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Terracotta is a ceramic material that has been used for construction and decorative arts since ancient times in different cultures around the world. Terracotta, which literally means “baked earth” (originally baked in the sun) is made from natural clay which gives a characteristic reddish-brown colour varying slightly depending on the type of clay used. Terracotta tiles provide an “old world” style often referred to as rustic, south-western or Mediterranean.
Terracotta is one of the few materials suitable both indoors and outdoors with its durability and beauty making it useful in several scenarios and settings in architecture. Terracotta flooring provides a look that is hard to imitate, and when sealed correctly is improved further in quality, holding up to stains, moisture and scratches. Compared with other ceramic materials, terracotta flooring isn't as cold, making it much more inviting and comfortable to walk on.
When used indoors, terracotta tile floors can be left untreated, but usually terracotta is finished with a top coat sealer. Some terracotta tiles are purported to be waterproof, however to the contrary all raw clay tiles are like sponges when it comes to soaking up water, and therefore absorbing stains. Cockburn's Tile Cleaners® recommend sealing your terracotta surfaces with a deep penetrating, impregnating sealer.
Terracotta may come pre-finished or require the application of various types of sealers or coatings on site to provide a wearing surface. Terracotta may crumble or show wear quickly unless sealed and installed on a waterproof layer. Terracotta should never be installed in very high-traffic areas and should never be cleaned at pressures above 1100 PSI and then only if the grout is in good condition.
Save yourself time, effort and money and let our team of professionals restore your terracotta to its best possible condition
To schedule your appointment or to obtain a free estimate, call 1300 771 201 today or use our online enquiry form
We cover all Perth suburbs and all Cockburn area
Sealing Terracotta Tiles
Terracotta tiles are very attractive, and lend an informal and somewhat rustic air to residential and commercial flooring. As a raw product it is always recommended that this type of flooring be sealed following installation to avoid permanent damage. A professional tile cleaner with a thorough knowledge of different sealers available as well as their application is advised.
Tile Cleaners® offer a complete terracotta cleaning and sealing service for both commercial and domestic premises.
Two main sealing options exist for limestone tiles
- Deep Penetrating Impregnating Sealer
- Topical Sealer
(Transparent Finish/Colour Enhancing Finish)
(Gloss/Satin/Matte Finish)
A deep penetrating impregnating sealer will protect your terracotta and grout from water and oil based stains using nano-technology to chemically react with the surface pores resulting in a long lasting, breathable protective barrier. An impregnating sealer protects the terracotta surface and grout from absorbing stains while also resulting in cleaning and maintenance becoming much easier. Australia's Deepshield™ impregnating transparent or colour enhancing sealers are water based offering long term benefits of up to 10 years while Deepshield™ Gold, based on the latest fluoro-bond technology protects terracotta for up to 15 years.
A penetrating transparent sealer enters the pore structure of your terracotta and once cured wont change its appearance whereas a penetrating colour enhancing sealer can be applied which will change the appearance by slightly darkening and enriching the appearance of your terracotta tiles.
Tile Cleaners® technicians are experts at applying all types of sealer and will ensure your terracotta looks its absolute best. Our technicians can apply a topical sealer when especially required to create a high gloss, satin sheen or matte finish to your surfaces. Topical sealers can also helpful in situations where your old solvent based sealer can't be completely removed or when required to hide certain types of damage. Topical sealer's usually have a life expectancy of around 3 years.
You can easily test how porous your terracotta is by applying a drop of water to the surface and watching how the water is absorbed. You can then see how any type of water based stain can be absorbed by your terracotta tile surface and grout.
To schedule your appointment or to obtain a free estimate, call 1300 771 201 or use our online enquiry form