Glass Tile
Glass tile is popular for its color depth and shine but is also among the most scratch-sensitive materials at the waterline. It handles pH-balanced chemical descaling very well but requires strictly non-abrasive tooling — any mechanical scrubbing risks permanent surface scratching that dulls the glass's reflective quality.
Ceramic Tile
Ceramic is more forgiving than glass but its glaze can still be etched by overly aggressive acid concentrations or damaged by high-pressure mechanical tools. Ceramic grout lines, in particular, are porous and tend to absorb calcium and minerals deep into the surface, requiring longer chemical dwell time than glass to fully clear.
Natural Stone and Stacked Stone Waterline Tile
Stone tile — travertine, slate, or stacked stone accents — reacts differently to acid than glass or ceramic, since some stones are calcium-based themselves and can etch if the wrong chemistry is used. These surfaces require a stone-safe descaling approach and, often, a post-cleaning sealer to protect the natural porosity.