How to protect terracotta tiles

The popularity of natural floor materials – and a desire to ‘bring the outside in’ – is showing no sign of slowing.  Along with limestone and timber, there’s also renewed interest in terracotta – and not just in traditional settings.  Its rustic good looks bring a real warmth to all interior styles and, with earthy tones flagged as a major trend this year, demand looks set to increase even further.

Terracotta is a very wholesome, natural material.  It’s basically clay that’s dried in the sun or fired in an oven and the name literally means ‘baked earth’.  Along with its beautiful burnt orange colouring, terracotta provides a robust finish that’s versatile and easy to look after.  However, like many natural materials, it is porous and can easily become stained.  There are two ways of protecting terracotta tiles – either by applying a synthetic sealer or the more traditional method using Boiled Linseed Oil and wax.

The two ways to protect terracotta: 

Synthetic Sealers

Synthetic or acrylic sealers are the easier option in terms of application.  They’re generally faster to apply and they create a surface seal with a degree of sheen.  LTP options include Colour Intensifier & Stain Block – a non-film forming impregnating sealer that fills the pores of the tile.  This treatment can be used on its own, for a natural finish, but we recommend a follow-on application of LTP Ironwax, to make tiles easier to mop and keep clean. LTP Ironwax is a film forming sealer that creates a self-shine surface layer; it is applied with a sponge or paintbrush to textured tiles, or with a cloth or pad to honed tiles, and no buffing is required.  Three coats are generally sufficient – with an hour between each application – but a higher sheen can be created with additional coats, up to a maximum of six.

LTP Colour Intensifier is also applied with a sponge, pad, cloth or brush and left for 60 minutes between coats.  For a strong colour tone and for more absorbent material, further coats can be applied after 60 minutes.  All terracotta’s have different levels of porosity, so there is no specific recommendation regarding number of coats.  The best advice is to apply the sealer, as instructed, until the tile is fully saturated, ie., an even layer of sealer is still visible on the tile surface 30 minutes after application. The tile should be left to dry and then gently buffed to remove any excess, if any remains.

Before any treatment is applied, tiles should always be cleaned thoroughly, to remove all dirt and grout residue.  For ongoing cleaning and aftercare, use LTP Floorshine, which reinforces protection as it cleans.

The Traditional Method

Although the traditional treatment route takes longer, it does create a more characterful aesthetic and it gives the terracotta longer-term mechanic strength, by effectively filling the pores. This YouTube video show installation and treatment of hand-made light terracotta, with a further demo below.

During the first stage of treatment – and following a thorough clean –  LTP Boiled Linseed Oil is applied with a brush until the tiles are saturated. You should allow at least 12 hours between each coat to ensure that the oil thoroughly cures. Most terracotta will take 1-2 coats to reach saturation but some tiles, especially handmade terracotta, may take 4-5 coats. The tiles should then be left to dry for at least 24 hours.

During the second stage of treatment, wax is applied. This provides a resilient protective layer against water, dust and dirt, as well as extra sheen.  LTP treatments include LTP Clear Wax – a natural, clear finish – and medium brown LTP Antique Wax which deepens the colour tone and, in many cases, instantly ages the appearance of the terracotta. Both treatments have a soft paste consistency. They are applied with a cloth and the surface is then buffed.  The traditional treatment method can also be used to restore older floors, once the tiles have been thoroughly cleaned and any existing sealant removed.  

For ongoing cleaning and aftercare, we recommend LTP Waxwash – a gentle, pH neutral cleaner which contains a trace of Linseed Oil to reinforce protection.

For more advice on floor maintenance and protection, please contact LTP’s Technical Team on tel. 01823 666213, email info@ltp-online.co.uk or visit http://www.ltp-online.co.uk

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For further media information and photography, please contact:

Angela Fitzhugh PR Ltd at angie@afpr.co.uk or tel. +44 (0)1579 673026.

TERRACOTTA-CLEANING,SEALING & AFTERCARE-TRADITIONAL METHOD-EASY AFTERCARE OPTION

The following is a traditional cleaning and sealing guide for terracotta floor tiles.  The products and methods specified should ensure that the surfaces are suitably conditioned before sealing.  Future cleaning and aftercare then made easier following the application of a natural oil based sealer and natural wax to protect the surface.

CLEANING………….

1. CONDITIONING & CLEANING THE SURFACE (before sealing & grouting)

LTP Grimex is a high performance product for stripping and cleaning of vitrified glazed ceramics, porcelain, travertine, natural stone, sandstone, slate,marble,granite,terracotta,quarry,brick,concrete,external paving,terrazzo and other mineral floor & walls.  On larger areas scrubber drier machines can be used.

DIRECTIONS FOR USE-CONDITIONING BEFORE SEALING

Ensure that any sensitive surfaces not to be cleaned are properly covered and protected before beginning.  Ensure that gloves and eye protection and suitable waterproof clothing are worn at all times.  If potable water is used for rinsing we would suggest changing the water after every 5m².

SEALING…….

2. PROTECTING THE TERRACOTTA AFTER CLEANING (before grouting)

LTP BOILED LINSEED OIL is a traditional oil based sealer.  Dries to leave the surfaces an enhanced natural finish.  Offers mechanical strength to low fired terracotta’s.  Helps protect against staining.  Treated surfaces strongly repel water, oil and grease.  The product should be fully absorbed by the terracotta.  Do not allow it to dry onto the surface.  Excess that is visible after one hour should be worked off of the surface between coats. Boiled Linseed Oil will make surfaces darker following treatment.

3. PROTECTING THE SURFACE AFTER SEALING ( before & after grouting)

LTP CLEAR OR ANTIQUE WAX blended from three types of wax which gives treated surfaces an excellent traditional sheen.  It provides a resilient protective layer against water, dust, dirt and a variety of commonly found household spillages.  Suitable for all types of terracotta and natural stone.  This product is film forming.

FURTHER INFORMATION-SEALING

If the sealing products are to be used in areas where food is consumed: Once cured they are completely inert, so therefore considered to be food safe.

In areas of high traffic it may be necessary to apply a top up coat of wax protection every 3-4 years.  If LTP Waxwash floor cleaner is used for the daily/weekly aftercare then a top up coat can be applied without the need to strip the surface back.

Any future blemishes should they appear can be buffed out following the application of a little more wax.

3. PROTECTING THE SURFACE AFTER WAXING- EASIER AFTERCARE OPTION 

LTP IRONWAX SATIN OR GLOSS  a low maintenance film forming liquid wax.  Suitable for all types of un-polished natural stone, terracotta and quarry tiles.  Protects and embellishes the surface.  Highly resistant to wear and stains.  Facilitates cleaning and aftercare.

Ironwax Satin and Ironwax Gloss will make the surfaces appear slightly darker following treatment.  Do not buff or rub the sealer between coats.

AFTERCARE……..

4. Daily/Weekly Cleaning (for the Easier aftercare option)

LTP FLOORSHINE a highly effective aftercare cleaner for tiled surfaces. Cleans and protects in one application.  Renovates dull looking floors.  Regular use will help repair and reinforce protection on surfaces sealed with LTP Ironwax Satin or Gloss.  Minor scratches, scuffs and blemishes are repaired after every wash.

The information is offered without guarantee.  The material should be used so as to take account of the local conditions and the surfaces to be treated.  In case of doubt, the product should be tried out in an inconspicuous area.