How to cut Terracotta?

**IGTiling** · 10-08-2008

Hi,
I have a job coming up which is a Terracotta floor and I need to know the best way to do the cuts, never having worked with Terracotta before.
I was advised by one person that I should either use a wet cutter but without water or use a hand saw because the use of water would cause staining of the tiles. I have looked around the internet and everywhere else it says I should use a wet cutter with water. Both routes say to seal the tiles after laying and before grouting. Now obviously I don't want to do anything that detracts from the look of the Terracotta, but I am totally confused as to which is the correct method

. I pride myself on doing a good job each and every-time and do not this to be the first bad job, so please can anyone tell me what is the correct way to cut Terracotta tiles?
Thank you

**David - Tradetiler** · 10-08-2008

If you are luck you can score on a manual tile cutter and tap the back with a pin hammer, depends on type

Dry cut with an angle grinder. Wet cutting won't normally stain, though most terracotta tiles just suck up the water like sponges and you end up with dark patches until the water dries out (can take days)

GazTech · 10-08-2008

always pre-treat raw cotta, then fix. Treat again and grout....timing is perfect...Gaz

**grumpygrouter** · 10-08-2008

Originally Posted by GazTech

always pre-treat raw cotta, then fix. Treat again and grout....timing is perfect...Gaz

Am I correct in thinking boiled Linseed oil is the stuff to use?

GazTech · 10-08-2008

Originally Posted by grumpygrouter

Am I correct in thinking boiled Linseed oil is the stuff to use?

It always was, the new type impregnators help to stop suffocating them......

**IGTiling** · 10-08-2008

Thanks to all of you. My original thoughts were to seal the tiles before laying, once floor completely laid seal again and then grout but everywhere I looked they state seal after laying. Sealant I will be using is Lithofin Impregnator & Lithofin Sealant.