Saltillo tile, also known by the name of Mexican tile, is typically a rough-edged clay-based tile that is mostly found in Saltillo, Mexico, and is used both indoors as well as outdoors. This type of tile is available in a huge range of shapes and colors, particularly in reds, oranges, and yellows. You need to install Saltillo tiles with the utmost care, due to the reason that these tiles are graceful and stylish, which in turn means to prevent the use of any chemicals or grout, as these can be very harmful to Saltillo tiles. Predominantly, Saltillo tiles are given shapes by squeezing the clay using a wooden frame. Placing as well as sealing Saltillo tile floor smoothly is exactly the same as you do with other tiles like slate or ceramic. In addition to the other tiles, there is no overlay or cover with a smooth, shiny coating or finish on the surface of the Saltillo tile.
Easy & Simple Steps For Sealing Saltillo Tile
Saltillo tiles are extremely porous in nature, however, it is one of the most long-lasting and attractive tiles you could ever find. In order to seal the Saltillo tile, go through the below-mentioned simple & easy steps carefully & achieve the desired result of your work:
- First of all, put & spread 1-2 coats of a water-based acrylic sealer used to indicate a pre-seal/grout-release. Give the sealer near about 24 hours or more in order to completely dry before grouting & make sure not to shake it.
- The next step is to go through the grout manufacturer instructions before starting to grout the tiles. Clean as you grout in order to reduce the water contact on tile. The tile should be dry & cleaned properly before sealing & wait near about 24 hours, or more.
- Now, spread two or more coats of water-based acrylic sealer such as Glaze`N Seal Ole® Sealer to tile and grout. Make sure to use thin, even coats as well as reduce foaming. If in case you notice that streaking occurs with first coat of the sealer, dilute moderately with water. Give sealer nearly 1-3 hours betwixt coats to dry entirely. Tile is completely sealed as soon as the final coat does not darken tile. Apply extra coat in those areas where staining is a concern.
- As soon as you apply the final coat, allow sealer to dry for the whole night. Restrict traffic on newly sealed surface. Give it nearly 72 hours in order to cure it properly before exposed to moisture, impurity and vehicular traffic, as the sealer will keep curing and harden for 10-14 days.
- In order to examine stain resistance, spray water or cooking oil drops on an unnoticeable area. If in case tile darkens, extra sealer is needed.
- Spread two or more coats of Glaze ‘N Seal Floor Polish near about 48 hours after sealing. Give the polish one hour betwixt coats. Glossy finish or matte finish polish are the recommended types of polish which is totally dependent upon the desired look. Reapply polish as needed in order to extend the life of the sealer.