SALTILLO TILE
Our safe and effective cleaning & sealing service for saltillo won’t over-sand the clay causing damage to the surface. Proper knowledge how to treat saltillo is important due to its soft and porous nature. Sealing saltillo is especially important as the types of sealer used vary from inside to outside surfaces.
Oil stains in Saltillo appear as dark spots and when sealed, they can blend better into the natural color. When Saltillo tile started to become a common floor covering, shiny topcoat sealers were applied to give the tiles a shiny appearance as well as being sealed. Generally, a clear coating will not darken the tiles. Saltillo tile is a very delicate floor covering. Even during installation, it can be permanently discolored, losing it ability to be restored.
Restorability is the ability to bring the floor back to a condition at a certain point in time. Loss of restorability is any permanent damage that can not be repaired.
CLEANING
Cleaning
The Power Clean method for cleaning Saltillo tile will vary depending on the current condition of the tile and how well it has been maintained. We have the knowledge to use the correct abrasives to clean the Saltillo but not damage the clay. These are general methods, and results will vary.
New Saltillo: A very light custom abrasive process is used. Slurry removal is through a powerful truck-mounted machine for a very thorough cleaning step.
Older Saltillo previously sealed with a penetrating sealer only: We will scrub and lightly sand the surface of the tile safely using appropriate grit strength. The cleaning solution is aggressive and will remove as much discoloring and staining as possible. Truck mounted equipment will wash away all the slurries generated during the abrasive process.
Older Saltillo previously sealed with a topcoat sealer: The abrasives used will depend on the condition of the existing coating, whether it is intact, or breaking down exposing the clay or showing deterioration of the clay. In some cases, the coating may need to be stripped off as best possible and then recoated. If the clay has eroded in areas, the discoloring can generally be improved after a good clean and re-coat, but not erased.
SEALING
Penetrating Sealers
Penetrating sealers are clear and soak into the clay with no change to appearance. They help keep moisture from soaking in, but keep in mind Saltillo is clay and clay is absorbent. Staining and discoloring will still eventually occur but to a lesser degree than unsealed Saltillo.
Penetrating sealers mixed with enhancer will darken & enrich the Saltillo but won’t add any shine. Think of it as moisturizing the clay. Penetrating sealers help to prevent water erosion and staining but Saltillo tile is so porous even after being sealed it can still be discolored.
Topcoat Sealers & Saltillo Tile
Topcoat/Surface sealer will always impart some shine ranging from semi-gloss to high gloss. First, we apply a large molecule chemical resistant sealer. This soaks into the tile as much as possible to prevent water penetration and stains. We then apply several coats of acrylic sealer that is chemically sensitive. This becomes a working surface as long as it is cleaned properly and recoated before the sealer it is broken through and the tile is exposed. It is important that topcoat sealers are maintained properly or they will lose restorability. In some cases the coating may need to be stripped. Stripping is removing as much of the coating as possible and makes restoration more difficult as well as adding expense to the project.
**Important to note that topcoat/surface sealers do not last as long outside due to heat, sun, and water exposure. Maintaining the coating is the best way to protect the clay tiles from erosion.
