The technical course in tile restoration and conservation systematises the methods and procedures involved in conservation work, illustrated through case studies.
An active learning approach is employed, supported by images and tutorials showing the various stages of the conservation process.
Azulejos – Ceramic Tiles are one of the most distinctive elements of cultural heritage, particularly in the Portuguese context. This course in tiles restoration and conservation offers a comprehensive approach, from diagnosis through to intervention, combining theory and practical demonstrations with a focus on professional methodologies in accordance with internationally accepted ethical principles.
Language: English.
Also available in: Português | Español
Technical course in tiles restoration and conservation
Objectives
- To understand the history and types of tiles
- To understand the original production techniques
- To identify pathologies and processes of degradation
- To apply conservation and restoration techniques
- To learn about materials and intervention methods
- To develop criteria for preventive conservation and interventional conservation
What this technical course in conservation and restoration includes
The course fee includes 24-hour access, for an unlimited period, to:
- Lessons covering each topic in the program
- Illustrative videos
- Supporting texts
- Assessment (1 final questionnaire)
- Certificate.
At the end of this course in Ceramic Tiles Restoration and conservation
By the end of this technical course in tiles restoration you will be able to recognise the main types of damage to ceramic tiles – azulejo – and their causes.
You will learn about internationally accepted ethical and professional standards.
Through the analysis of actual tiles restoration projects carried out by tiles restoration specialists, you will learn about the intervention methods, techniques and materials applicable in different situations.
Who shoul take this online course
This conservation and restoration course is aimed at:
- conservators-restorers,
- technicians and students in the field,
- architects,
- engineers
- professionals involved in urban rehabilitation
- museum and cultural heritage professionals
However, it is perfectly suited to anyone with an interest in the topics covered.
There are no entry requirements.
How it works
Course structure – Azulejo – ceramic tiles restoration techniques
1 – Conservation: concepts and ethical principles
1.1 – The concept of conservation
- Preventive conservation
- Curative conservation
- Restoration
1.2 – The conservation process
- Analysis and assessment of the state of conservation
- Formulation of the conservation plan
- Documentation
1.3 – Key principles of intervention
2 – Preventive Conservation: principles and benefits
2.1. Objectives of preventive conservation
2.2. Areas of application and benefits
3 – Brief historical overview
Summary and links to learn about the history of the azulejo
4 – Production techniques
4.1. Raw materials
4.2. Stages of the artisanal production process
5 – Analysis and diagnosis
5.1. Introduction
5.2. Case study
5.3. Examples of assessment and diagnosis
6 – Damage and pathologies
6.1. Most common pathologies
6.1.1. Dirt
6.1.2. Presence of biological agents
6.1.3. Flaking
6.1.4. Salt formation
6.1.5. Cracks / Gaps
6.1.6. Missing and switched tiles
7 – Marking and removal
7.1. Preliminary notes
7.2. Marking
7.3. Facing
7.4. Removal of tiles and old restorations
7.5. Panelling
8 – Conservation and restoration of tiles
8.1. Cleaning
8.2. Desalination
8.3. Bonding
8.3.1. Substrate preparation
8.3.2. Bonding procedure
8.3.3. Special gluing techniques
8.4. Filling of cracks, fractures and small gaps
8.4.1. Volumetric reconstruction
8.5. Levelling
8.6. Colour restoration and final protection
9 – Case studies
Discover four tile conservation and restoration projects from different periods and in varying
Here, we answer the most common questions about the azulejos – ceramic tiles restoration and conservation course.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions about the Tiles Restoration and conservation Course
Is the course online or face-to-face?
The course is entirely online, with accessible, well-structured content and unlimited access for 24 hours a day
Do I need any prior experience?
No. The online course with certificate is designed for professionals as well as beginners. The varied content allows students to explore topics in greater or lesser depth depending on their prior knowledge.
Does the course include a certificate?
Yes, provided you complete a questionnaire – which you can review – and achieve a mark of 50 per cent or higher.
Do I pay extra for the certificate?
No, the certificate is included in the price and can be downloaded from the student portal. You can see how here.
Once I’ve finished, can I access the course again?
Yes, you can always access all the content to refer to it as often as you like. You should do so because Citaliarestauro updates the courses whenever relevant information, documentation or content becomes available.
How long does the course last?
The duration can be set by the student themselves, as there is unlimited access to the content. An estimated duration is shown on the course page, and this is the duration that will appear on the certificate.


