Help!: Advice on Terror-cotta!!!!

[Here to learn!]

Terracotta is a new beast to me!

Im confident about laying it but have heard a few horror stories with regards to sealing it....

The customer isn't fussed about a matt or gloss finish, so I would like to keep it as simple as poss. With this in mind, is it a matter of:

(1) laying the tiles as normal with stone on concrete
(2) Im then thinking - treat the tiles with Lithofin Stain Stop Natural stone sealer and impregnator
(3) Grout after (Bal superflex wide joint)

Now it cant be that easy, Ive heard stories of combustion etc,.....

I appreciate the floor will need more treatment in the years to come but I am concerned only with the current installation for the moment.

Guys, I really appreciate your time and expert advice on this.

I guess we I mean to say is Im after a straight forward process and the most user friendly sealer!?

Thanks again for your time & advice / recomendations

[Dave]

Sealing Terracotta the LTP way.. LTP Online | Pick Finish

[Here to learn!]

Dave,

WOW - Super quick response! Thank you.

Looks like LTP Mattstone it is then. Im guessing it will come with the appropriate application instructions (and whether I need a fire-proof suit on).

Thanks again

[Dave]

Mattstone is good.. and not to smelly..LOL..

That will be the easiest way to maintain but IMO a colour enhancing will make it nicer..

[Here to learn!]

Thanks Dave, your a gentleman.

Im going to have another chat with the customer tomorrow, so will see if she wants a colour enhancer aswell.

Thanks again, its very much appreciated

[nybor62]

ltp boiled linseed oil

bur be careful if you use this , always pour back in container what you dont use and reseal , and what ever you put it on with wash , dont just leave it lying about , as linseed will self combust ,finish of with ltp bees wax ,

just another option

[Del W]

Several coats of boiled linseed oil should do the job.
I,ve used it a couple of times with good results.

[TheTiler]

I got advice from CTD on this, and Lithofin MG Stainstop (solvent-free Eco) is the way apparently. I've not been told of a fire in the kitchen yet, or any staining. It gave a good matt finish too. I used Ardex FL grout.

[timeless john]

If you are 'Here to Learn' then here is my tried and trusted method of fixing Terracotta.

1. Dust off any powder from surface of the tiles with a dry cloth.(keep tiles dry)
2. Usng 50:50 of white spirit:bolied linseed oil and a large 4inch soft paint brush coat the tiles and allow to dry.
3. Using 25:75 mix as above for 2nd coat at right angles to 1st coat.
4. Fix tiles when dry using adhesive suitable for subfloor keeping surface clean (use damp sponge).
5. Grout using wide joint sandstone or 3:1 soft sand:cement. (thoroughly clean off surface).
6. When tiles are spotless and completely dry - minimum 24 hours - final coat of boiled linseed oil. At this stage and 2 previous sealing stages if any oil lays on the surface for more than 10 mins wipe off with white spirit.
7. Leave the floor to completely dry - 2 days minimun - then using a lambs wool pad and electric floor polisher, apply a generous coat of Johnson Traffic Wax Natural.

Caution - boiled linseed oil on rags can self combust.

Terracotta is the perfect example of how poor knowledge can ruin a beautiful product.

Enjoy your project however you attempt to complete it.

[whitebeam]

Ive heard of 7 coats being applied as it soaks in on particular terracottas, just wondered.

[timeless john]

It's just like blotting paper!
If you start off with the oil too thick - it leaves lines as it overlaps.
Any left on the surface after 10 minutes must be removed - it will stay soft and attract the dirt.
So yes - as many coats as the terracotta will take.

[Brinkley]

always always seal before youlay as terracotta sucks up moisture like anything i think its the high salt content but while laying if you havent sealed you will find your rock hard addy on the tiles and in the process of scraping this off you will defo scratch the tile so always seal terracotta before laying and then before grouting and then after grouting what will determine in how many times sealing is needed is basicaly your opinion read the sealer instructions i have only ever known boiled linseed oil on terras but wait for manufacturers time advice they always state longer then needed but definately stick to timescale suggested .IThen try a water test and if water rolls off in beads then your sealer has worked keep an off cut and try the water test after you have sealed and waited till manufacturers time scale advice on every seal seriously sounds like a lot of time but if you get it wrong you get it wrong big time .We can only help you verbally and sometimes this is not enough thats why most of us here are in the trade and this is our living but good luck

[TheTiler]

aaaaaaaa

[Here to learn!]

Gents, thanks very much for your time and advice.

Slow and steady on this one me thinks!! The jobs been delayed a week due to other building work, so ive got a bit of time to research further....and seal those bloody tiles!!!

Thanks again, its very good of you all.

P.S.....and yes I am definately here to learn!

[Dave]

Boiled linseed oil is an old tried and tested method but has it's draw backs like it oxidises after a while and can look quite horrible...

Newer products on the market make sealing a lot easier than it was 15 year or more ago.. worth thinking about is modern methods of sealing.

[user123]

Interesting thread this, never used terracotta, but to know the old way as well as the less faffy new way, brilliant!

[Brinkley]

the thing with terracotta is that its not often used mg i can only think of a few times i have done it since being self employed so i have always used the same method as i was taught

[user123]

Ay.., for me it's interesting as the use of terracotta in mosaics is really attractive, mediterranean flower post etc, that's my angle. Not much good for outdoors here, but for internal stuff, definitely worth knowing about..