Sealing & Laying Terracotta Tiles
As terracotta tiles are porous they need to be sealed before and after grouting. Sealing the tiles removes the chalky finish of the tile whilst protecting it from moisture, dirt, and grease. Different types of sealant can have a natural, matt, or gloss finish, which is either neutral, or dulls, or adds a slight shine.
By following these steps, you can successfully pre-seal and install terracotta tiles indoors or outdoors, ensuring a beautiful and durable finish.
Always refer to specific product guidelines and seek professional advice as needed for best results.
Pre sealing:
1) Tile Preparation: Lay out the tiles in a well-ventilated area. Inspect each tile for any defects, cracks, or irregularities, and remove any surface debris using a soft brush or cloth.
2) Select Sealer: Choose a penetrating sealer specifically formulated for terracotta tiles. Ensure that the sealer is suitable for both indoor and outdoor use if you plan to install the tiles in both environments.
3) Test Sealer: Before applying the sealer to all tiles, conduct a small test on a spare tile or inconspicuous area to ensure compatibility and desired results.
4) Apply Sealer: Using a clean brush or roller, apply the sealer evenly to the surface of each tile, ensuring complete coverage without pooling.
5) Allow Drying: Let the sealer dry completely. This typically ranges from a few hours to overnight, depending on the manufacturer and environmental conditions.
Indoor installation:
1) Subfloor Preparation: Prepare the indoor subfloor by ensuring it is clean, dry, level, and free from debris. Use a levelling compound if necessary to address any uneven areas.
2) Layout Planning: Dry lay the tiles to plan the layout, adjusting and cutting tiles as needed to achieve the desired pattern and fit. Maintain consistent spacing between tiles for grout lines.
3) Apply Adhesive: Use a thin-set mortar designed for terracotta tiles. Apply the mortar to the prepared subfloor using a notched trowel, ensuring even coverage.
4) Tile Installation: Press each pre-sealed terracotta tile firmly into the mortar, ensuring proper adhesion and spacing. Utilise tile spacers to maintain consistent joint widths.
5) Grout Application: Once the adhesive has set, remove the tile spacers, and fill the gaps between tiles with grout using a grout float. Clean off any excess grout with a damp sponge.
6) Curing Time: Allow the grout to cure for the recommended time before walking on the tiled surface or applying any sealant.
7) Apply Sealer: Using a clean brush or roller, apply the sealer evenly to the surface of each tile, ensuring complete coverage without pooling. Allow the sealant to dry before walking on or placing furniture on the tiled surface.
Outdoor installation
1) Base Preparation: Prepare the outdoor substrate by ensuring it is properly compacted, sloped for drainage, and free from any obstructions. Use a concrete base or gravel/sand bed as necessary for stability.
2) Layout Planning: Dry lay the tiles on the prepared outdoor surface, considering factors such as drainage and transitions. Ensure consistent spacing and alignment.
3) Apply Adhesive: Use a polymer-modified thin-set mortar suitable for outdoor applications. Apply the mortar to the prepared surface in manageable sections.
4) Tile Installation: Press each pre-sealed terracotta tile firmly into the mortar, maintaining proper spacing and alignment. Use tile spacers as needed.
5) Grout Application: After the adhesive has set, remove tile spacers, and fill the joints between tiles with outdoor-grade grout. Clean the tile surfaces with a damp sponge and rinse thoroughly.
6) Curing Time: Allow the tiled surface to cure fully before subjecting it to foot traffic or other loads.
7) Apply Sealer: Apply a penetrating sealer to protect the tiles from outdoor elements. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for application and drying.
The above information is intended as a guide only. All tile installations should be carried out by a competent builder or mason. Alhambra Tiles cannot be held responsible for any problems with or following the installation of any tiles bought from us.