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Laying and treatment advice for Hand-added and Antique terracotta tiles

Tips & laying treatment
Antique & Hand-added Patina floor tiles

Laying (we advise using adhesive)

• Caution : the smooth surface of the tile is the under side, the pre-aged surface is the upper side (the side that will be seen after laying)

Lay the tiles on a completely dry floor surface . Mix the tiles taken from the different pallets you have received taking care to associate similar tones. 

Lay the tiles with a maximum 5mm gap.

Laying with adhesive: We recommend you use FLEX BLANCHE adhesive made by « P.R.B. » or equivalent and follow strictly the maker’s instructions. Never soak the tiles in water.

Thick bed laying  Soak the tiles in clear water for one hour, then let them drain for a few minutes standing on their sides then lay them. You need a bed  4 or 5 cms thick ; composition 3 wheelbarrows of river sand or washed sand for one bag of lime.

Preparation (minimum 24 hours after laying)


It is important to protect the tiles before grouting. There are 2 options :

1st option : (this slightly darkens the tiles)
Using a wide brush paint on  50/50 mixture of linseed oil/turpentine

2nd option : (this is colourless)
Using a pulveriser spray on a layer of BTC sealant

Grounting ( 1 to 24 hours after the preparation)


We strongly advise you to use light coloured grouting.

Use a waterproof grouting with beading effect ref: P.R.B colour Tibet or similar.
Caution : when grouting it is very important to clean the tiles as you progress using clean water and a damp sponge.


This advice is given merely as an indication and does not engage our responsibility in any way.

All the colour tones, different sizes, irregular surfaces are a part and parcel of this type of manufacturing.They are to be seen in the originals that we have faithfully reproduced by our exclusive method.

Drying


Do not start cleaning until the tiles are completely dry.

Drying time for tiles laid  with adhesive : 3 to 4 days

Drying time for tiles laid on thick bed: 2 to 3 months
Caution : if you need to do other jobs in the room during the drying period (plastering, painting, wall-papering) cover the floor with cardboard to protect it. Never use plastic covering.

Cleaning  (when the tiles are dry)


To prepare the solvant : mix 30% solvant with 70% clean water.

Pour this mixture directly onto the wet surface. Clean using a long-handled scrubbing brush or a monobrush 150 revs/min (disk ref: 3M black) and a water sucker. Cover only a small surface 10 sq m at a time.

Rinse immediately several times using plenty of water.  Be aware that if the floor is not sufficiently well rinsed a white halo will be left on the tiles.

Sealing ( 5 to 10 days after the cleaning)


2 options:

1st option : the traditional method. This leaves the tiles slightly darker
Using a wide brush paint to apply a coat on 50/50 mixture of linseed oil/turpentine.

2nd option : this is colourless
Spray on 2 coats of BTC sealant (12 hours between each coating)

Finishing (1 to 2 days after sealing)


Use CTC colourless wax. Put a little wax directly on a dry mop and spread on the floor. Continue until the whole surface is covered. Wait 1 to 2 hours then polish

Do not protect terracotta with plastic.
 

This advice is given merely as an indication and does not engage our responsibility in any way.

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