Cleaning terracotta tiles had become a headache for our client. Furthermore, they also proved to be a bit of a challenge for me. What was the challenge? The terracotta tiles had an old seal on that did not want to come off.
Cleaning Terracotta Tiles – Why might this happen?
This can be the case for seals made before manufacturers became more environmentally friendly. Solvents and products were used in the makeup of the seal that are no longer allowed to be used. The science of stone cleaning and restoration products has changed and adapted so much in recent years. Such products are not used anymore, and advances have shown how incredible stone sealers now are.
The problem is that the products which would quite easily remove these seals contain harmful and environmentally damaging ingredients. These products can no longer be used. Therefore, we needed to come up with another plan. We are able to draw on our knowledge and experience with each stone cleaning project we complete. It is very unlikely that we have not come across a certain challenge before.
After a great deal of work, I finally got the floor back to a raw and clean condition. This process is incredibly rewarding. This project offered another level of appreciation due to the hard work needed to complete the project to a standard to which we are accustomed. Once this was complete, the terracotta floor was ready to accept a new and friendly seal.
Don’t be fooled that because these are now more environmentally friendly that they are not hard-wearing. That is certainly not the case. Products are incredibly hardwearing and durable.
It took several coats of impregnating seal to fill the pores of this stone sponge. This was then followed by three coats of topical seal. This builds on the surface to leave a slightly waxed appearance.
Overall, a job worth the time and effort. If you would like to find out more about our stone restoration services, please get in touch by calling 07738 022813.