Bullnose Tile and Stone Ltd.

REBELLING AGAINST MONOTONY since 1993 

Terracotta Installation and Care 

INSTALLATION 

The following information is a general guideline.  In most respects the installation of hand made terracotta tiles is no different than any other floor tile.  Industry standards for the installation of ceramic floor tile must be followed to ensure good results.  

The tiles should be installed using a high quality thinset with acrylic admix.  The trowel used should have a ½”x½” notch.  The individual pieces must be “back-buttered” to ensure 90-100% bond to the substrate.  Grout spacing should be approximately ½” between the tiles.  This spacing can be adjusted slightly to reflect personal preference.  

The recommended grout is Custom Building Products Classic Blend Natural Grey grout for a classic look. After grouting sweep the floor with a soft broom to remove any remaining sand.  Allow the grout to cure for 3-4 days.  During this time or for a longer period if desired, cover the tiles with Kraft paper available at lumber yards.  Tape the joints between the sheets.  Any tape coming in contact with the tiles should be the non-sticky painter’s tape.  Do not use masking tape on the tiles!  Covering the finished floor will slow the curing of the grout and make it stronger. It will also protect the floor from paint droplets, dry wall touch ups or any other construction detritus that may come its way. After removing the paper, wash the floor with clean water to remove any remaining sand from the grouting process.  

SEALING INSTRUCTIONS FOR FACTORY SEALED TERRACOTTA 

To protect the factory finish and seal the grout we recommend the following steps.  Allow the washed tiles to air dry for 48 hours.  Following instructions on the bottle, use a paint pad to apply 2-4 coats of Aquamix Seal and Finish. Test for resistance to oil and grease.  If necessary, apply additional sealer. For added lustre apply 2 coats of Aquamix Floor Shine and Hardener as the traffic coat.  

CARE 

Clean the floor with a dilute concentration of dish soap and water or with Aquamix Tile and Grout Cleaner and water. DO NOT USE SOLVENT BASED CLEANERS.  

Every 6-12 months, depending on use and amount of sheen preferred, apply 1-2 coats of Aquamix Floor Shine and Hardener. 

Felt pads may be used under table and chair legs to protect the floor from abrasion.  Scratch marks may be corrected with an additional coat of Floor Shine and Hardener.  

By following these installation and maintenance instructions you should be rewarded with many happy years of enjoyment of your beautiful terracotta floor.