramic surface (GU 1.0–2.0)
Using NEXT Surfaces makes it possible to create fully matt, anti-reflective ceramic surfaces with extremely low gloss values (GU 1.0–2.0). Colour rendering and colour readability are supported by the finish structure itself, based on transparent glass microgrits that do not alter or filter the underlying colour component. This approach delivers visually uniform surfaces with faithful, stable colour and texture, even on large formats and under strong lighting, ensuring precise control of the overall visual effect.
Certified anti-slip performance: R9–R12 and application safety
Thanks to its formulation, NEXT Surfaces enables surfaces with certified anti-slip performance, with grip values from R9 to R12, as indicated in the technical sheet. in line with the relevant standards. This makes the mix suitable for different application contexts, both indoor and outdoor, including wet areas and high-traffic environments. Even when engineered as antislip glazes and finishes, the surface behaviour remains controlled and non-abrasive, an important factor for everyday usability.
Chemical resistance, durability and easy cleaning
Surfaces produced with NEXT Surfaces are designed to provide high resistance to chemical agents, ensuring long-term stability of both performance and appearance. The controlled surface structure also supports easy cleaning, simplifying routine maintenance operations.
Concrete benefits for ceramic manufacturers, designers and companies
NEXT Surfaces delivers operational and project-related advantages that directly impact manufacturing efficiency and the quality of the final surface. As a technical mix engineered for stable and controllable performance, it supports the market’s demand for high‑performance matt textured ceramic surfaces, while reducing application complexity and the margin for process errors.
Process simplification: ready-to-use mix
From a production standpoint, NEXT Surfaces stands out for its ready-to-use formulation, which simplifies preparation and application steps. The mix is designed to be easily managed within industrial cycles, reducing the need for complex adjustments. This results in higher operational efficiency, shorter processing times and improved quality control, key drivers for ceramic companies focused on process optimisation.
Technical reliability for high-performance surfaces
NEXT Surfaces helps deliver reliable ceramic surfaces even in technically demanding contexts such as large formats, high-traffic areas or environments exposed to chemical and mechanical stress. The combination of anti-slip performance, resistance and easy cleaning ensures stable results over time, reducing maintenance interventions and post-installation issues.
Where and how to use NEXT Surfaces: ideal applications and contexts
Thanks to its technical characteristics and application flexibility, NEXT Surfaces is suitable for creating high-performance textured ceramic surfaces across a wide range of contexts.
Large ceramic formats: aesthetic and functional control
In large ceramic formats, surface control becomes critical. NEXT Surfaces supports uniform, fully matt and anti-reflective results, reducing the visual impact of potential discontinuities and improving overall material readability. The mix stability and calibrated microgrits help ensure repeatable results even on large slabs.
Wet areas and contexts requiring anti-slip surfaces
In bathrooms, kitchens, wellness areas, outdoor spaces and any zones exposed to water, surface safety is essential. NEXT Surfaces allows anti-slip performance to be tuned from R9 to R12, adapting grip level to the specific application. This makes it a versatile solution for safe surfaces without compromising comfort underfoot, aesthetics or ease of cleaning.
Tactile comfort and suitability for indoor environments
Although NEXT Surfaces can deliver certified anti-slip performance, the resulting surfaces maintain a controlled and non-abrasive surface structure. Calibrated microgranulometry provides effective grip without excessive roughness, keeping the surface homogeneous, stable and comfortable to the touch. This balance between functional safety and surface behaviour makes NEXT Surfaces particularly suitable for indoor environments, where high performance is required without compromising usability.
NEXT Surfaces vs traditional solutions: what really changes
Compared to traditional ceramic glazes and finishes, NEXT Surfaces introduces a different approach to surface engineering. It is not a simple aesthetic variation, but a technical solution designed to overcome historic limitations of conventional finishes, especially regarding visual control, safety and application reliability. The use of calibrated microgrits supports more precise management of surface performance, adapting it to specific project requirements.
Why choose a matt textured technical ceramic surface
Choosing a matt textured technical ceramic surface made with NEXT Surfaces means selecting a surface designed to perform over time while meeting contemporary aesthetic requirements. It integrates safety, comfort and durability in a single surface, reducing compromises and application issues. For manufacturers and designers, this translates into greater project reliability and fewer post-installation problems.
Compatibility with industrial processes and airless application
NEXT Surfaces is compatible with the main industrial processes in the ceramic sector and can be applied using airless technology, ensuring uniformity and surface control. This application flexibility helps adapt the mix to different production configurations, supporting continuity of results and reliability on high volumes and large formats. A concrete benefit for companies seeking production efficiency, consistent quality and tighter control of process variables.
Conclusion
NEXT Surfaces was developed to meet the needs of a ceramic sector increasingly focused on technical, controlled and functional surfaces. It combines product innovation with application simplicity, supporting the evolution of modern textured ceramic surfaces.
Would you like to evaluate NEXT Surfaces for your ceramic projects?
Sicer’s technical team is available to support you in selecting the most suitable solution and integrating it into your production processes.
Frequently asked questions about NEXT Surfaces (FAQ)
What type of textured surface can be achieved with NEXT Surfaces?
NEXT Surfaces is a mix of microgrits that enables textured technical ceramic surfaces that are fully matt and anti-reflective. The resulting surface is uniform, natural and pleasant to the touch, even on large formats.
Is NEXT Surfaces resistant to chemical agents?
Yes. Surfaces produced with NEXT Surfaces offer high resistance to chemical agents, maintaining performance and appearance over time and simplifying cleaning and maintenance.
Is the R9–R12 anti-slip level certified?
Surfaces achieved with NEXT Surfaces can reach certified anti-slip performance from R9 to R12, according to the EN 16165 standard, with safety levels adjustable by application.
Is it suitable for high-traffic environments?
Yes. NEXT Surfaces is suitable for high-traffic indoor and outdoor areas thanks to the combination of wear resistance, anti-slip properties and easy cleaning.
How is NEXT Surfaces applied in the production cycle?
NEXT Surfaces is a ready-to-use microgrits mix that can be easily integrated into ceramic production processes. It is compatible with major industrial technologies and can be applied via airless systems.
