Reclaimed terracotta tiles are a practically perfect flooring product. Showcasing incredibly warm earthy colors, they bring authentic European and Mediterranean charm to any home. When sealed properly and well, they will last a lifetime and easily withstand heavy traffic as well as daily exposure to food and liquid spills. Although antique floors made from reclaimed terracotta tiles age gracefully and increase in beauty and character over time, if sealed incorrectly or poorly, critical problems can occur that will persist for the life of the floor. It’s important to protect your investment from problems that can mar the experience of an old floor.
Homeowners often want to improve, enhance and preserve the beauty of their old floors. Terracotta floors that are not cared for properly can become dull or take on a hazy appearance. In extreme cases, some unprotected flooring will begin to deteriorate. A correct installation and sealing of the floor with the appropriate products will avoid these problems.
Ancient terracotta tiles were usually originally made in centuries past, using simple processes and materials, using clay and volatile components. Modern sealants are often unsuitable for these older tiles and do not adequately protect them. While modern tiles tend to be more ceramic, reclaimed terracotta tiles have been fired only once in simple kilns; they are very porous and some modern sealers, due to their low viscosity, will actually seep through the tiles and seal the thin set mortar. making it retain moisture. Initially, the tiles look great, with rich warm colors, but as the sealer seeps into the tile, it will make the look dull and fuzzy. In the worst case, some water-based sealers will interact with the volatile materials in the old terracotta tiles, releasing salts from the clay that will travel to the surface and bloom in a process called efflorescence. The aftermath of this process leaves a white, chalk-like layer that covers the floor. Efflorescence loosens the physical bond of the clay, damaging the tiles. Damaged tiles or entire floor areas must be replaced.
To properly seal and finish a reclaimed terracotta floor, install reclaimed terracotta tile like any regular tile. Make sure thin-set mortar has a minimum moisture content. Reclaimed terracotta tile tends to absorb moisture from the adhesive, preventing it from forming a strong bond. Sand grout is preferred for reclaimed tiles. A colored sanded grout that blends into the tile makes it easier to lay the grout. Avoid the use of presealed grout products. Trapped moisture from these products can create unforeseen reactions that damage your floor. Apply grout in small sections at a time to allow moisture to escape. Upon completion of grouting, clean the floor with water or a mild acid solution and allow the floor to dry completely for a period of two weeks to allow all moisture to evaporate. If the flooring is installed over radiant heat, wait 48 hours first; then turn on the fire to accelerate drying. This scenario allows your drying time to be reduced to a week. Remember that terracotta tiles are extremely porous and small air pockets in the clay medium can interfere with moisture transport to the surface. Terracotta tiles may look dry on the surface in a short period of time, but it will still be saturated with water inside. Always allow ample and properly prescribed time for drying.
When you are sure the reclaimed terracotta floor is completely dry, use a high-viscosity, natural-hardening priming and sealing oil. When applied, the primer and sealing oil will penetrate into both the tile and the grout. It will fill in any air pockets and form a sealed layer on top of the terracotta tile. Within 24 hours, the primer and sealing oil will harden into a waterproof layer, forming an amber-colored material. This will block the salts and minerals. Apply the oil liberally so that the terracotta tile absorbs as much oil as possible. After half an hour, check the surface of the floor and remove excess oil with the cloth. You can repeat this process if necessary, but most floors only need one application. The application of primer and sealing oil may initially exaggerate the title color, but after a few days of drying, the resulting appearance will be that of the original tile installation with a slightly deeper hue. After a day or two of drying time, apply a surface finish. A good option is Carnauba wax emulsion. Adheres to sealed terracotta tiles and dries to a beautiful hard matte finish. Your terracotta floor will have a rich leathery sheen without an overtly shiny appearance. For reclaimed terracotta tile in bathrooms or other areas exposed to high moisture, use a durable semi-gloss acrylic finish. When installing reclaimed antique terracotta tile in a shower, an even more durable epoxy sealer is the right choice.
