HOW TO GUIDE: SEALING LOW POROSITY TERRACOTTA

INSTALLATION

Tile adhesive is always recommended for tile installations. Adhesive should be applied at a minimum 5mm to the floor using a notched trowel. A thin layer of tile adhesive should be applied to the back of the tile prior to placing. The tile should be twisted into the wet tile adhesive to remove trapped air prior to tapping with a rubber mallet. Only the use of a white rubber mallet is recommended.  Black rubber may cause permanent marking on porous tiles.

GROUTING

Bonding liquids should only be added to the grout mixture if immediate and proper clean-up is possible. Pre-packaged grouts are correctly formulated with plasticisers, latex resins and pigments, which allow for better movement and flexibility, but need to be cleaned up immediately after grouting to avoid possible staining and marking.

Only small areas at a time should be grouted as cleaning up of the excess grout on the tile surface should be done before the grout has dried. STONESHIELD GROUT-LIFT^™ should be added to the water to aid with cleaning. Dried grout on the tile surface may lead to severe cleaning difficulties and possible staining or surface damage.

CLEANING AFTER GROUTING

In the case of low porosity terracotta tiles, acid-based cleaners like STONESHIELD GROUT-LIFT^™ and STONESHIELD BRICK & MASONRY CLEANER can be used for the removal of grout and cement residues.

STONESHIELD DEEP-CLEAN^™ must be used to neutralise the surface after cleaning with an acid based cleaner. Neutralising helps prevent sealer failure.

WHY POROUS TILES NEED SEALING

Natural stone, terracotta, cement and clay tiles are natural materials which have been quarried or formed or pressed.  Their natural form cannot be modified and therefore require sealing to protect against the following:

1. Sealing reduces the porosity of the tile or stone, reducing the chance of permanent staining.
2. Sealing protects against chemical attack from acids. (eg. wine, coffee, vinegar, sugar, soft drinks.)
3. Sealing strengthens the surface, providing increased abrasion resistance and surface protection
4. Sealing often improves the aesthetic finish of natural stone, terracotta, etc.

SEALER RECOMMENDATIONS

Recommended sealer for tiles:

PENETRATING SEALER NATURAL-LOOK (solvent-based repellent)

MARBLE, GRANITE & TRAVERTINE SEALER  (solvent-based repellent)

QUARRI-SEAL® MATT  (solvent-based resin sealer)

SEALER SELECTION

The intended purpose of a sealer is to protect the tile or surface. Different types of protection are required based on the type of floor or tile.

1. Certain surfaces only require protection against staining, while other surfaces require protection against wear and tear and staining. In this case a penetrating sealer or repellent would be the correct choice as stain protection against oil & water would be the primary reason for sealing.

STONESHIELD NATURAL-LOOK™  (solvent-based repellent)

STONESHIELD MARBLE, GRANITE & TRAVERTINE SEALER™  (solvent-based repellent)

2. Certain surfaces only require protection against staining, while other surfaces require protection against wear and tear and staining. In this case a penetrating sealer would be the correct choice as surface protection and stain protection against oil & water would be reason for sealing.

STONESHIELD QUARRI-SEAL® MATT  (solvent-based resin sealer).

STONESHIELD QUARRI-SEAL® MATT

Description: A premium quality, non-yellowing solvent-based resin sealer that provides a satin finish, superior stain resistance and surface protection. A penetrating sealer that colour enhances and provides a “wet-look” finish. Provides protection against water & oil-based stains. For interior and exterior use.

Uses: Suitable on low porosity tiles including terracotta, natural stone and quarry tiles.

STONESHIELD  NATURAL-LOOK^™

Description: A superior quality, solvent based penetrating, no-sheen, no surface film, natural look water and oil repellent for general stain protection. Allows water vapour transmission. For interior and exterior use.

Uses: Suitable on low porosity tiles including terracotta, natural stone and quarry tiles.

STONESHIELD MARBLE, GRANITE & TRAVERTINE SEALER

Description: A premium quality, solvent based penetrating, no-sheen, no surface film, natural look water and oil repellent for maximum stain protection. Can be used as a pre-grouting sealer on clean surfaces at least 6 hours before grouting. Allows water vapour transmission. For interior and exterior use.

Uses: Suitable on low porosity tiles including natural stone, terracotta and quarry tiles.

MAINTENANCE:

Only use STONESHIELD DAILY- CLEAN^™ to prolong the life of the sealer.

Re-apply the original STONESHIELD sealer if the surface becomes difficult to clean or staining occurs.

LIMITATIONS:

Do not apply to damp tiles or surfaces.

Allow sufficient time for the grout and tile adhesive to dry out completely before sealing. Consult the STONESHIELD sealer label for the correct drying times for the sealer selected.

Do not wet tiles or surfaces for at least 24 hours after sealing.

Allow at least 4 – 8 hours drying time before foot traffic depending on the sealer selected.

Do not apply sealer externally if rain is expected within 12 hours.

Store and use between 16°c and 32°c only.