Stripping Sealers from Terracotta Tiles

This was an old Terracotta tiled floor at a house in the village of Toddington where the previous sealer had been worn off allowing dirt and soil to penetrate into the tile, naturally this made it difficult to clean and it was now overdue for a good deep clean and re-seal.

Cleaning Terracotta Floor Tiles

To get rid of any remaining sealer and get the tiles clean we applied a strong dilution of Tile Doctor Pro-Clean mixed 50/50 with NanoTech UltraClean which combines a heavy duty alkaline cleaner that can also be used as a stripper with tiny abrasive particles. The resultant cleaning solution was left to dwell on the surface of the tile for twenty minutes before working it into the tiles with a rotary machine fitted with a black scrubbing pad. The soiled solution was then removed from the floor using a wet and dry vacuum and the stubborn areas re-treated. Once I was happy the floor was clean and any remaining sealer removed the whole floor was washed down to neutralise the tile and remove any trace of cleaning chemical before sealing. Leaving the old sealer on any cleaning solution on the tile could have an unexpected impact on the sealer so it’s always best to make sure this is done thoroughly.

Terracotta Tile Sealing

The floor was left to dry overnight and when we returned the next day when the floor was completely dry to seal using seven coats of Tile Doctor Seal and Go (Terracotta is very porous) which works well on Terracotta adding a nice shine to the tile as well as providing on-going stain protection. The final result looked great and will last for many years to come, the customer was so happy with the finish.

 
 
Source: Expert Terracotta Tile Maintenance

How to Make Ceramic Glazed Tiles Nonslip

Ceramic glazed tiles can be purchased with a rough non-slip surface. But what can you do if your already installed tiles are slippery? Luckily, there are products available to add a non-slip surface to your glazed tiles. Some products can be color matched and others come in clear color alone. Coating ceramic glazed tiles with specialized non-slip solution can greatly reduce the event of accidents within the home or workplace.

Why Non-Slip Tiles?

Any smooth surface can become slippery, particularly if oil or moisture is applied. Bathrooms are naturally wet areas, and kitchen floors can be prone to spills. It is best to avoid the dangers of slipping over and falling onto hard surfaces because serious injuries can occur.

If children are around, they are likely to be involved in accidents around the house. Non-slip tile coating can aid in avoiding such accidents.

 Elderly people are wary of slips and falls. Safety precautions are necessary in areas where falls can happen as the elderly are frail. A simple fall could exacerbate further health complications.

In the workplace, employers are required to exercise a duty of care to workers, and thus should consider ways of lowering the risks of incidents which could occur on the job.

Several non-slip products for ceramic tiles are listed below.

Traction Kote 400

Traction Kote 400 is epoxy based and comes available in spray cans or gallon drums. For spray cans, just spray on the surface and for gallon drums, use a roller designed for epoxy based solutions. Once dry, flooring will be coated with a smooth surface. Traction Kote 400 has multiple applications and is suitable for use outdoors. It comes in a range of colors including clear.

Anti Slip-Non Slip Coating #01

Anti Slip-Non Slip Coating #01 creates a coating over the surface of tiles and makes tiles slip and stain resistant. It dries clear and is guaranteed to last up to five years, both indoors and outdoors.

Anti Slip-Non Slip Coating #02

Anti Slip-Non Slip coating #02 leaves an invisible etched slip resistant surface on tiles. For use indoors or outdoors and is guaranteed for a minimum of five years.

Tile-Grip Anti Slip

Tile-Grip Anti Slip creates microscopic pores on the surface of ceramic tiles. It is suitable for use indoors and outdoors. Leaves a smooth surface and must be applied annually for heavy traffic areas. Tile-Grip Anti Slip is environmentally friendly and comes in plastic bottles. This product evaporates quickly so be aware of the conditions and temperature that you’re working in.

Tips for Applying Non Slip Coatings to Ceramic Tiles

Start with a clean surface. Use detergent and hot water to lift any oily residue. Dry the tiles well. Do not leave any water behind; tiles must be completely dry in order for the coating to adhere. Always follow the directions supplied with the product. Give ample drying time before walking on the surface. Some products require that the surface be lightly sanded before application of the solution. Depending on what finish is needed, check directions before purchasing. Use gloves and a disposable face mask when applying product.

 

 

Source: DoItYourself.com

Laying Ceramic Tile Over Tongue and Groove Flooring

Laying ceramic tile over floor with tongue and groove boarding is not a difficult job when equipped with the right tools and adequate knowledge. Follow some helpful directions and you’ll be most successful in this project.

What you’ll need

• Cement backerboard
• Backerboard screws
• Trowel
• Thinset
• Floor grade tile
• Spacers
• Grout
• Sealer
• Leveling compound
• Saw
• Level
• Drill with mixing paddle
• Several 5-gallon buckets

Step 1 – Determine Amount of Material
Take careful measurements of the room where you wish to install the ceramic tile. Use these measurements to calculate the amount of materials needed. Consult with your local home improvement or building supply store to find the correct amount of material needed for the project.

Step 2 – Prep the Room
Clear the entire room including any wall decorations to provide added safety. Take off all baseboards. Undercut all door jambs (the frame where the door closes) so you can install a backerboard and tile beneath the door jamb providing a cleaner, professional look. Make sure to sweep the floor clean of any debris.

Step 3 – Pour Cement
Mix a 50lb bag of thinset with water in a 5-gallon bucket using a drill with a mixing paddle to a peanut butter-like consistency.

Step 4 – Spread Thinset Layer
Working in a 15 square foot area, apply a layer of thinset over the tongue and groove floor using a trowel. A 50lb bag will cover 75 to 80 square feet using a trowel. Lay a sheet of backerboard over the thinset screwing it to the floor. Keep the backerboard level while allowing drying for 24 hours.

Step 5 – Check Screw Level
Make sure all screws are level with the backerboard surface before you install the tile. If screw heads protrude above the backerboard surface cracks will occur.

Step 6 – More Thinset
Mix another 50lb bag of thinset in another 5-gallon bucket. Start laying tile at a point that is across from a doorway that will be where you end up. Let it sit for 24 hours.

Step 7 – Grout
Once dry, begin the grout installation by mixing the grout in a 5-gallon bucket, again, looking for the consistency of peanut butter. Spread the grout using a grout float over the tile forcing it into the grout lines. Use a spreading application from many directions and angles to make sure all the spaces are filled. Hold the grout float at a 45-degree angle to the floor while applying.

Step 8 – Apply Sealer
Allow at least 24 hours before walking on the newly laid ceramic floor. Wait up to 72 hours for the floor to “settle” before applying your penetrating sealer so you allow ample curing time for the grout.

Things to Remember

• You can find helpful tile installation instruction classes offered at your local home improvement center.
• Use a 1/4 X 1/4 X 3/8 inch trowel when installing 12-inch tile.
• Use a 1/2 X 1/2 X 1/2 inch trowel When installing 16 inch tile or larger.
• Larger tiles require double the amount of thinset.
• Never breathe cement dust and mix outdoors when possible.

Source: www.DoItYourself.com